Thread by @althecat

This points to a need for the Govt. Of Ethiopia to operate a 24/7 media response desk which proactively talks to reporters, explains things to them on background and provides opportunities for them to conduct IVs and generally provides them with the sort of service they require.

https://twitter.com/aayanso/status/1479982188313686017

I appreciate there is no trust and that the military situation is complicated and makes things difficult. But the value of such an effort and investment would be massive. One side needs to rebuild the trust and that has to be the GoE. @mfaethiopia ought to be involved.

Also media domestic and international need an update from @PMEthiopia urgently on the war, diplomatic efforts, the humanitarian situation and the prisoner release via @BilleneSeyoum.

The reason @reda_getachew is effective in getting the TPLF version of breaking news events reported is that he makes himself available, they have his phone number and he speaks with them. And they have got to know him.

Personal affinity between media liaison staff and journalists, editors and reporters is what drives the news media. The numbers of reporters are falling as is their level of expertise and experience. This is the world we are in.

Also, for international media Africa is not high on the priority list, even when it comes to international news. It is astonishing that the largest war on the planet for the last year, one with massive global implications has been covered so little and so poorly.