Internews commissioned Forcier Consulting to conduct an audience survey in South Sudan. While the ongoing security situation prevents coverage of the country on a fully national basis, this study set out to collect information on South Sudanese media access and consumption to inform the strategies and programming of media houses and media initiatives. This study is the first detailed analysis of the media landscape in South Sudan since the wide-scale conflict began in December 2013. Conducted across the country in April 2015, this survey collected data on media usage from 3,710 respondents. This survey does not purport to be nationally representative, but rather, is representative of the population that could be safely accessed in April 2015.

This survey produced a wealth of knowledge about the media landscape in South Sudan, including:

• There are a sizeable number of people who have never had access to any form of media or device. Roughly one in three (34%) respondents have never had access to radio, television, newspapers, internet, or mobile phones.
• Overall, radio remains the most commonly accessed type of media (51%).
• While access to television, newspapers and internet remains sparse at the national level, mobile phone penetration levels are nearing levels of radio access. Overall, 44% of respondents have access to a mobile phone.
• As media access increases, trust in radio as a source of information also increases. Furthermore, those with media access tend to choose radio as their source of news and information, even if they have access to other forms of media.
• Regardless of media access, radio broadcasts are thought to help reduce conflict and provide vital safety information.

More Information

• Read the full report – We’re Still Listening
• Read the Research Brief