By: Fistum Getachew
Recently, I stumbled upon a fascinating book that dives into the world of journalism in our country, sharing some intriguing stories. The book's title is inspired by a job Advertisment that read 'Zero Experience'. The main narrative revolves around a journalism organization that was looking to hire fresh graduates straight out of university, specifically those with no prior work experience. The idea behind this approach is that these institutions prefer to shape new hires according to their specific goals and values, believing it's easier to train someone without preconceived notions than to deal with seasoned professionals who might have developed less desirable habits.
These organizations, whether public or private, seem to think that by hiring inexperienced individuals, they can avoid the pitfalls often associated with more seasoned employees, like tardiness or absenteeism. They aim to create a workforce that aligns perfectly with their mission, free from the baggage of past experiences that might not fit their culture. This trend of posting such job openings reflects a broader strategy to cultivate a new generation of workers who can be molded into the ideal employees they envision.
The author shares a collection of short stories that dive into the world of journalism, drawing from over twenty years of personal experience in the field. He tells these tales with a sense of authenticity, making it feel like they really happened. While some stories are based on real events and people, he spices things up with a touch of fantasy to keep them engaging and entertaining.
As someone who has been in the journalism game for about the same amount of time as Tamrat, I found myself relating to many of the anecdotes he shared. Reading his book was a delightful experience; I couldn't put it down! The way he captures the quirks of journalistic life and the unique situations we often find ourselves in made for a fun and quick read. He paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to be a journalist, showcasing both the challenges and the lighter moments we encounter along the way.
When discussing his book, Tamrat shares that he has been busy crafting numerous stories and articles for various newspapers, including ‘Addis Admas’. Eventually, he took a leap and launched his own monthly magazine called ‘Kumneger’, where he continued to express his creativity. Unlike many other publications that leaned heavily on political content, ‘Kumneger’ carved out its own niche by focusing on entertainment and culture. It became a vibrant platform for exploring the world of arts, featuring everything from films and musicians to sculptors and fashion designers.
The magazine not only celebrated the creative arts but also touched on significant current events, making it a well-rounded read. It included interviews with notable figures in politics and diplomacy, ensuring that it stayed relevant in the broader conversation. By prioritizing arts and culture, Tamrat's ‘Kumneger’ offered a refreshing alternative to the usual political narratives, making it a unique addition to the media landscape.
"Kumneger" was a well-loved monthly magazine that attractead a solid readership and managed to stay in circulation for quite while by Ethiopian standards. However, it had around forty pages until the rising printing costs made it difficult to continue. Those involved in publishing books and journals often voice their frustrations about these high expenses, hoping that the government will step in to help resolve the situation.
Many writers express that the lack of passionate readers in Ethiopia, compared to other African nations with a stronger reading culture, has made them hesitant to pursue writing more actively. This scarcity of enthusiastic readers is seen as a barrier to the growth of the publishing scene, which could otherwise thrive with a more engaged audience.
A lot of our journals and magazines tend to focus on political matters instead of other social topics. This is mainly because readers are more interested in staying updated on the political climate and government happenings, rather than diving into stories about art, culture, or other societal issues. It seems that many people just aren't willing to shell out money for publications that only cover social topics.
As a result, publishers often prioritize political content to cater to what their audience wants. The demand for insights into politics and governance overshadows the interest in art and culture, leading to a landscape where social issues take a backseat in print media. It’s all about giving readers what they’re looking for, and right now, that’s politics.
During election years like 2005, there was a noticeable surge in the number of publications, and it seemed like everyone was eager to dive into reading. The intense vibe of the campaign really got people fired up, leading to a spike in books focused on political topics. Most of the buzz surrounded the opposition parties and their leaders, which played a big role in attracting a larger audience of readers.
People were also captivated by their TV screens, tuning in to watch the opposition leaders take on the current authority in lively public debates. The combination of engaging content and the charged atmosphere made it a prime time for political discussions, drawing in viewers and readers alike.
The rallies and campaigns were all the rage, making big waves in the news. It really felt like a ‘golden age’ for what we now refer to as the ‘private press,’ standing in contrast to the more traditional government or public publications. If social media had been around back then, it’s easy to imagine that the vibe would have been even more intense, maybe even a bit wild and tough to keep in check.
Those events were like a magnet for headlines, capturing the attention of the press in a way that was truly remarkable. It was a time when the ‘private press’ thrived, overshadowing the usual government-backed publications. Just think about it—if social media had existed, the energy would have skyrocketed, leading to a scene that was probably chaotic and challenging to manage.
Tamrat has put together a book that draws heavily from his vast experience in the media, which has shaped his skills in storytelling. He’s had the chance to interview three prime ministers, including the current one, Abiy Ahmed (PhD), giving him a unique perspective on the political landscape.
In his writing, Tamrat shares insights from these interviews, but he doesn’t just stick to the usual policy discussions. Instead, he dives into personal anecdotes and stories that he believes will resonate more with his readers, offering a fresh take on the lives of these prominent figures.
He was curious about the "health status" of the premiers and their "wealth levels," suggesting that the public deserves to know more about the personal lives of these leaders beyond their political personas, which everyone is already familiar with. He felt it was important to raise these questions since other politicians often mirror the behavior of their leaders, and this could help in tackling any potential corruption.
The answers he received were quite entertaining and even amusing, as he recounted in his book. It was a unique opportunity for him to ask these questions, especially since not all journalists get the chance to do so for various reasons.
There have been instances where private press journalists have voiced their frustrations about the limited opportunities they get to cover certain official events, which they believe could provide valuable stories for their publications. They suggest that their presence might not be well-received in some government circles, leading to this lack of access. Critics have pointed fingers at these media outlets, claiming they often focus on negative or sensationalized stories, sometimes without any solid basis.
Beyond the obvious sensationalism that tends to grab attention, there are deeper concerns regarding journalistic ethics, as highlighted by Tamrat in various stories throughout his book. It's clear that while the private press may attract readers with their dramatic narratives, the integrity of their reporting is often called into question, raising important discussions about the standards of journalism in today's media landscape.
When it comes to discussing journalism in Ethiopia, few voices carry as much weight as this author, who has spent over two decades immersed in the field. With a wealth of experience attending numerous press conferences and conducting countless interviews with a variety of personalities, particularly in the arts and culture scene, he has become a well-respected figure. It's hard to think of a well-known personality or celebrity who hasn't graced the pages of his magazine, where he served as both managing editor and owner. Alongside him, a diverse group of regular contributors enriched the magazine, making it a vibrant and engaging platform.
Tamrat is undoubtedly the ideal candidate to craft short stories that resonate with real-life events he has witnessed firsthand. His storytelling style is so captivating that readers find themselves unable to put down the book, which features 131 pages filled with twenty compelling tales, each one more intriguing than the last. The way he weaves these narratives makes them not only relatable but also a joy to read, ensuring that every story leaves a lasting impression.
The stories in the book are generally brief, with most being just a few pages long, except for the one about the 'zero experience employee,' which is a bit more extensive. The author does a great job of portraying the characters in a way that makes them feel familiar, almost like people we've encountered or heard about through others' tales. Having worked in journalism, the writer has gathered a wealth of experiences from various individuals and events, and this collection reflects those observations. The narratives are believable, as they echo real-life situations we've all come across. The prime ministers he interviewed are actual figures, and the questions posed to them, along with their responses, are genuine. The way he framed the questions often brought smiles to the interviewees' faces, making them appear relaxed, likely because they don't usually get asked such things.
The book also includes some imaginative scenarios that didn't actually occur but are still entertaining, especially since they involve well-known figures like the former president of Libya. From a certain perspective, all the stories are engaging, and some even leave you wanting more as they wrap up rather quickly. I found myself finishing the book in just about two hours during my commute to work, which speaks to how captivating the writing is.
The writing style is refreshingly straightforward, with short sentences and paragraphs that get right to the point. This simplicity creates a sense of intrigue, making readers eager to find out what happens next. It’s clear that Tamrat has honed his storytelling skills through his extensive experience as a journalist, which adds depth to his narratives. While some might argue that the book pokes fun at certain individuals in the field, the stories remain believable, even if they don’t directly reference real people. The book starts with a disclaimer, clarifying that while some experiences are drawn from real life, they are not always tied to specific individuals.
I’m genuinely excited to dive into Tamrat's future works, despite the hurdles he faces with publishing costs. He mentioned that many of the stories were penned years ago but are only now being shared with the world. It’s fascinating to think about the journey these tales have taken before finally reaching readers, and I can’t wait to see what else he has in store.