There is always room of reconciliation

This week’s verdict by the Ethiopian Federal High Court to allow publishing and advertising organizations as well as editors and publishers, charged with attempts to dismantle the national constitution through force, to go scot free is a measure that needs appreciation. For over a year now the media in Ethiopia has been following the trial with trepidation, often with the feeling that one is at his/her wit’s end on whether media in Ethiopia would ever recover from the consequences of this highly charged trial.

The government no doubt felt the need to reach such a decision following the appeal that the opposition parties have had on the media.
First of all, independent media houses, which often have difficulties getting sufficient information, are dubbed a second choice in regards to state-owned media outlets that have been given the opportunity to delve into the workings of the government and opposition. Back then they the opposition were not only newsworthy but also more forthcoming in regards to whatever queries the media might have had.

Mistakes might have occurred during this period as the nation was caught up in a tumultuous time as the first, highly contested, elections in the country took place. One hates making distinctions between government and private media but in this case one has to delve into it for arguments’ sake.

The state media in its reporting did try to give equal airtime for campaigning but government detractors could also claim that certain news stories swayed towards prompting the incumbent. Despite the debates, one important thing comes into perspective here. How can the government deal with the media?
Unlike other nations where media and government engage with each other through press councils and standards such as codes of ethics among journalists, Ethiopia remains without these mechanisms. The question then comes whether journalists can be held accountable for discretions without a set standard or simply taking them to court would remedy the impasses that will occur tomorrow.

It falls on the government, the media and all stakeholders to make sure that the media continues to go on this path without a clear direction on ‘proper conduct’. The government and media will continue to be at loggerheads because part of the media’s role is to be watchdogs for society. Their failings should not be trumpeted by the government but rather by their peers and the people. Rather than making media practitioners out as martyrs the government should allow certain standards in regards to conduct of media practitioners come out from the sector than imposing new laws and fines that further exacerbate the situation. Granted, laws are necessary for society to thrive as they protect all of us from anarchy, but it would make more sense to come out with an understanding on conduct, address longstanding issues, cooperate towards formulating a way forward and then if necessity comes out promulgate laws to help regulate media.

A clear distinction should be made on politically motivated measures and those that emanate from real concerns. Media will continue to thrive whether draconian laws are passed or even more restrictions are imposed on it. The key here is to move towards a common goal to help the Ethiopian media reach a level of maturity that can transcend partisanship.

April 13, 2007