13 Feb 2024
Ethiopia is merging three state-affiliated media organizations into a single “media giant” under the Fana Broadcasting Corporation.
Wafa Marketing and Communication, and Walta Media and Communication Corporation will be merged with Fana.
Walta, known for its news agency and “Addis Walta” TV, joins forces with Fana, a radio and television broadcaster with regional stations, and Wafa, an event organizer specializing in government functions.
The merger, reportedly initiated in December 2023, aims to streamline operations, but its exact motivation remains unclear.
All three institutions have historically maintained close ties to the ruling Prosperity Party, raising concerns about potential bias and the impact on media diversity.
The merger’s potential influence on media objectivity and the presentation of diverse voices within Ethiopia requires further scrutiny.
Role of Tigray Rehabilitation Endowment Fund: Despite holding a 25% stake in Fana and Walta, the Fund denies involvement in the merger, adding another layer of complexity.
According to BBC Amharic, this new development presents an opportunity to explore the potential impact on media objectivity, financial implications, and perspectives of journalists and consumers.
A 28-page document prepared to merge the institutions explains that the main reason why Walta, Fana and Wafa were wanted to join was to create a media institution that would play a major role in the construction of the Ethiopian state.
The document said that the new media entity would be the main media and communication capacity to accelerate the country’s journey of prosperity, BBC stated.
It is remembered that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed gave an explanation about the importance of creating a government narrative when he gave training to senior government leaders four months ago in October.
According to the document, the new media entity would stand as a guard for the national interest and would also be a supporting media that criticizes the government’s policies and the performance of institutions.
The document states that the media would work to make the narrative of the government the position and belief of Ethiopians. It also states that it would focus on media activities that would help to achieve this.
It is suggested that when the entities are merged, the current name of “Fana Broadcasting Corporation” will be changed to “Fana Media Corporation”.
