Media Council Proposes Fund To Rescue Struggling Media Outlets, Prevent Layoffs

The Ethiopian Media Council has announced a proposal to create a national media fund to provide a financial lifeline to both public and private media outlets facing a severe sustainability crisis and to prevent the layoff of journalists.

The initiative, presented during a Council discussion on November 26, 2025, is designed to rescue institutions forced to close due to economic pressures and to safeguard the continuity of independent media voices.

Led by the deputy chair of the Council’s executive committee, Tamerat Hailu, members reviewed the fund’s goals, examined possible financing sources, and discussed how it would be administered.

During the discussion, Tamrat presented a study that included the experience of other countries.

He said that the fund could provide financial support to private and public media institutions, many of which are facing financial difficulties.

Tamerat argued that a fund would be critical to overcome financial hindrances that prevent media from providing credible information, thereby ensuring media institutionalism, independence, and diversity. He also pointed out that ensuring the continuity of media operations would prevent the layoff of journalists.

While the Council stressed that financial support for struggling media outlets is essential for delivering honest, independent information to the public, Tamrat said that the media fund could be established and administered by the government or by stakeholders.

“Establishing and administering a media fund that assists Council members seeking financial capacity support is among the objectives of the Council,” he said.

The study further indicated that monitoring will identify media outlets in need of support and check whether they utilize the money for the intended purpose.

It also indicates a direction for the government to support media by establishing a Media Fund within the Media Council. According to the council, the financial sources for the fund could include the government, international donors, and the private sector.