Over the years, the media has indisputably been one of the most important influencers in our day-to-day lives. When the media is free, independent, and objective, it helps members of the public think, reflect, and meet in an atmosphere of openness. Just like many “tools” utilized by human beings, the media can serve either good or bad purposes.

At its best, the media may promote peace and understanding. In times of conflict, media can be used to manipulate the truth, to exaggerate, or to diminish facts. However, many journalists in Sudan continue to adhere to the ethics fully and try to share what is happening on the ground with the rest of the world in what is now perceived as a forgotten war.

Andariya hosted a space on X on July 17th titled "Refection of the Media in Sudan" to provide a platform for Sudanese journalists and other citizens to share their current operating conditions and what can be done to ensure the facts on the ground continue to be reported in a fair and balanced manner.

Below, we capture some of the key highlights from the space. You can also listen to the space on SoundCloud here.

Challenges in News Verification and Fact-Checking

• Conflict-ridden environment: Makes it difficult to verify information due to misinformation and disinformation.
• Limited resources: media relies on open-source tools and interviews, but these methods are hindered by the conflict.
• Complex information landscape: Conflicting narratives and interests make it challenging to distinguish between truth and falsehood.

Challenges for Journalists on the Ground

• Hostile environment: Journalists face physical and emotional risks, including threats, intimidation, and limited movement. Many media practitioners have lost their lives while fulfilling their duty.
• Lack of access: Difficulty in reaching sources, limited internet and communication, and restricted information sharing.
• Psychological toll: The emotional impact of covering conflict can be significant.
• Government pressure: Journalists face surveillance, targeting, and restrictions on their work.

Impact of War on Independent Media

• Loss of resources: Media institutions and journalists have lost equipment, personnel, and financial stability.
• Targeting of independent media: Journalists have been killed and media outlets targeted by conflicting parties.
• Increased polarization: The conflict has exacerbated existing divisions and made it difficult to maintain objectivity.

Potential Solutions

• Collaboration: Journalists, legal organizations, and media institutions can work together to provide support and protection.
• Risk assessment: Media organizations should prioritize the safety of their journalists by conducting thorough risk assessments.
• Training and resources: Providing journalists with the necessary tools, training, and support can enhance their ability to operate in challenging environments.
• Public awareness: Educating the public about media literacy can help them to evaluate information critically.

Article 19, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Apart from the increasing insecurity against the fourth estate, the media in Sudan is also faced with minimal resources, trained personnel, technology, and equipment to adequately cover what is transpiring in some hard to reach areas. The wars in Gaza and Ukraine continue to dominate front-page news, while the Sudan conflict, which equally has serious humanitarian consequences, continues to be relegated to a few pitiless lines or words, leaving a glaring gap in information and analysis that could aid humanitarian and peacemaking interventions.