As The Ethiopian Herald (EH) celebrates its 82nd anniversary, we had a conversation with Fikadu Ketema to reflect on the newspaper’s enduring legacy, its national influence, and the values that have sustained it for more than eight decades.
Fikadu currently serves as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication and a Master’s degree in Leadership, both earned with great distinction-demonstrating his strong academic foundation and leadership potential.
Fikadu’s professional career spans both government communications and print media. He began as a senior reporter at the Ministry of Information, then served as Senior Public Relations Officer at the Tendaho Housing Project. His growing expertise in public communication led him to key leadership roles, including Communication Team Leader at the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office and later, Communication Director at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Project Office, where he played a critical role in shaping local and international messaging around a project of national pride.
In the media sector, Fikadu has made significant contributions as Editor-in-Chief of both Zemen Magazine and Addis Zemen, two of Ethiopia’s most respected publications. He also headed the Marketing Department at the Ethiopian Press Agency, merging editorial experience with strategic communication. Excerpts:
The Ethiopian Herald is celebrating its 82nd year in journalism—how would you describe this newspaper?
The Ethiopian Herald (EH) occupies a unique and venerable position in Ethiopia’s media and historical landscape. As the nation’s longest-running English-language newspaper, it has profoundly shaped public discourse for more than eight decades. EH has not merely survived the test of time—it has thrived, adapting to shifting political, cultural, and technological terrains while remaining a steadfast voice of truth and national interest.
Its influence is multifaceted. It has educated generations of readers, informed public opinion, engaged thought leaders, and contributed to national dialogue. Beyond its journalistic role, EH has functioned as a cultural and intellectual institution, nurturing a lineage of celebrated journalists, writers, and public intellectuals who have gone on to contribute significantly to Ethiopian literature, policy-making, diplomacy and media.
Moreover, EH has played a vital role in nation-building. It has promoted unity in diversity, supported peace initiatives, and upheld the values of integrity, sovereignty, and social cohesion. Like a vigilant sentinel, it has consistently safeguarded Ethiopia’s national interests, advocating for Ethiopian perspectives in both domestic and international contexts.
In essence, EH is more than a newspaper— it is the living voice of Ethiopia. It embodies the nation’s identity, aspirations, and core values. Through its pages, Ethiopia introduces itself to the world, expresses its vision, and narrates its own story with dignity and purpose.
How would you characterize the influence of The Ethiopian Herald?
The influence of EH is both far-reaching and enduring. Over its 82-year history, it has established itself as a bastion of credible journalism—offering a consistent, balanced, and articulate platform for Ethiopian voices. Its authority has grown in tandem with Ethiopia’s evolving national narrative.
A striking example of EH’s impact can be seen during the Tigray conflict. At a time when global media outlets struggled to verify facts and disinformation was rampant, EH distinguished itself as a reliable and principled source of information. It provided context, clarity, and accuracy in reporting—a responsibility it executed with great diligence. As a result, members of the international community, including diplomats and global institutions, came to rely on EH’s reporting to better understand the complexities on the ground.
Additionally, EH enjoys increasing engagement from prominent national and international figures. Ambassadors, academics, policymakers, and cultural leaders regularly contribute op-eds and commentaries, underscoring the newspaper’s reputation as a trusted platform for dialogue and diplomacy. This also reflects EH’s success in building a bridge between Ethiopia and the global community.
Many print media outlets in Ethiopia have launched and later ceased operations, yet EH remains. What underpins its success?
EH’s remarkable longevity, particularly in an era where media institutions face challenges related to funding, relevance, and digital disruption, can be attributed to three foundational strengths:
- Uncompromising journalistic integrity: EH maintains high editorial standards grounded in professionalism and ethics. It conducts rigorous fact-checking, avoids sensationalism, and resists the pressures of partisanship or propaganda. EH does not engage in defamatory or exaggerated reporting—it honors the responsibility that comes with shaping public opinion. This unwavering commitment to accuracy and fairness has earned the trust of its readership.
- Mission-driven editorial vision: EH’s editorial direction has always been guided by a clear and enduring sense of purpose. From its inception, it has aimed not only to report news but to contribute to Ethiopia’s progress by promoting informed citizenship. It continues to craft stories that are timely, thoughtful, and aligned with its public mission—amplifying Ethiopia’s achievements and confronting its challenges with nuance and balance.
- A disciplined and skilled professional workforce: The backbone of EH’s success lies in its dedicated team of journalists, editors, designers, and administrators. These individuals uphold a culture of excellence and resilience. Many prominent Ethiopian journalists began their careers at EH, where they acquired invaluable experience and mentorship. This professional legacy has ensured institutional continuity and a deep-rooted sense of identity within the organization.
- Has EH fulfilled its mission over these past 82 years?
Without a doubt; EH has consistently fulfilled its mission of delivering accurate, timely, and impactful journalism. Its core commitment—to present authentic and fact-based information—remains unwavering. Like any long-standing media institution, it has encountered challenges, including accusations of bias or misreporting. However, EH has used such instances as opportunities for growth and improvement.
One notable example was during the Tigray conflict, when the United Nations and other international bodies were on the brink of implementing sanctions based on incomplete or misleading narratives. EH played a crucial corrective role by publishing well-sourced, contextualized information. This intervention helped prevent misinformation from escalating tensions and demonstrated EH’s influence as a stabilizing force in international dialogue.
In addition to political reporting, EH has championed narratives that encourage regional cooperation, intercultural understanding, and constructive diplomacy. These contributions have had a lasting effect on Ethiopia’s international image and its relationships with other nations.
To what extent has EH effectively represented Ethiopia on the world stage? EH has made significant strides in presenting Ethiopia’s story to the international community. Through its focus on issues of national and global significance, EH has positioned itself as a cultural and diplomatic ambassador. much to be done in amplifying Ethiopia’s voice globally, it continues to work diligently toward that goal.
How would you assess EH’s current condition?
EH is undergoing a promising period of renewal and innovation. Its editorial content remains strong, but recent improvements in design, layout, and visual storytelling have elevated its appeal to modern audiences.
The increased use of compelling photographs, refined typography, and elegant layout choices bring the paper in line with global publishing standards. While I once admired the aesthetics of international newspapers, I now confidently affirm that EH has reached a comparable level of visual sophistication. This evolution reflects our commitment to excellence not only in content but in presentation.
Following its 82nd anniversary, what enhancements do EH hope to pursue?In an ever-changing media environment, EH must continually adapt. The future demands greater depth, interactivity, and specialization. Moving forward, the newspaper will place increased emphasis on analytical journalism.
This means more investigative pieces that go beyond surface reporting, more in-depth features that explore complex national issues, and more expert commentary to inform readers and stimulate public dialogue. These enhancements will enable EH to provide exclusive insights not found elsewhere, reinforcing its role as a thought leader and trusted reference point in Ethiopia’s evolving media ecosystem.
Additionally, EH is exploring further integration with digital platforms to better reach younger and more diverse audiences. Innovation will be a central pillar of its forward strategy.
Any final message you’d like to share?It has been both an honor and a deeply enriching experience to serve as part of EH’s editorial leadership. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside passionate, principled, and highly capable colleagues who are devoted to the newspaper’s mission.
EH is not just a publication—it is a symbol of journalistic courage, national integrity, and professional dedication. Our staff embodies the highest standards of media excellence. I consider it a privilege and a great responsibility to lead this exceptional team.
To our readers, I say thank you. Your trust sustains our work. To our partners and contributors, we value your insights and support. Together, we will continue to illuminate truth, uphold ethics, and represent Ethiopia with distinction and pride on the world stage.
BY WAKUMAN KUDAMA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 3 JULY 2025
