ADDIS ABABA — Media freedom must mean serving the nation within the framework of national interest and public safety, rather than creating conditions that jeopardize national security, public unity, and sovereignty.

Ethiopian Media Excellence Center, constructed by the Ethiopian Media Authority is inaugurated today in Addis Ababa.  

Delivering the keynote address at the event, Director-General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) and Board Chairman of the Ethiopian Media Authority, Ambassador Redwan Hussein, emphasized that media freedom must strictly coexist with national survival, warning that irresponsible broadcasting that contradicts national interest exposes the public and the country to severe crises.

It was noted that while the expansion of media outlets—aligned with policy, operational expertise, and global technological advancements—plays a significant role in fostering democracy, it also presents distinct challenges.

Clarifying that the existence of media freedom does not mean an absence of accountability, Ambassador Redwan explained that freedom and accountability are inseparable, complementary principles in a democratic society.

He stated that while freedom of expression grants individuals the right to freely express ideas and disseminate information, it does not allow for unrestricted speech or immunity from accountability.

The Board Chairman cautioned that inciting religious or ethnic conflict, willfully defaming individual reputations, and spreading hate speech under the guise of freedom are dangerous missteps. He urged journalists and media institutions to carefully weigh and verify information before broadcasting.

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Redwan stressed that media freedom must always walk hand-in-hand with professional ethics, truth, and public interest and accountability.