Ethiopian Media Officials Credit Reform for Transforming State Institutions

Addis Ababa, May 7, 2026 —Leaders of Ethiopia’s major public media institutions have praised the government’s reform agenda, saying it has helped resolve long-standing structural challenges and reshape the country’s media landscape.

The officials made the remarks today during the ongoing national consultative forum titled “Media Progress for Narrative Building”. 

The executives from leading state media institutions said the sector had previously struggled with policy gaps, weak institutional frameworks, organizational inefficiencies, and concerns over professional ethics.

Speaking at the forum, Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) CEO, Seife Deribe, said the agency has undergone what he described as a “rebirth,” comparing the transformation to its original establishment.

According to Seife, reforms in legal frameworks, institutional structure, and daily operations have helped ENA emerge as a more credible and influential news organization in Africa.

He said the agency is now better positioned to protect national interests, promote unity, and amplify African voices beyond Ethiopia.

On his part, Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) CEO, Mesafint Tefera, said the print media sector has been one of the key focus areas of the reform effort.

He noted that addressing institutional limitations was the first major step, followed by efforts to improve content quality, diversify coverage, modernize operations through technology, expand distribution networks, and build stronger organizational systems.

The CEO said those reforms have strengthened not only the agency itself but also contributed to shaping Ethiopia’s broader national narrative.

Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) CEO, Biniyam Ero, said reforms helped the broadcaster overcome longstanding operational challenges.

He cited structural weaknesses, unclear editorial policies, limited diversity, accessibility issues, and outdated technology as major obstacles that had previously hindered progress.

According to him, EBC has since expanded its studios in regional cities, strengthened its digital presence, increased international media partnerships, and improved accessibility by introducing content in more local languages.

Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC) CEO, Admasu Damtew, also highlighted the impact of reforms on his organization.

He said FBC has become more competitive through organizational restructuring, improved content development, and technological upgrades while maintaining professional independence.

Admasu added that the broadcaster is now sharing its expertise with other institutions and continues to focus on innovation, diversity of perspectives, and international engagement as it works to remain a trusted source of timely information.

The forum brought together key stakeholders to assess progress in Ethiopia’s media sector and examine how reforms are shaping the country’s evolving media narrative.