ADDIS ABABA – Press and media occupy center stage in instilling democratic values in society, ensuring transparency in the mechanisms of the government and encouraging consensus on major issues of national concern, said Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed.
Addressing the “UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize” state dinner at Sheraton Addis Hotel Thursday evening, Dr Abiy noted that the government of Ethiopia has no misconception that a free, independent and responsible media – augmented by the efforts of citizen journalism – is an imperative prerequisite for building a viable democratic political order.
It is important to highlight that freedom comes with responsibilities, he said, “Media establishments and citizen journalists need to seize this current enabling environment and use their voice and pen with ethical considerations.”
He connoted that we need to move away from sensationalism towards conscious reporting and information sharing. And also, Ethiopia’s growth and democratization process will further be enriched when the focus of attention of media entities is geared towards news analysis, knowledge sharing and building the critical engagement skills of a society in transition.
The price that many have paid in life and freedoms for this opportune time to arise is a moment that needs to be capitalized on for peace and growth dividends, to him.
When press and media play a role in catalyzing society to bridge the lines of divide, build understanding and tolerance, and unite in a common cause, then we are serving the people in whose name we raise our pens and our voices, he added.
The Ethiopian Herald May 04/ 2011
BY ABDUREZAK MOHAMMED
