Addis Ababa, September 18, 2024 (FBC) – The Prime Minister’s Office Press Secretary, Billene Seyoum, today met with foreign correspondents from some of the largest international news media agencies based in Ethiopia for a roundtable discussion aimed at fostering balanced and objective coverage of the country.
As Ethiopia continues to experience rapid reforms and development, these dialogues are crucial for providing journalists with accurate context and a nuanced understanding. Billene said in a social media post after her meeting with the foreign media correspondents.
“As Ethiopia undergoes rapid reforms and development, these dialogues are vital for providing journalists with accurate context and a nuanced understanding. Such engagements help ensure that news coverage reflects Ethiopia’s progress, acknowledges its challenges, and highlights the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development,” she noted.
On the occasion, the Press Secretary pointed out that the portrayal of Africa by the international media is mostly focused on the aspects of disease, poverty, conflict and political instability, This approach has negatively impacted and continues to shape the perception and policy decisions about Africa at the international level.
“Global media coverage of Africa has long been dominated by narratives of disease, poverty, conflict, and political instability. These portrayals have continued to shape global perceptions and policy decisions,” she underscored.
Therefore, today’s engagement focused on the need for a more balanced and comprehensive approach to reporting, as well as exploring pathways to promote such an approach, Billene added.