Do you believe in responsible journalism? Do you believe VOA-Amharic has been fair and responsible media? What comes to your mind when you listen to VOA-Amharic? That the station is biased and 
controlled by supporters of Ethiopia’s legal and illegal opposition groups? Should Ethiopia jam VOA-Amharic if and when it develops the technical knowhow to jam any radio station? Why is VOA allowing Oromo and Tigrigna program to remain fair and balanced but not the Amharic program? Is VOA knowingly or unknowingly telling Amharic listeners as well as Tigrigna and Oromiffa listeners have different interest or different political mind set? It looks to us that way but what about you? Have your say!
VOA’S NEWS MEDIA BIASED TO ONESIDED STORY WHICH IS OPPOSITION PARTY.
VOA’s News media should be fair and balanced to all.
I think behind this VOA’s News media, they are Shaebia and EPRP.
I agree with PM Meles Zenawi Actions.
Thank you.
Long live Ethiopia with EPRDF PM Meles Zenawi leader ship!
Unfortunately, I do not speak either Oromiffa or Tigrigna to notice how different VOA broadcast is among Amharic, Oromiffa and Tigrigna. Having said that, everyone knows that the intent of destabilizing Ethiopia is always present. So, in my view, it would not be to Ethiopia’s benefit to “jam” VOA’s broadcast. Instead, let the people hear what VOA has to say but make sure the govenrment of Ethiopia expose them for what they are with facts to counter and discredit the VOA.
We all hear about “jamming” of radio, television and internet will tend to make people think that those doing the “jamming” have something to hide. The EPRDF has nothing to hide but instead should continue to show the world of the progress being made in Ethiopia. God bless Ethiopia.
He who cares ? why shouldi listen to VOA ?
Please taking side is one thing but accusing VOA of such delibrations shows how phatetic we became sadlly. Instead of telling the truth, fabricating self serving lies using gov owned outlets and losing intrested listeners Legesse is also trying to come after VOA, how sad for a briliant man to be changed to such a sick sociopath…my people died for the sacrifies to be hijacked one coward they canb remmember in their graves
What an idoiotic idea?
I am so surprised the the PM admits to jamming the VOA. I listen to VOA from time to time, I have never heard them incite anything. It is against the law here. So, comparing them to the Rwanda case is irresponsible and belittles the intelegence of all of us. Why would a very intelegent capable man like the ET PM do such a thing? I am not his supporter, but I see good things in him –but this is one of the worst in addition to having fun putting a lady in the prison –in the name of the ‘law of the land’. I wish he could rise to his potential– but fate will have what it will.
Thanks,
I second that Ethiopia should jam the VOA (Voice of Amhara). If America wants VOA to serve American interesest, the hutu type Ankoberians shoulb replaced by real journalists. Else Ethiopia should not allow these Hutus unchecked>
VOA Amharic languages is false informations
create confusion to the ethiopian citizens please stop lie.
Weldai – I am sorry you may have missed my point. The response of the PM was so undiplomatic and unwise and not expected from him. He could have handled it much differently. This answer was expected more from our neighbor to the north.
But even with that it baffles me how he tolerates Eritrean broadcasts and is so bitter about VOA. or is it paranoia becausae of the election. Do you remember the “Machete” story during 2005′s election and alleged fear of Rwanda type genocide. We were told at the time that large quantity of machetes that were imported from China. I wonder what hapened to them. May be they were converted to knives and knives became so cheap in Ethiopia since no one used them
What is the Ethiopian government hiding? Let the people decide for themselves. The government shouldn’t interfere in freedom of information. I think Ethiopians like any other people in the world can decide what is important for them.
what was exactly said on VOA that was so bad show proof audio or something I listen to VOA all the time. They do say negative stuff but is called THE NEWS!………
I am happy this poisonous radio station is blocked by the Ethiopian Government,it should been blocked long time ago.This radio station was a voice of “ehapa” who lost the battle back home during the war with TPLF.instead of VOA “I call it VOICE OF AMHARA”.
I was not only surprised but also embarrased when I heard Melese admitting the jamming of VOA. What is more funny is that his addmission came only three days after Shimeles Kemal, his crony, vehemently denied allegations that his government is jaming the radion station. What a farce!!! Neverthless, I personally believe that VOA, Amharic service, is not an independent media outlet. It is very unfortunate that this radio station is hijacked by ex-derge officials and remnants of EPRP. Their reporting, commentaries and analysis are always prejudiced against EPRDF. As a whole the radio station is infested by neftegnas and dergists.
I felt an obligation to add one thing. I’m supporter of the airing of any opposing philosophical views on the political arena at any time. But I am also supporter of jamming of irresponsible media at the early phase of democracy in a diverse society such as ours, as we are not sure what this irresponsible “journalists” air at any time.
(our PM should have said something like “some concerned citizines might be jamming we will investigate this when our capacity to identify these jammers is strengthened in the near “FUTURE”(in quotation)”. This is the kind of language they undestand)
Explaining more….
We Ethiopians, as a society, are on the onset of democracy and democratic thinking. In addition to this we have different sects of society (ethnically, religiously,…) that are very sensitive to some wording and liable to chaotic conditions unless due care is given to it. We haven’t yet exercised democracy for couple of hundred years like the US\West . Even to this day these heavyweights of democracy are very restrictive to some words that are very sensitive and that damages the relationship between different sects of thier respective society(remember the n word and terms used to describe gay people…). Some media outlets and journalist are fined on this.
I wonder(it is also funny and unwise) when some individuals try to compare the US/West democracy process to that of ours. These guys also want us to carry burdens even the west wouldn’t touch with a stick. We got to look back to the early phase of the West democracy when it applies to society as diverse as Ethiopia. Hetrogeneous (USA) and Homogeneous(Europe) societies didnt pursue the same venue in exercising democracy!!!!!!!
I was in Addis during the 2005 election, I witnessed the danger that could turn Ethiopia to Somalia if we give free-ride to irresponsble media outlets in the name of democracy. This is not about supporting EPRDF, if EPRDF is voted out another Ethiopian would come to the leadership, this is about protecting our beloved mother land from the dangerous poison instilled to our society by our enemies through the proxies : some diaspora and irresponsible media intentinally or unintetinally.
Not only airing opposing views also creating AWARENESS of the democratic process is equally important at this pahse of our democracy. These unwise “sibilings” would be of great help to our democratic process if they stand for this principle or stay away!
jam baby jam!!! for the love of Ethiopia.
These funny guys think they can enforce us to sip the soup they would never try to smell.
Dear all,
The commentary “Evidence of Things Unseen: Secrets Revealed at the Voice of America” must be read by officials and academics in the US and the Ethiopian public, especially those listeners who always trust the VOA amharic as source of good news. Make it it accessible to the senators who are crying fowel of human rights abuse in Ethiopia. Let them know what’s in their garden.
Ethiopia remains as EthiopiA will exist as a forward looking country in Africa, the VOA on the other hand will remain as a compenent of false myth teller in every avenue in exile. This is fact folks.
I was wondering when you ask that question about fairness of VOA. Do you ask your self, am I fair or one side woyane support. Why you guys think all the time you are best for Ethiopians. You should learn journalism for VOA.
Ask your self? please don’t be damn. series….
I am happy VOA radio station is Jammed by the Ethiopian Government,it should been blocked long time ago.This radio station was a voice of “ehapa” ,Derg,who lost the battle back home during the war with TPLF.VOA has tried to create a conflict against the Tigray peaple for long time with his friends Amhara , Oromo . instead of VOA “I call it VOICE OF TEREROSIT”.The journalist must be fired and replace by others who inform news having realty and evidence with full of responsibilty for their profesion and respect all ethnic groups the sam.
If I was the PM of Ethiopia. I would jam everything from outside, especially information which is not important to Ethiopian. For instance, VOA has nothing to do with freedom of press or anything. VOA was set up to realize an American neoliberal free market democracy. They talked how they can spread American values and decided to set up VOA Arab, Ethiopia,…
What people do not understand is VOA is set up to sensitize society to adopt American way of life. This is the genesis of VOA. It has nothing to do with freedom. The freedom of press is just the cover of the book. Most people have no clue about this.
If American way was better than anywhere, no problem we could take it. However, American ways is not good for us. We do not choose it. We do not like the Ethiopian government frankly. However, I do not agree we have to be fed a media from Washington.
Ethiopian government must set up a counter broadcasting station from Addis Ababa. Voice of Ethiopia ( vOE ) then VOE will do what the others do. Then it will be tit for tat. But the problem, Meles will beg them to send him a sack of wheats 2row and we can sure defend ourselves because we rely on them.
Voice of Ethiopia.
VOA=Violent On Africa!
Please read the following link
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/01/problems_in_the_voasomali_serv.html
WE GOT IT WRONG. All the website mislead us in what PM Meles said. If the VOA is legally prohibited in US, why do not we have our own right to legally prohibit VOA from broadcasting in Ethiopia at all rather than Jamming the Amharic program of VOA. Here is the excerpt from PM Meles interview.
“The VOA is legally prohibited from broadcasting to the US. So if we were to prevent the VOA from broadcasting in Ethiopia, we would simply be following the letter of the law of the US. But that is beside the point; the main point is what the VOA Amharic service has been engaged in for the past 18 years.”
Ethiopians are asking fairness from the devil. Davil is evil so hope no good. The uncivilized hatemonger freeloaders amharas at VOA will always ride and vechile to get them to thier dream fest land. The VOA has a desire to distablize any and all nations it eye on have natural resource, startegic importance or competeing power. VOA is a tool to creat voice to destablize. They use the destablization to unseat goverments, make a trade and bargain resouce exploitation at thier week point to USA advantage and unpulg thier propaganda. Change a stable nation to make it shakey at all time so that they will be needed as pacifier. Some of the evil and dirty work of CIA is done by VOA diffrent brach. How many nation has been liberated by the VOA salvation? Countless nation has suffered by the VOA purposely distortion of facts. If there is genocide there will be hell of a good time for VOA something to talk. If peace prevail no news which journalist love to hear good stuff. How many people glu themselve to hear about a good sunny day VS. a blizzared storm, you got may drift. Why is the freedom lover VOA not good for American to listen? Why is freedom spreading socialist view point not a choice but a poison to thier nation america. But a crappy retarded amhara blabber is good for Ethiopia, because it is on VOA? Give me a break. If I was Melese I will tell the Ambassador after the jam success no crying or I will Jam ooops jack your ass out. We got to Clean the Tigregna program acts too. Too many distortion from the askari’s too.
i am a young Ethiopian.I have been listening to the VOA radio for the last five years.Since then i never heard the VOA reporting even one good image of our beloved country.From the ethics of journalism mass medias are the mouth.eyes.ears and the soul of their people.Yet the VoA RADIO STAITON is far beyound these facts. You journalists, are you really trained how to report and how to see facts? Really shame on you! For how long are you gonna stay as a tail of those who do not even care for this blessed land? History tell us that the new American has been passed so many solid years to attain the stage of new democracy.Our country has learnt a lot from the democratic countries as a result is is now at the beginning of the right track.Do not expect every thing would happen overnight…but to tell you the truth our coutry is heading to the right track…you may report every thing you like but do not bite the hand of your beloved land..i beg you to stop damaging our long lasting unity…strive for justice and truth..,do not mix fuel with fire…i have been dreaming once in your life time you may avoid sterotyiping by race, religion and ethincity
… by now …every one knows that is your inborn disease…Any way this is your country too so try to promote about the good images and give voice to voice less … we wish you all the best
The Voice of bigots masquerading as journalists, but, who have made their intent clear to regain their dominance over the Nations and Nationalities of Ethiopia; by all means necessary up to and including genocide. To jam this dangerous voice is the least a government can do that has the responsibility to protect the life and property of its citizen.
Any law byitself cannot protect any country from instability unless its citizens safeguard the law to work. The issue of jamming VOA Amharic is not a matter of legallity but of security concern. The Ethiopian Government should not seat armed folded when irrisponsble media like voa amharic is trying to destablise ethiopia. We Ethiopians would like to see our young democracy flourishing from time to time. Election is just part of our democratic process.
THose who give simple minded comments in rgard to opposing the jamming of VOA Amharic are with vested interest in destracting Ethiopia, mercineries of their God father Shaebia.
What ever action taken by the government of Ethiopia is for the welbeing of Ethiopia and Ethiopians. It is a passion not an interest to govern.
So well done Meles and his Government in obstructing the evil wishes of anti Ethiopia and Ethiopians.
First of all Aiga is a big mouth piece of Melese and if Melese said the white color is black, they will definitely defend him as if he is right with their known cadres of few people with many pal names . Therefore, it doesn’t surprise me your action but if this was done from the other devil of Melese’s ex friend, the story would be told differently
Our PM is maybe tired or have other things in his mind when he say this.Ethiopia never controll the freedom of exprssion.There are over hundred free news paper and our people are ganing from our development projects like bulding roods and buldings.We are the fastest growing contery in the world under our honerabel prime minster.Our nations and nationalities are growing eith us to.Long live our prim minieter.
Well there it goes> http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE62M0FA20100323
delivery via satellite.
He really should not have been involed in this. This is the wrong fight to pick in the diplomatic world.
“Amed bedukiet yisekal”, do not feel shame while standing to point on VOA about proffesional journalism, while running media like ETV, Ethiopian Radio, Fana, Walta and Aiga forum? Shame on you! Why you fear VOA is because it tell the peple the truth, not what you want to tell the people. These days, the free media is absent in Ethiopia, alternatve websites are blocked, and we are left with VOA. And Meles want to silence it. If ETV can tell me the trut, why do I search for VOA? The problem is you converted the media in to a propoganda tool, no one want to hear ETV. I have a TV set at home, no one want to hear ETV. If I change the channel from arab stations to ETV, every member of the family will start shouting, even the kids. Why, because they really hate lies and senseless propoganda. Long live VOA.
It is nice the forum bring the same topic what Leggesse breathed and before i go for or against i will quote two articles one from woyane self written constitution as well the ratified UN convention.
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression;
this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”.
“Article 29 Right to Hold Opinions, Thoughts and Free Expressions
1. Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without any interference.
2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression without interference. This right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through other media of his choice.
3. Freedom of the press and mass media as well as freedom of artistic creation is guaranteed. Press freedom shall, in particular, include the rights enumerated hereunder: a) that censorship in any form is prohibited. b) the opportunity to have access to information of interest to the public.
4. The press shall be granted institutional independence and legal protection to enable it to accommodate different opinions and ensure the free flow of information, ideas and opinions that are necessary in a democratic society.
5. Any media financed or controlled by the government shall be organized in a manner suitable for the accommodation of differences of opinion.
6. Nothing in the foregoing shall absolve anyone of liability arising from laws enacted to protect public morals, peace, human dignity and democratic rights of citizens.
iT IS THE NATURE OF DICTATORS TO CURVE THEIR OWN IDEAS. IT IS TRUE FOR THE WOYANE BECAUSE I DO NOT EXPECT MORE THAN HIS WORDS FROM ALBANIAN COMMUNIST THAT CHANGED TO REVOLUTIONARY DEMOCRACY IN AN OVER NIGHT WITH THE BLESSING OF AMERICANS IN THE HEART OF LONDON.
SO ETHIOPIANS HAVE GOT THE RIGHT RECIEVE INFORMATION WHAT IS HAPPENING IN ITS COUNTRY.
AND BARKING ON THE FREEDOM OF PRESS AT WHICH YOU PROPAGATE WE ARE THE ONLY AFRICAN COUNTRY WITH FREE PRESS IS A FARCE AND IT IS JUST THE RIGHT MESSAGE FOR DICTATORS.
Stop hate voa Amharic .
Voa you say 120milon sevice 4 all of the world pls don’t tell me all this like voa Amharic.
I have due respect to PM Melese for all the “good things” he has had done in his leadeship.
Some times, however he goes beyond ones expectations…..as being said by HIMSELF…to the fenji woreda and puts himself in danger zone. Though I’m not a psycologist, he seems to have an attitude of being MASTER OF ALL. As a human being, it is difficult to be master of all. Above all, I presume that every body around him does not have the courage to let him know the mistakes he is commiting time and again to enable him refrain from doing similar mistakes in future. This by itself has promoted him to develop self pride and a kind of arrogance. Even medias like AIGA which is the mouth pice of EPRDF has never ever adversely commented for mistakes commited by the PM.
It is wise to mention here the old saying…….” had it been straightened up to refrain stealing the eggs, it had not been caught red handed robbing herd of catteles.
Instead of echoing what is being said by the PM, it is advisable to examine the pronce and conces of jamming media out lets. Some of the commentators are trying to associate VOA with certain groups. Deep in your heart are you serious to connect VOA with any etnch groups? As for me, by any standard, VOA is a fair and balanced media. As much as possible for any adverse comments given by any individual or group against the government of Ethiopia, they are trying to reach a government autority to view its opinion, but offtenly they hide themseves under their table. I do not blame them for they do not know what to say. They may either be fired from their job or thrown to jail. THE ONLY EXCEPTION IN ETHIOPIA WHO COULD SAY ANY THING HE LIKES AND LIVE PEACEFULLY { for the time being} is PRIME MINISTER MELES ZENAWI. Immagine what could happen , if Shimeles Kemal was the first one to disclos the jamming of VOA was under process?
Wheather you like it or not Amharic is the national language of Ethiopia. If you have any problem with the name ” AMHARIC” you can say it ETOPIC or can give it any name you like. The important part of language is to serving as a means of communication nothing more or less PERIOD!!!!!!
ASmare
you started by appreciating the pm and turned to problem in your blood. Amharic serving as a national language and being used by a media that repeatedly aims to instigate Ethiopians for a potential conflict are completely different for a healthy individual. The point of accusation is “the VOA Amharic language is deliberately releasing false and invented news that are aimed to disrupt the peace in Ethiopia and weaken the ruling party. please better not you directly jump to the problem you talk in the bag and with your likes. talk sincerely about a strong united Ethiopia. I do not think there is an Ethiopian who has a problem with calling and using AMHARIC which is almost universally accepted as a dominantly spoken language. Therefore, do not try to preach your internal void feelings about Ethiopia. lets say and work for the real good of Ethiopia not to repeat the previous false deed. ” may God bless Ethiopia”
Jegna { Jegnoch ?}
You know what your problems are? Blindly acusing VOA in dissiminating ” false and fabricated news”. Come on ! please jot down evidences if any and convince me.
Belive it or not, I’m a proud Ethiopian who strongly wish and work hard as much as humanly possible to see a very strong united Ethiopia being administered by her seriously concerned own sons and daughters!!!!
I very much hate ethnic politics.
TEGBABAN!!!!!
You can be Ethiopian, do not tell me you wanted VOA. You better ask for freer anrd fair national broadcasting station?
Here is my alternative, block VOA completely, let an Ethiopian who has the money and knowledge invest in this media industry who can relay Ethiopian news all over the world, not from Washintgon, but from addis and from the villages. The government must hep the development of such media is very inportant. Shabia is better than EPRDF in media. Information and communication is important.
The government must think it has to ruled by repressing the Ethiopian people. If people are not happy, they will still look for an alternative idea. If the government does not allow and facilitate a neutral and alternative media run by committed professional, it will be still a problem. Media is power these days.
Fair is relative word. Is VOA or our government media more fair for Ethiopian people? For TPLF/EPRDF, there must be no question to be asked for comparison.
Other question:
Why you and Meles worry about the uselessness of VOA and private media here in Ethiopia? The people have the potential to select and listen or read fair and responsible one.
Finot
Is VOA-amharic more sensitive to EPRDF than Asmara-based Shaebia propaganda in Amharic? I don’t think so. As the saying goes on, there is no “cure” for a person that hides his/her “diseases.” The fact is that EPRDF has been totally weakned from outside and inside. On top of that, the government-controlled mass media such as ETV, Walta, etc. have remained with no listners due to their naked lies and un-imaginable opportunistic behaviour just to please some key figures in the rulling party. Eventually, the people opt to listen VOA-Amharic, Voice of Eritrea, German Radio and others. Thus, I consider the jamming effort of Melles Zenawi just as the most desperate and last-ditch effort similar to Mengistu H/Mariam’s effort to jam the same radios in his final regiome.
I think the decission made by the EG to jam VOA can not be the lastying solution for the problem. That said, this tough measure may Aprehend the authoritys in the VOA to edit their unacceptable beheviour and be fair in their Broadcasting. Therefore it is a legitimate tool to show that, the published oppinion is not Always the public Oppinion.
You people like a journalist or media that says when Melese kills, he is a hero (Jegna) when Melese steals, he is a smart or when Melese betrays or sells a country sovereignty, he is a good diplomat. These are the wish of EPRDF and its cadres, none of you able to critics him when he rides on the Ethiopian people back for the last 18 years without a slight freedom. Please do not fool yourself to hide the bold truth from the public what ever you tried to intrigue and bribed the free media outlet. It’s known that a hell lot of hidden secret that EPRDF has done against the will of Ethiopia and its people, will be expose to public sooner and it’s a sign of perturbation with in the party that makes all kind of barking like a weak dog. There is nothing new change with VOA program since EPRDF took power but why the fuss comes now. It’s simple & pure that there is a crack among the party and to prevent the widening of the crack, they have to block the catalyst for crack accelerator.
Greetings Aiga and all!
About seventy years a go the United States Government launched the Voice of America (VOA) to promote democracy and American values to millions of people. But the VOA Amharic service program has long enervated that purpose to became a mockery and cheap propaganda machine. It is obvious the radio program is being used as personal property of employees to blatantly and at times foolishly disseminate venomous messages to satiate their political objective.
For those of us who are familiar with the service quality of the VOA, it is palpable that it has changed into the defacto mouth piece of hostile forces towards the Ethiopian government. News reports, interviews and other programs are cleverly presented in systematic ways to deliberately tarnish the image of the government. For far too long the VOA Amharic service program has compromised not only the very mission statement of the institution but also the basic news reporting norms by consistently adhering to apolitical bias presentation.
VOA meticulously invites, encourages and allows hateful agitations or violent messages to be said by any of the disgruntled oppositions all in the name of “freedom of speech.” Callers can leave disparaging statements, self anointed oppositions can make unscrupulous accusations or allegations and the Amharic program staff present all of them as factual development worth of news. Literary any opposition can come to the VOA Amharic service at will and can make wanton claims.
One should observe the pervasive biases VOA Amharic program by studying the frequency of hostile forces are allowed to say every venomous allegations and by the duration of airtime they are accorded to do so. No wander people have been questioning if the VOA Amharic service has openly turned into disseminating concocted malicious hearsays as opposed to its stated objective.
Abel
Every time there is unrest, whether inside or outside, the real behavior of Meles comes in to the surface. Why at this time ? Do you guys think it is a coincidense ? . They are afraid of this coming election end they understand that information is power specially in this century with 24 hour media cycle . There are appropriate channels to address this issues if Zenawi thiks he has his facts in his hands. I never heard VOA journalists instigate hatred among Ethiopian people. It is unwise and naive even to admit he is jamming. They even refuse to be interviewed on VOA. What does Obama do to Fox news ? He appeared on fox to convince people what he is doing and straighten the facts. If you are brave enough , you cowards , go on VOA and try to convince us. I promise you we are listening.
THE VOA refused to acknowledge the good developments in Ethiopia means its news are not fair & balanced,the bottom line.
Sattlite can also be jammed Check this out :
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/03/17/gps-jammers-easily-accessible-potentially-dangerous-risk/
and this
http://www.spyflight.co.uk/sat%20jam.htm
and also this
http://www.techwatch.co.uk/2010/03/23/eu-looking-into-iran-satellite-jamming/
Aiga’s and EPRDF Medias,
Do you know what the definition of responsible journalism and media? Have you ever asked yourself posting fair news on your media outlet before cursing others by following the wake of your boss? When Melese is doing so many blunders, you’ve never tried to write something negative about him. For instance during 2005 election when Lidetu was against Woyane you called him ayer by ayer negade ( merchant ) now you made u turn and applauded him as the best politician. The justification is blindness , there is nothing else . Whatever you try to mend the broken and rotten politics of EPRDF, the truth is revealing everyday by other media and your lifespan is also measured with the dying regime age…..(edited to make it sane!)
It is obvious that VOA is strictly biased and some times Confused media that confuses the People especially only Amharic listeners only.They are injecting a false propaganda to the People of Ethiopia not by Tigrigna and Oromifa programme,but Only in Amharic wave. Why they do this? Why VOA concentrating in biased, unbalanced and pseudo propoganda only in Amharic language? The answer is clear. The actors working in Amharic programme,most of them are heavy weight participatory of the failed Dergue Regime. They are not ready to participate in the Democratic Process of this country peacefully,but the only option is blackmailing our country by nill Evidence.
I think the decission made by the EG to jam VOA can not be the lastying solution for the problem. That said, this tough measure may Aprehend the authoritys in the VOA to edit their unacceptable beheviour and be fair in their Broadcasting. Therefore it is a legitimate tool to show that, the published oppinion is not Always the public Oppinion.
It is really intersting decision.
Do you believe in responsible journalism?
Yes
Do you believe VOA-Amharic has been fair and responsible media?
Yes
What comes to your mind when you listen to VOA-Amharic?
They are telling me the truth
That the station is biased and controlled by supporters of Ethiopia’s legal and illegal opposition groups?
None of the above
Should Ethiopia jam VOA-Amharic if and when it develops the technical knowhow to jam any radio station?
No, that is illegal and against our constitution
Why is VOA allowing Oromo and Tigrigna program to remain fair and balanced but not the Amharic program?
The question is not correct. Oromifa and Tigrigna programs are more reserved on telling the truth.
Is VOA knowingly or unknowingly telling Amharic listeners as well as Tigrigna and Oromiffa listeners have different interest or different political mind set?
The question is wrong!
It looks to us that way but what about you?
I absolutely disagree!
My take on the jamming process is waste of time and resources. All the time, I do support the PM Meles Zenawi, but on jamming. No matter what VOA said or not the people who hate Ethiopia will not stop hating the government, because they have the poison of Ankober (one ethnic elite and their opportunists “adder bay”) in their blood. These people will never believe on progress and change, just it is a waste of time and giving them satisfaction. Jamming VOA is giving spare bullets to the bankrupted old EPRP and Derg news people. Let hold their gun to their grave. The VOA Amharic program reporters were out of bullets. Do not jam VOA, instead out gun them.
Peace!
Well and good to bad mouth the one that speaks for the ordinary people and VOA is just a medium for the unheard voices of the Ethiopian people. It does its work without fear of repression and has no reason to distort the truth. On the hand hand the ruling party and its government has been busy enacting laws that stifle the free expression of the people. The gov. controlled media are all singing from the the same song book. No credible private media is functioning in Ethiopia and under such circumstances, it is pointless to criticize a foreign news agency like VOA.
WHEN AND ONLY WHEN THE MELES REGIME ALLOWS THE FREE FUNCTIONING OF PRIVATE MEDIA, THEN HE WILL HAVE THE MORAL HIGH GROUND TO CRITISIZE VOA.
I would leave to the Ethiopian government whether to jam VOA Amharic Service or not. I would say though the staff members at the Amharic division of the VOA have been spreading cheap propaganda in the name of news and free expression – targeting specific political objective for quit long time.
I feel bad for the people at the radio station who meddle in the internal affair of their birth country while they reside afar. It is disturbing to hear when some one encourages others to engage in “undemocratic” actions in the name of democracy.
I wish the staff at VOA Amharic program leave the politics to Ethiopians and start reading news.
AllaH Bless Ethiopia, its government and the people
Someday the sun will bright for all Ethiopians….an Ethiopian will never change his color but his mind for good thoughts.. does language matters no it dosn’t. let us all forget our differences and stand for our nation.
God has made us beautiful in his own time. forgive your brother and stop discrimination.
Why AIGA FORUM stands for EPRDF…? please fight and live for the opressed ethiopians who lost their right to read and listen….
The Sun will bright!
God bless the Ethiopians including the doom leaders and the greedy followers…