Ethiopian National Media Support (ENMS)

Foundation and Legality: Ethiopian National Media Support (ENMS) is a local not-for-profit organisation, established by individuals with diversified educational and professional backgrounds to improve the Ethiopian media through research, training and projects, targeting journalists, media professionals & institutions, associations, humanitarian agencies, human rights organisations, and other key media stakeholders in Ethiopia. ENMS is a leading local CSO as a media support organisation and has been registered and accorded legal personality with Registration Certificate No. 4909 under the Civil Societies Organisation Proclamation No. 1113/2019.

Rationale and Goal: Ethiopia’s infant democracy in general and lack of media freedom in particular resulted in a great deal of hate speech, violence incitement, disinformation, misinformation and several other unmentioned dangers that jeopardise the larger society’s togetherness and peaceful coexistence. Ownership interest, professional gaps, volatile nature of the political environment and the system can be additionally mentioned as some of the factors that substantially affect the media. Consequently, ENMS envisions the media playing its supposed role in fostering a free media landscape that can play a crucial role in instilling a culture of free press, access to information and free flow of information in a manner that would uphold mutual respect, inclusiveness, harmony, peaceful coexistence, and thus, social and economic transformation can be attained. This necessitates sober and vigilant journalism that voices multiple groups (including victims, and underserved and disadvantaged communities) with accuracy, fairness, balance, and equality principles.

Thematic Areas: Informational legal frameworks, institutional independence, human rights, justice, community empowerment and engagement, affirmative action efforts for victims & underserved communities, and professional development are the main focus.

Values: Integrity, Inclusivity, Professionalism, Respect, Passion, Innovation, Teamwork, Partnership and Cooperation, Efficiency and Effectiveness.