It operationalizes media self-regulation
The Ethiopian Media Council has set a tribunal aimed at looking into ethical and operational issues concerning journalists and media outlets in the country. The regulation governing the tribunal was approved by members of the Council on Tuesday, January 1, 2022, at Inter Luxury Hotel, Addis Ababa.
Apart from setting up the tribunal, the regulation also forms an ombudsman body.
According to a report by the council covering activities over the past two years, the regulation was prepared by a consultant. The Ministry of Justice agreed to take issues pertaining to journalists and media houses to the tribunal when it starts running in full swing.
To lead the arbitral tribunal, the Council has chosen 18 people from various sectors. Among the 18 people, they chose Philipos Aynalem, president of the Ethiopian Bar Association, to chair the tribunal, while Negusse Tefera (PhD) will lead the Ombudsman.
The other members include Million Mohammed, Zerihun Degu, Agaredech Jemaneh (PhD), Debebe Abebe, Ruth Getnet, Hawa Ali, Beza Negussie, Mesud Gebeyehu, Basazen Derebe, Kidist Kifleyohannes, Destaye Tadesse, Fiteheawek Yewondwosen, Setegn Abhai, Melaku Tadesse, Tamerat Astatke and Eskinder Kebede.
Commenting on the establishment of the tribunal, Amare Aregawi, the chairperson of the Council’s executive, said this would avoid maltreatment of journalists and media houses and save the time of both the accused and the defendants. As is customary in other countries that Presidents and Prime Ministers come to such tribunals to settle issues with journalists and media houses, Amare hopes the same would happen in Ethiopia.
The council also added 13 new associations and media outlets to the list of its members. Currently, the Council has 60 members from media houses and professional associations.
The Council discussed challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic, which has delayed the Council Assembly by two years. Lack of commitment to membership fees was also at the center of discussions because it hindered the secretariat activities, chairperson of the Council Assembly said in her opening speech. However, the Council was able to provide trainings to journalists in peace journalism and promoting the works of the Council.
Presenting this year’s plan to the members, Tamerat Hailu stated that the Council will work to increase the number of members, conduct project activities, provide trainings, prepare reporting manuals, as well as increase membership contributions. The Council is said to require 1.638 million birr budget to conduct these activities and 941,545 birr has already been secured from the International Media Support (IMS) for project activities.
