Ethiopia: Reflections on Media Reform - Handbook

"...[T]he very fact press freedom has been restored is a sign Ethiopia is moving towards a more open society. In the end we all need to realize that a better media is not only possible, but essential for a healthy democracy. And this is worth fighting for." - Ethiopian journalist Kebour Ghen

This publication aims to provide critical reflection and useful tips and tools for Ethiopian journalists and anyone who has an interest in media reform during times of change. It focuses on a range of media reform themes, such as press freedom, self-regulation, media business models, media councils, gender representation in the media, and the need for tools and resilience in a digitalised world.

The publication forms part of Fojo Media Institute's "Media Reform in a Time of Change - Promoting Journalism and Democracy" programme, which is designed to support key media actors to contribute to an overall media reform in Ethiopia, with strong public and private institutions securing and self-regulating free media. The programme also seeks to support public interest journalism characterised by professionalism, gender equality and inclusive community engagement, and financial and organisational sustainability in the local media industry through business models adapted to Ethiopian society.

The handbook is divided into six chapters covering the reform themes mentioned above. Each chapter contains contributions (articles, case studies, guidelines) from a range of authors - journalists and media experts - who are predominately from Ethiopia, but also include journalists and experts from other African countries like Zimbabwe, Kenya, and South Africa, as well as countries outside of Africa.

Chapter 1: Requirements for Media Reform

• "Media Freedom in Ethiopia - A Work in Progress" - Kebour Ghenna outlines the many potholes on the road to press freedom in Ethiopia, but hopes that the current liberalisation of legislation is a sign that the country is moving towards a more open society.
• "Journalists Under Siege" - Befekadu Hailu suggests that the harassment of journalists by both state actors and social media trolls has weakened the ability of the media to speak truth to power in Ethiopia."

Chapter 2: Media Law

• "The Legal Steps to Freedom of the Press" - Solomon Goshu and Mesganaw Mulugeta explain the background and work of the Media Law Working Group in Ethiopia to transform repressive legislation that has strangled the free flow of information and censored, harassed, and jailed journalists.
• "Case Study: South Africa" - Pam Stein looks at cases in South Africa where the courts defended the freedom of the press.

Chapter 3: Is Self-Regulation Necessary?

• "Media Reform in Times of Change: What Counts?" - Tamrat G. Giorgis argues that the democratic project underway in Ethiopia would benefit from a media council that holds journalists to account with a code of ethics and through this, win the trust and credibility of members of the public.
• "Case Study 1 Kenya: Consolidating the Gains and Guarding the Media Space" - Dr. Haron Mwangi shares his insights on the challenges of media self-regulation in Kenya.
• "Case Study 2 West Africa: When Self-regulation Falls Victim to Political Conflict and a Shortage of Funds" - Dr. Renaud de La Brosse reflects on the challenges to self-regulation in the Ivory Coast and the Central African Republic.
• "Case Study 3 South Africa: Policing the Media with the Public as Partners" - Heather Robertson interviews Latiefa Mobara, the Executive Director of the Press Council of South Africa, about South Africa's road to self-regulation of the media.

Chapter 4: Ensuring All Voices Are Heard in the Media

• "Shifting The Status Quo" - Selam Mussie and Bethlehem Negash present an argument for greater representation of women, different ethnic groups, and people living with disabilities in the Ethiopian media.
• "Working to Raise Zimbabwean Women's Voices" - Abigail Gamanya writes about a project seeking to ensure women are represented as sources in the media and gender issues are placed on the news agenda.

Chapter 5: Advancing Media Literacy & Freedom in a Digital Age

• "The Social Media Battlefield" - Berhan Taye investigates how social media opened up a much-needed online platform for Ethiopians to speak out and organise, noting that it has also made them vulnerable to criminal, commercial, and political threats.
• "How to Become a Propaganda Whistleblower" - Ewa Thorslund emphasises the need for media and information literacy to defend freedom of speech and democracy in an era of digital disinformation.

Chapter 6: Media Business Survival of the Fittest

• "Time to Think Afresh" - Getachew T. Alemu discusses why traditional Ethiopian media managers have to innovate new marketing strategies, audience analytics, and multiple platforms to adapt to the needs of consumers.
• "Making Media Success Stories in an Age of Digital Disruption" - Christopher J. Hajecki explores some solutions to the economic challenges media owners face by showcasing global case studies of internally driven strategies and business model innovation.
• "7 Ways To Build A Winning News Brand" - Mike Robertson examines what editors need to get the reader to spend as long as possible reading newspapers, cellphone apps, or digital editions.