ETN Press Statement

The management and journalists of Ethiopian Television Network are proud and elated to announce the birth of a 24 x 7 television service to all Ethiopians at home and in the Diaspora. ETN shall commence broadcasting its Amharic services from ETN Broadcast House in Alexandria, Virginia as of the first week of April 2007. It will start trial transmissions at the beginning of March 2007. The target broadcast coverage area is North America (U.S.A Canada and the Caribbean). However we expect to reach viewers in other places also. We will be broadcasting via satellite dish.

The coming to life of ETN (Ethiopian Television Network) is the birth of an “Idea.” The need to start a medium of communications, especially an electronic one, has been circulating for quite a long time among Ethiopians in the Diaspora. The demand for forums where the ever growing Ethiopian community can discuss current and burning issues obtaining in the country is always fresh. The need to ponder over the major questions of the day . . . in a civil manner, the desire to be informed about the country, its people etc has been emphasized immensely for a long time.
            The decision of the management and media workers at ETN to meet the challenge was further enhanced by the total control of the media by the regime and imprisonment of the journalists of the independent media and closure of their editorial offices. This has prompted us to make a humble effort to fill the vacuum. This will be a forum or market place of ideas, where programs and news find objective and unbiased treatment. This will be a forum fee from sectarian or partisan influence. ETN’s partisanship will be to the Ethiopian people.
            Ethiopia, as a cradle of civilization and the bearer of the torch of freedom for Africa and the Black man should hold its rightful place in the world. Historical documents and archaeological excavations unearthed recently testify to this abundantly. With out a doubt it has become incumbent on us journalists to become a forum to reach the world. ETN is tasked with the duty to open Ethiopia’s window to the world.
            ETN will go on the air with a variety of programs that touch the lives of our compatriots and the country. Discussions on topical issues of the times, profiles of gallant sons and daughters of Ethiopia, analyses of the news that concern Ethiopia, entertainment and many more, are but a few of ETN’s programs.
            This undertaking and challenge can not be successful without the full participation and support of Ethiopians of all walks of life. We expect our esteemed viewers to stand with us to serve you best. We look forward to your suggestions, comments and criticisms. By so doing you can nurture your Network.
           
ETN for the service of Ethiopians and Ethiopia.
            ETN is Ethiopia’s mirror to the world.

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