Send us a textMariak Bol is a renowned journalist and digital media leader in South Sudan. He is the creative force behind Hot in Juba (HIJ), a leading South Sudanese online blog that covers urban news, gossip, sports, and entertainment from the heart of Juba. Over the years, HIJ has gained a massive following and has become a major source of news and entertainment. In its early days, HIJ faced accusations of bias, malicious gossip, and occasional fake news. These contentious issues led to criticisms, social exclusion, and even physical threats to Mariak's safety. However, HIJ's reputation has significantly improved over the past two years. The platform has shifted its focus towards more professional content and has officially registered with the South Sudan Media Authority, the regulator of media houses in South Sudan. Mariak rejects the "alternative media" label for HIJ, asserting that it is now a mainstream platform deserving the same recognition as established hybrid media houses.Please tune in to our first episode of the RecentPast podcast to hear more about Mariak Bol's journey and insights.
