Media Urged to Balance Freedom with Responsibility amid Technological Shifts

Addis Ababa, November 5, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopian Media Authority Board Chairman and National Intelligence Security Service Director-General Redwan Hussien urged the media today to balance freedom with responsibility and leverage the opportunities created by modern technology while mitigating its challenges.

Speaking at the inauguration of Ethiopia’s first-ever Media Center of Excellence, the Chairman noted that while technological advancements have expanded the scope for democracy to flourish, they also present significant hurdles that require accountable oversight.

"In all our endeavors to implement the right to freedom of expression — a crucial pillar for building a democratic system, freedom must be harmonized with responsibility," Redwan stressed. 

"In a democratic society, freedom and accountability are inseparable and mutually reinforcing; one cannot exist without the other."

Highlighting the far-reaching societal impact of media institutions, the Chairman urged journalists and news organizations to adhere strictly to professional standards.

He noted that media professionals have a moral and operational duty to verify facts, distinguish them from opinion or speculation, and present diverse perspectives fairly in order to support state continuity and foster a healthy society.

Redwan also cautioned against sensationalism and deliberate misinformation, acknowledging that honest mistakes occur during reporting.

In such cases, he emphasized, media outlets must promptly issue corrections with transparency and sincerity.

The Chairman underscored that while individuals, journalists, and public figures retain the right to free expression, actions such as spreading disinformation, inciting violence, defaming individuals, and promoting hate speech carry strict legal and moral accountability in any vibrant democracy.