Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has issued yesterday a powerful call to action for Ethiopia's media landscape, emphasizing government support, the critical need for robust research, and a commitment to truthful, nation-building journalism. His message underscores a vision for a media sector that is both independent in its scrutiny and a vital partner in the country's development.
The Prime Minister highlighted the government's unwavering support for media organizations, acknowledging that "media, to a greater or lesser extent, work for their country, so we support them so they don't fail." This commitment extends to tangible assistance, with discussions revealing plans to secure a dedicated communication satellite for Ethiopia, a move the Prime Minister described as a "valid question" raised by media professionals. He also noted efforts to foster the printing industry by opening new facilities and providing free land for paper factories, signaling a long-term strategy to address infrastructure challenges.
However, the Prime Minister didn't shy away from pointing out critical internal deficiencies within the media. He asserted that a primary reason for past and future media failures in Ethiopia is the absence of dedicated research and development departments. "Many media outlets... have failed and will continue to fail because they lack their own research and development departments," he stated, attributing the "conventional and boring" nature of news writing to a dearth of strong information gatherers and researchers. He strongly advised both private and public media to bolster their research capabilities to become influential forces in the industry by generating high-quality content.
In a direct appeal for journalistic integrity, Prime Minister Abiy laid down clear guidelines: "Media: criticize us, ask us, but don't distort, don't lie, don't go against national interest." He urged journalists to avoid spreading "lies or rumors" and to instead focus on "revealing and dissecting facts," emphasizing that the valuable broadcast frequency should be used for "nation-building, not for trivial matters." He criticized those who "spread lies in the media" for personal gain, questioning its long-term benefit for the country.
The Prime Minister challenged journalists to embrace a deeper, more analytical approach. He stressed that a "diligent journalist" goes beyond superficial reporting, thoroughly examining the implications behind what they see and hear, analyzing cause-and-effect, and considering the national impact of their stories. He also pledged government efforts to ensure that information is provided in a way that helps prevent biased reports, assuring media that they are working to "gradually resolve the issue of providing information to prevent reports that lead to accusations and criticism based on information obtained from only one side." Despite potential hardships, the Prime Minister reminded journalists of their crucial role in "educating, awakening, and leading the public on the right path" towards a hopeful future for Ethiopia.