The Assessment of Media Development in South Sudan accompanies South Sudan in the process of democratic transition and contributes to the development of free, independent and pluralistic media. While this analysis is based on international standards and good practices, the recommendations are adapted to the particularities of South Sudan following a National Conference on the Preliminary Findings of the Assessment of Media Development in South Sudan organized on 29 October 2013.

The assessment was undertaken between 2012 and 2014, and jointly funded by International Media Support (IMS), UNESCO through the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). It provides the first detailed analysis of the media landscape in South Sudan since its independence. It looks at the legal, regulatory and economic frameworks in which the media in the country operates, their democratic potential, education and training initiatives and the infrastructure that impacts media development in the country.

The assessment was carried out in a volatile and fast-changing environment, but will serve as a baseline for media development initiatives in the country by the Media Sector Working Group (MSWG). The MSWG, of which UNESCO serves as Secretariat, coordinates the efforts of all media partners, both nationally and internationally, towards the planning and monitoring of media development activities in South Sudan in line with development goals. The working group advocates for the necessary human and financial resources to address the most pressing priorities facing the public, community and private media sectors.