ADDIS ABABA–The proliferation of fake news and hate speech which largely went unpunished so far must be met with punitive action as such acts pose tremendous threat to the stability of the country argue scholars.
Yirgalem Kassahun Journalism and Communication Lecturer at Mekele University and a PHD candidate warned that the proliferation of fake news in Ethiopia is a rising and dangerous trend which could tear the country apart unless met with consequences. Hate speech is also on the rise both on individual and institutional levels; it is going viral almost in all digital platforms, he told The Ethiopian Herald.
Spreading hate speech and fake news is a violation of the new Ethiopian law. Social media platforms despite its positive contribution are serving as a hotbed for speech with individuals using unknown accounts.
Both print and electronic media outlets are engaged in preaching hatred and working for few group’s interests undermining the interests and ethics of the media. The amount of time and resources some media outlets dedicate to preaching peace and reconciliation is shamefully little.
A rising trends is also making news, stories using unidentified anonymous sources he elaborated. A journalist should not act the way an activist does. Activism and journalism are apple and orange. In fact, in some cases, media outlets are working against their very editorial policies. Media institutions need to stand for all and strike a balance between government and oppositions while reporting.
What has happened in the country lately, all the loss of lives and properties, are the very result of hatred fanned by irresponsible media outlets and social media activists. The government condemn such actions and take strong action against those who made a call for violence using media and other platforms, he insisted
Tibebu Belete is the General Manager of Ahadu Radio and Television PLC. He said that fake news and hate speech are spreading via Televisions, Radio, and Newspapers and in social media.
Most of the informal media outlets transmit fake news in violating the law of media ethics and professions but on the contrary the formal media do their tasks so as to take the responsibility on the news they are going to do or put on the air nowadays he added.
“Unfortunately, some media in our country downgrade certain ethnic groups and lionize others. This has to stop and they should stop serving for few political groups which sow discord in the midst of the general public. The formation of media along ethnic lines unless regulated properly could risk inciting inter-ethnic conflict. Their arrangement must be reviewed in this regard.
On the other hand, state-owned media shouldn’t side with a single ethnic group or party they shall serve the entire population, but this does not mean that they should not entertain diverse idea or political views. “Media organizations should be a voice for the voiceless. They do not have to focus on branding or praising government actions.”
Defamation of certain ethnic groups and false anecdotes, wrong history and provoking conflicts should be avoided in the country for once and for all.
Responding to claims that the recently established media council is doing nothing to prevent fake news and hate speech , Tibebu said that council can play a central role in ensuring ethics and professionalism as a self-regulatory body , but since the media council in the country is at nascent stage, he says we cannot expect much at this stage.
In Ethiopia, making of false news or instigating conflict is in contradiction to both the editorial policy of the media and the law of the land. There is no space for this but the practice another different kittle of fish, he opined.
The Ethiopian Herald July 24, 2020
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
