Addis Ababa, April 29, 2011 (Addis Ababa) - The House of Peoples' Representatives said Mass Media and Freedom of Information has been maintained in the country.
Speaking at the opening of a relevant awareness raising forum organized for parliamentarians here on Friday, Culture, Tourism and Mass Media Affairs Standing Committee Chairperson of the House, Rabia Essa said the constitution has ensured freedom of speech and expression of citizens.

The constitution has fully brought to an end the practice censorship, which she said helped to ensure freedom of mass media.

Rabia said the government has been undertaking various activities including preparation of relevant proclamations to implement freedom of speech and expression ensured in the constitution.

The Mass Media and Freedom of Information Proclamation as well as broadcasting proclamation are some of the major activities carried out by the government towards the same goal.

The Chairperson said the Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority has been undertaking encouraging activities towards development of the mass media.

Realization of community radio in the country is one of the major activities carried out by the authority, she said, and stressed the need to give prime attention to expansion of community radio as most of the people live in rural parts of the country.

The day-long forum , organized by the Authority, discussed on concept of community radio, legal frameworks of mass media and importance of community radio, among others.