ADDIS ABABA – The proclamation for the reestablishment of Ethiopian Press Agency would contribute to enhance the role of the print media by improving in the political, economic and social development of the country by enhancing the sectors competitiveness in terms of content, circulation coverage of language, according to House of Peoples Representatives (HPR).
The draft proclamation is believed to vest the Agency with institutional and procedural freedom to ensure the free expression of thoughts and opinions as per the provisions of the constitution. It will also ensure that the proclamation will enable the agency to discharge its constitutional mission by delivering quality, competent, accessible and reliable service that can accommodate diversity.
The draft proclamation aims to enable the Agency to catch up with the ever-growing service, coverage and technological advancement of the sector. EPA is a pioneer press agency that has been serving the government and people for many years. There for it is important to examine the operation and organization of the agency in relation to the current national and objective realities so as to pave the way for better activities in the future, he said.
The revision of the proclamation is deemed necessary to build the income generation capacity of the agency, by correcting the administrative system, which used to treat employees as per board, and rules of public service. Furthermore, the revised proclamation aims to alleviate the problem of print media in the country, expand its coverage through internet, and support regional printing institutions.
After deliberating on the draft proclamation, the House has transferred the bill to the legal, justice and democratic affairs standing committee for further scrutiny.
The Ethiopian Herald May 18/ 2019
BY STAFF REPORTER
