Editorial Policy of the Axumawian Media Network (AMN)
Preamble
Until recently, information has not been freely available. In the past few decades, however, information has become widely accessible and misinformation and disinformation, likewise, have become rampant. We have been witnessing, more than any time before in our history, the surge in the use of information for both negative and positive effects as media consumption progresses in tandem with state-of-advanced technology. For example, in a peaceful situation, we have witnessed a surge in the use of media information for skewing electoral results; during the war, we have observed how dictators use media to conceal the truth and to disseminate their propaganda to do whatever they want behind closed doors. More than ever before, we have been also witnessing the surge in disinformation and misinformation by repressive governments, such as the Ethiopian regime, in wrecking and inflaming social conflicts and civil war.
The AMN was incepted during this global and local economic and political turmoil. Especially, in the past five years, misinformation, disinformation and misguided agendas have been at the front and center of the political activities in Ethiopia, and Tigrayan-Americans and African-Americans have been at the receiving end of and the primary victims of the havoc and chaos the government media outlets created. AMN is primarily established to address and avert this issue by broadcasting credible and truthful information. That is, we established the AMN to provide alternative, truthful, and credible information to the Horn of Africa, and Tigrayans, who reside in the US and other parts of the world.
AMN was first informally established in March 2020 by a small number of local youths. AMN was officially registered as a media outlet with the public registry number 8821 as a PLC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania state, USA, in September 2020. Gidey Tesfay Gesessew is registered as the license holder of the AMN PLC.
Definitions
The media network, known as Axumawian Media Network (AMN), derives its name from the esteemed Axumite kingdom/empire, reflecting its economic, social, and political civilization. The Axumite Kingdom held significant influence both in Africa and globally. Beyond political and economic advancements, now the people of TIGRAY, by then Axumawian were recognized for their refined social networking and communication skills. Notably, they embraced religious tolerance and the acceptance of diverse beliefs and perspectives. The choice of the name AMN emphasizes the importance of preserving and perpetuating the advancements and civilized values of the Axumite Kingdom in the present day. AMN is committed to upholding these values without bias or discrimination.
Introduction
The AMN editorial policy has several guidelines and regulations that help realize (and offer) quality and balanced media and journalistic services to the public. The editorial policy includes bylaws of the media, guidelines, and policies that govern the day-to-day activities of the media network, as well as job descriptions and instructions about the conduct and ethics of its employees.
The editorial policy also involves corrective and punitive measures to rectify when a journalistic piece or journalist misconduct occurs and appears as disturbing or offensive to the public. It also encompasses guidelines on how reporters and journalists at AMN should uphold high level of journalistic practices and professionalism at all time. The guidelines also highlight the philosophy, mission and objectives of AMN as well as the values and comparative advantages of the people of Tigray as part of the editorial policy.
The editorial policy, once it is fully implemented, also helps to realize the responsibility and mission of AMN, which includes informing and entertaining viewers and listeners through the dissemination of credible information. In addition, the editorial policy is a principal guideline for AMN to practically realize its fundamental and continuous progress and change.
Finally, the editorial policy is subject to revision when at different times and stages the policy around media in Tigray and in technological advancement change.
- Chapter one
- Overall Objective of AMN: The Axumawian Media Network aims to inform and educate the public about Tigray, an African nation, covering its history, politics, socioeconomic conditions, as well as the origins and progression of the ongoing genocidal war. Additionally, AMN strives to combat misinformation and disinformation worldwide while promoting love and peace.
The key objectives of AMN an editorial policy are as follows:
a) Provide high-quality, current, and up-to-date journalistic and media services.
b) Serve the public in a constructive and effective manner, adhering to a quality code of conduct and media ethics.
c) Establish transparent, accountable, and professionally guided media services that are not influenced by personal interests.
d) Maintain editorial standards and quality by hiring journalists and reporters who possess the necessary knowledge and skills to adhere to media ethics and guidelines.
e) Develop an easily understandable editorial policy that safeguards the rights, duties, and responsibilities of professionals and holds enduring importance.
The vision of AMN is to become one of the most credible and primary sources of (alternative) media outlets in the Horn and other parts of the world by the 2020 Axumawian calendar (2028 E.C).
AMN has the following key responsibilities to fulfill as part of its mission:
a) Promote Tigray-centered democracy and economic development.
b) Foster societal integration and unity in all aspects.
c) Encourage tolerance and respect for diverse opinions, ideas, and ideologies.
d) Address human rights violations and uphold democratic principles.
e) Combat lawlessness and unacceptable moral practices.
f) Increase awareness and accessibility of Tigrayan cultures and values to a wider African and global audience.
g) Utilize advanced communication technologies to deliver educational and entertaining programs tailored to the American diaspora.
- Limitations of the editorial policy
This editorial policy is implemented and put to work by AMN and its collaborative stakeholders. This editorial policy is limited to and only applicable to the day-to-day activities of AMN and its associates.
2. Chapter two
Axumawian Media Network selects to broadcast certain programs based on the following fundamental principles:
- when complying with the laws and decrees of Tigray and the United States, the country in which AMN is established.
- when abiding by the principle, values, vision, and mission of AMN;
- when upholding freedom of expression and the right to access information.
- when freedom of the editorial policy is upheld.
Based on its vision, mission, and values, the editorial policy of AMN strives to realize sustainable peace and democracy, strong political, and socio-economic foundations as well as psychological unity among all the ethnic groups in Tigray.
AMN also works hard to realize justice and equity in Tigray. Through creating programs that promote tolerance and respect among nations and nationalities, AMN also pursues presenting alternative proposals of peace and unity in Tigray through diversity and strong and sustainable bilateral partnerships with other ethnic groups as well as nations and nationalities. In light of the interest and social security of the people of Tigray, AMN disseminates information freely.
All the programs AMN broadcasts via television, radio, YouTube, Facebook, and websites are governed by the editorial policy.
- Chapter three
- Fundamentals and Values of the editorial policy
Axumawian Media Network embraces transparency, clarity, and credibility, as well as quality and steadfast service delivery as key values to serve the public. AMN undertakes all tasks and commitments with greater rigor and plan. The performance of its employees is also assessed by these editorial guidelines and by how each respects the pillars of journalistic values and professionalism.
- Justice/integrity
All the programs AMN broadcasts serve the people Tigray with integrity and justice. AMN strives to broadcasts in all fairness using different languages, including Tigrinya, Amharic, Afar-Saho, Kunama, Afar, and Agew. For now, the main broadcasting languages will be Tigrinya and English, but eventually, depending on the resources available, the service begins with the other languages as well.
- Diversity
All AMN programs promote language and culture equity and age and gender equality. All the values and cultural assets of Tigray are equally promoted.
- Egalitarianism
AMN works to help create an egalitarian system in Tigray. It promotes democratic values, social justice and values, independence, and freedom to thrive and flourish in Tigray. Working with different organizations/stakeholders, it exposes corruption, nepotism, lawlessness, and bad governance. It helps to create good governance in Tigray.
- Transparency and accountability
All programs broadcasted–whether through television, radio or print media – by AMN are subject to the features of transparency and accountability. In order to make this a reality, AMN has board members that can be consulted and asked to give judgments to ascertain transparency and accountability. AMN is professionally responsible to its audience and observers. When AMN is at fault or commits an error during broadcasting, the editorial policy ensures to rectify the error promptly. As a public media, AMN practices transparency and accountability every day, keeping the freedom of the editorial policy intact. While freedom of speech is important to AMN, it doesn’t broadcast programs that put the security of Tigray, the economic and social values of Tigray, and Tigray defense forces at risk for the sake of it.
- Guidelines-based relationship
AMN establishes any time relationship with its viewers and listeners as well as similar media outlets and stakeholders based on the guidelines of transparency and accountability. Whether it is internal or external relationships, relationships without guidelines are void and null.
- Truthfulness
One of the key values of AMN that ascertain credibility is truthfulness. Any news item, educational program or other information piece, before it is broadcasted, AMN ensures that it is primarily verifiable, scrutinized from different perspectives and is supported by research and enough resources.
When a piece of journalistic work is undertaken by a non-AMN member (whether from abroad or from within the country), AMN will make ample efforts to verify the sources and credibility of the information, accordingly.
- Credibility
One of the most important elements of a news piece or journalistic work is credibility. AMN is free from any external pressures or influence. AMN sides only with the will of the people and truth. AMN strives to broadcast truthful and credible information to the public at all times. There is no intention of misleading the public; if a mistake happens, AMN makes a diligent effort to correct it immediately.
- Fairness
AMN strongly upholds fairness and professionalism at all times. It encourages its employees to follow the editorial guidelines in place and refrain from imposing their personal ideologies or sentiments on others that potentially harm the public good. When information and data are collected, AMN uses all its resources to ensure that fairness is entertained and embraced. AMN keeps transparency and fairness as part and parcel of its editorial policy to ensure that equality and respect are mandatorily shown to all stakeholders and subjects involved.
In order to unfair and unjust broadcasting, AMN carefully handles the suitability of the source material, the use of language, and selection of audio-visual materials.
AMN attempts to ensure fairness, along with credibility and accountability, in every broadcasting piece and program so that the voices of all stakeholders and the opinions of others are equally represented.
- Favourite media alive
The main objective of AMN is to serve the wider public. AMN makes an effort to participate in healthy competition as it helps to advance quality services, and encourages journalists and reporters to maintain quality broadcasting services. In order to improve its overall media services, AMN broadcasts programs that have new inventions.
- Editorial Freedom
Consistent with the global convention of freedom of speech, free media and press involve the right for citizens to express their opinion on any subject. AMN, like any other credible media outlet, will have protection in this regard. Thus, AMN functions free from any internal or external meddling.
- Free from religious prejudice
All the responsibility and services in AMN stem from secular fundamental principles and guidelines. In this regard, the media respects the faith and perspectives of all the different religious dominations. It functions free from any religious impositions, serving all equally given their contribution to unity as such.
AMN also refrains from working with other bodies that have contradictions with its political and editorial policies, transgress its editorial law, and infringes its editorial freedom.
- Chapter four
- Broadcasting columns
Axumawian Media Network broadcasts its programs through television, radio, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and an independent website.
- Broadcasting languages
Axumawian Media Network primarily uses Tigrinya, Amharic, and English as broadcasting languages. In the future, when resources are available, it will broadcast in the other languages spoken in Tigray. From foreign languages, such as Arabic, could also be used as deemed relevant.