President Salva Kiir has dismissed James
Magok Chilim from his role as Managing Director of the South Sudan Broadcasting
Corporation (SSBC) and appointed John Madol Panther as the new head of the
state-run broadcaster.
The
announcement was made on SSBC on Thursday evening.
Magok
Chilim’s tenure at SSBC has been marked by challenges. In April 2020, he was
suspended by Information Minister Michael Makuei for alleged poor performance
and insubordination but was reinstated in January 2021.
In August
2023, SSBC inaugurated a modern broadcasting center built with support from the
Chinese government. The facility features advanced TV and radio studios, a
virtual studio, and upgraded equipment, part of the country’s transition from
traditional to digital broadcasting.
Despite
these advancements, SSBC continues to face funding shortages, hampering its
ability to maintain equipment, produce quality programs, and attract skilled
professionals.
These
persistent challenges now await the new managing director as he assumes
leadership of the national broadcaster, which provides both radio and
television services to audiences across South Sudan.