The Ethiopian media reform bill presented to the House of Representatives has been criticized by 14 media professional associations and civil society organizations for raising concerns about the neutrality and independence of media officials.

During the House of Representatives’ discussion of the proposed amendment bill on October 29, 2024, it was referred to the House’s Standing Committee on Democracy for a detailed review. The bill includes changes such as giving the appointment of the Director General of the Authority to the Prime Minister, as well as transferring responsibilities such as renewing, suspending, canceling, and issuing written warnings to the authority from the board.

Critics argue that these changes concentrate power in one party, potentially allowing for undue influence and undermining the neutrality and independence of the authority. They expressed concern about the lack of impartial research on the need for the amendment bill and the absence of adequate stakeholder discussions.

The statement mentioned that the content of the media reform decree approved in 2020 was consistent with international human rights standards and provided a framework for press freedom and improved media operations. The draft amendment submitted by the executive body to the House of Representatives alters several articles of the existing media law.

They highlighted flaws in the approach and content of the draft amendment bill, emphasizing the lack of public discussions and the failure to consider the views of civil society, media professionals, and other rights advocates. Concerns were also raised about the lack of transparency and participation in the amendment process, potentially weakening the checks and balances previously protected by the decree.

The critics are calling for research-based evidence to support the importance of the amendment bill and are urging meaningful discussions involving all stakeholders before its approval by the House. They fear that the amendments may restrict freedoms protected by existing media laws and subject the media regulatory body to undue influence from the executive branch.