A dispute has emerged between the Ethiopian Media Council (EMC) and the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) over the registration and recognition of journalists. The EMC asserts that it has the legal mandate to register and certify journalists, citing Proclamation No. 1238/2021 as its basis. However, the EMA has issued a statement contradicting this claim, stating that the EMC lacks the authority to issue professional certifications or register journalists.
The EMC recently held a workshop in Addis Ababa to discuss the registration of journalists, professional certification, and the National Media Awards. During this event, the Council outlined plans to develop a uniform digital ID for media professionals, which would provide international recognition and help ensure journalists’ safety by reducing harassment and advocating for them in case of attacks.
However, the EMA’s statement rejecting the EMC’s authority has sparked controversy. The EMC has criticized the EMA’s stance as “irrelevant and vague,” suggesting that it undermines the reputation of both institutions. The Council argues that these issues should be resolved through dialogue rather than public statements.
The EMC claims that previous officials of the EMA understood the concept of professional identity registration and that agreements were made at the signature level before the current dispute arose. The Council speculates that the misunderstanding may stem from a lack of familiarity with the issue by new officials at the EMA.
The EMC emphasizes that the registration and certification of journalists are crucial for promoting responsible journalism, enhancing accountability, and aligning Ethiopia’s media practices with international standards.
The EMC has expressed its readiness to engage in immediate discussions with the EMA to resolve the dispute. With 102 media outlets nationwide, the Council believes that a swift resolution is necessary to avoid further confusion and ensure clarity on the roles of both institutions.
The EMC questions why providing identification to its members should be problematic, highlighting the importance of such measures for accurately counting the number of journalists in the country.
