Presidential Decree Elevates Seasoned Journalist
Viewers across South Sudan learned on Thursday evening that President Salva Kiir had named John Madol Panther as managing director of the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation, replacing James Magok Chilim Chok after seven years at the helm.
According to the presidential decree, the move followed a unanimous recommendation from SSBC’s board of directors. Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth said the decision “rewards competence and institutional memory”.
Career Path: From Lakes State to National Stage
Panther’s media journey began in the dusty streets of Rumbek, where he filed community stories for Radio Rumbek 98 FM before rising to correspondent, then director of television inside SSBC’s Juba headquarters.
He later became Director General in the Lakes State Ministry of Information and briefly served as Minister of Information, Communication and Technology in the former Gok State during the 32-state era.
Modernising SSBC with International Partnerships
SSBC operates nationwide radio on AM and FM and beams television via VHF and UHF. It also leases transmission capacity to international voices such as BBC World Service and Radio France, earning crucial foreign exchange.
China’s 15-million-dollar grant in 2018 accelerated modernisation. A 2,400-square-metre production complex, handed over in 2023, now houses a virtual studio, master control room and training facilities that Panther is expected to fully operationalise.
Public Broadcaster’s Role in Election Year
Critics have long argued that SSBC tilts toward the ruling SPLM, yet stakeholders insist the broadcaster can still play a unifying role as the country prepares for its first general elections since independence.
Panther has pledged to “open microphones to every shade of opinion while safeguarding national cohesion.” Observers say his field experience and administrative background may help balance editorial independence with the public service mandate.