The pioneering Ethiopian Herald in its 80 years journey has made numerous reports, wrote various articles and manifested its or incumbent government stances through its editorial. The newspaper attempted to embellish country’s image which being distorted by association of famine and war.
It wasn’t an easy ride through time as it gone through different circumstances, divergence of interests and struggles. In spite of all challenges and shortcomings, it has significant share in Ethiopian politics and diplomatic history. The paper’s contribution however can’t be limited to politics as it was a platform of ideas, linguistic reference and form of entertainment.
Many of Ethiopian notable writers one way or the other way passed through this paper. They might have worked as reporter, editor or editor in chief. Tsegaye Gebre-Medhin, Baalu Girma, Dagnachew Worku and Fekade Azeze are very good examples that the paper was a platform journalists and writers became visible to the public. Their poems, essays and articles that are published on The Ethiopian Herald are still milestone achievements in Ethiopian literary scene.
As Mulugeta Gudeta who was a reporter and Editor and now contributor for this paper, the first generation of The Ethiopian Herald is highly skilled. The second and this generation might have been affected by the decline in the education system, according to him. With all its limitations, this generation of The Ethiopian Herald has many opportunities it can capitalize on and relive the paper’s legacy.
Nowadays, technology has made learning easy and more effective than ever before. It is possible to catch up and to be the best if there is passion. To master the English language or journalsitc skills isn’t depend on books or the access is that far as digital communication is here unravelling the world. Therefore, this generation of ours have the chance to shine even more than the previous generation of writers and journalists people remember or the paper proud of.
Second, there is atmosphere among staffs that could help reaize betterment and growth possible if rightly used. There are people who discuss ideas. There people who have very big ambition. With all the weight of the paper, the current staff marked The Ethiopian Herald ‘s 80 years anniversary on the fourth of July. It was all done by personal initative of people involved in the paper, who work week to week writing various issues ranging from politics to entertainment.
It is evident that they have shown belongingness and commitment that do all they can to scale up its professionality and skills for the paper sustain its name. While celebrating the day, others have witnessed togetherness of the staff and papers’ sustaining influence over other departments. People who have been working in the department told about the papers’ general contribution in their professional developement.
The staffs can characterize by a good team spirit, mutual appreciation, openness and sense of belonging. Healthy and positive relationships are one of the most manifestations among Ethiopian herald staff. Other departments with in Ethiopian Press Agency department such as Addis Zemen and Barisa have witnessed cooperation of the Herald staff during the celebration of the anniversary. The inter-related outcomes of a positive and pro-active relational approach to promote and increasing social capital in all levels are substantial.
The small party attracted large crowd from the organization that happened to be sharing the delight with the Ethiopian Herald staff. It was in fact a day when the former editors In chief of the newspaper were honoured. The sense of cooperation and the spirit of team work displayed in the occasion will surely be a boon for future undertakings. It should however be noticed that with the growing competition and digitalization of the world, this first national English newspaper should be throwing its full weight in cultivating professionalism and competency. These days, the competition is high and the choices are too plenty, and The Ethiopian Herald must explore new ways to continue play its vital role it has been playing for 80 years now.
On the other hand, it is expected that the institution would provide continuous skills development and capacity building programs for the staff members. Supporting and investing employee’s current skills and scaling up their capacity to fill emergent needs within the institution. Effective employee development aligns institutional goals with the personal goals of team members. Continuous employee development is what happens when individual growth and improvement never stops. It’s not a “one and done” process that ends when the employee gets a raise or promotion.
Instead, it’s something that’s ingrained into the culture of the institution, focuses on multiple outlets for professional growth and is uniquely tailored to propel each individual employee on their own path to career advancement. The paper now entertains various issues and may have wider staff than before. The infrastructure could be better than before but it has to develop even further since it is a national newspaper. Its digital presence, diversifying of content and independence are tasks today and in the future.
BY NAOL GIRMA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 6 JULY 2023
