United States Agency for Global Media

Reflections on Ethiopia’s Reforms: The Free Media in a Budding Democracy

May 23, 2019

The Voice of America and its Horn of Africa service, with languages in Amharic, Afaan Oromo, and Tigrigna occupy a special place in the history of media reporting and analysis on Ethiopia and the Horn region. Amharic, launched as the first of the three languages in September of 1982, was one of the few independent sources of news reporting and media analysis during the Derg regime (1974-91.) In July of 1996, Afaan Oromo and Tigrigna followed, allowing broader coverage and wider reach to Ethiopians, and Eritreans, from all walks of life. VOA, noted for its credible and balanced analysis through the years continues to cement itself as one of the most trusted sources of news in the region. Read More