The launch of the Digital EBC mobile application marks more than a technological upgrade for the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation; it signals a pivotal moment in our nation’s media trajectory.
At the panel discussion, “The Role of Digital Media in Building a Strong Nation,” Worku Gachena, General Director for Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence, articulated a vision that media professionals would be wise to heed: artificial intelligence is not a harbinger of obsolescence, but a catalyst for reinvention.
In an era when algorithms curate newsfeeds and language models can produce near-instantaneous reports, it is tempting for traditional media to retreat defensively, clinging to legacy methods out of fear of being replaced.
Yet such apprehension ignores the historical truth that every major technological leap, from the printing press to the advent of television, has ultimately expanded the reach, scope, and influence of journalism for those willing to adapt. AI is no different.
EBC’s willingness to integrate AI into its operations demonstrates both foresight and a recognition of Ethiopia’s unique position. With over 80 languages spoken nationwide, the potential of AI-powered translation and speech synthesis is transformative.
In a single stroke, it could democratise access to news, enabling citizens in every linguistic community to receive timely and accurate information in their mother tongue. This is not merely a matter of convenience; it is an act of cultural inclusion and national cohesion.
Equally significant is AI’s capacity to modernise live broadcasting. Real-time transcription, automated fact-checking, and dynamic audience engagement tools can enhance both accuracy and interactivity.
For a public broadcaster like EBC, these innovations offer a pathway to increased trust and relevance, particularly among younger, digitally native audiences who expect immediacy and personalisation in their media consumption.
Yet as Gachena rightly emphasised, this transformation cannot be left to chance. AI must be harnessed with responsibility, ethical safeguards, and a sustained investment in human capacity.
Algorithms, while powerful, are not immune to bias; automation, while efficient, must not erode editorial judgment.
The future of Ethiopian media will depend not simply on acquiring AI tools, but on cultivating professionals who can deploy them judiciously, balancing speed with accuracy, and automation with human oversight.
This is why capacity-building should be at the core of any AI integration strategy. Journalists, editors, and producers must be trained not only in technical skills but also in critical digital literacy, enabling them to interpret algorithmic outputs, detect inaccuracies, and maintain editorial independence.
Media institutions that invest in their people as much as in their technology will emerge as leaders in this new information landscape.
The Digital EBC initiative offers a blueprint. By embracing AI as an ally, Ethiopian media can not only remain relevant in a fast-changing global market but also redefine its role in nation-building.
The choice before us is clear: either treat AI as a passing novelty or recognise it for what it truly is, a transformative force that, if guided wisely, can strengthen both our journalism and our democracy.
By ZELALEM GIRMA / KEYIR STAFF WRITER