New law could usher in independent TV

Ethiopia looks set to have its first ever independent television channel with the introduction of new broadcasting laws. The ministry of information is pushing forward plans for an agency to implement new laws freeing up existing legislation. Under the scheme the new Broadcasting Agency would offer licences to entrepreneurs wanting to set up radio stations and television channels. Already speculation is mounting over who would start a rival to the government-controlled Ethiopian Television (ETV) – the only Ethiopian station in the country. According to informed sources within Ethiopian Television, at least three organisations have thrown their hat into the ring. One Ethiopian media expert and senior member of ETV told IRIN that any competition would only improve journalism in the country and help foster greater accountability and democracy. He predicted that a new station could be up and running in a little over a year once the Broadcasting Agency had granted its licence. "This will provide fresh enthusiasm for Ethiopian journalism and that is very important," the ETV source said. "The media in Ethiopia has largely been ineffectual over the past 40 years and this new law is long overdue. It is very exciting. The media is essential in bringing unjust and corrupt governments to account and furnishing true democracy within a country." "New television stations are definitely on the horizon and greater competition will help ensure greater quality, accuracy and shine a light on the actions of those in power," he added. He also welcomed moves for a code of ethics, arguing that numerous inaccurate stories had been run in the press that had been both harmful and dangerous. Bereket Simon, the new Minister for Information, presented his action plan to the House of People’s Representatives in Addis Ababa on Thursday. He pledged to help "bridge the information gap" that exists between the government and the population in order to promote transparency and accountability. Under the new laws that are expected to be introduced by September 2002, only Ethiopians will be able to apply for a broadcasting licence. A leading editor in Addis Ababa also welcomed the move saying it would help improve current reporting standards. "Too often what you read in many newspapers proves not to be true," he said. "A closer working relationship between all parties including allowing training for journalists of the private press will improve standards immensely." At present only journalists working for state-owned newspapers can attend the Ethiopian Mass Media Institute where they receive a two-year training course. Recently there has been a thawing of relationships between the private press and the government. The new information minister has also pledged to further improve relations and set up a workshop to devise a journalistic code of ethics. Bereket, who took up his post after a cabinet reshuffle in October, has been highly critical of the printed press and is keen to raise standards. An uneasy relationship operated for many years fuelled by distrust on both sides. Human rights organisations had previously expressed concern over the numbers of journalists held in prison, although the numbers have been reduced.