The Chief Executive Officer of Eye Media/Eye Radio described 2025 as the darkest year in history for the station, marked by the loss of both funding and two of its most treasured journalists, in his New Year message.
The station lost its funding in January 2025 when USAID was withdrawn by the new U.S. administration, forcing all staff to work on a voluntary basis.
Two months later, on March 10, 2025, the station lost
journalist Charles Wole. Before the year ended, it lost another journalist,
Emmanuel Joseph Akile, on December 30, 2025. Both were the heartbeat of the
station.
“It is with a profound sense of sorrow that I commence this New Year's message. 2025 has been one of the darkest years in the history of Eye Radio,” CEO Stephen Omiri said. "Both Charles and Emmanuel were professional journalists committed to their craft, driven by a passion to serve and enlighten our nation."
Financially, the station’s survival was aided temporarily by
external support. In early 2025, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
provided six months of bridging funds, helping the station continue operations
until November 30, 2025.
Later in the year, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of
Germany donated essential broadcast equipment to strengthen relay stations in
Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Eastern Equatoria States.
The combination of these challenges, including the untimely
deaths of two of its key journalists, left the station strained both
financially and emotionally.
Looking ahead to 2026, Omiri expressed hope despite ongoing
challenges, including the lack of sufficient funds to support operations and
staff, and the profound loss of the station’s most dedicated pillars of vision
and mission.
A memorial service for Emmanuel Akile is scheduled for
January 3, 2026, honoring his life, humility, and impact on South Sudanese
journalism.
“Let us come together to mourn Emmanuel, our shining light and symbol of humility. His legacy and sacrifices will forever remain in our hearts,” Omiri said.
Emmanuel Joseph Akile and Charles Wole. May your souls rest in eternal peace.
