Award-winning Journalist | Media Educator | Project Manager

Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Email: ayeleradio@gmail.com | Mobile: +251918718307

Profile Summary

A seasoned journalist and media professional with over a decade of experience in Ethiopia's media landscape. Holding a Ph.D. MA and BA in Media, Journalism and Communication, I have a robust background in project management, Media and Journalists Capacity Empowerment and Development, and combating misinformation. My expertise includes leading media-related projects, planning, strategic project design, Curriculum design, Manual preparation, content selection, media lab leadership, field coordination, journalism quality assurance, Monitoring, mentoring and Train Journalists and implementing capacity-building initiatives for journalists. With extensive experience collaborating with NGOs and international organizations, I am committed to driving impactful media projects that enhance journalistic standards and support democratic values.

Education

• Ph.D. in Media and Communication

Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia 2018 - 2022

Dissertation: Political Economy of the State in the Media Production Regulation and Regulatory bodies function: A Case Study of Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (1991-2020)

• M.A. in Media and Communication

Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia 2012 - 2014

Thesis: Agenda Setting and News Framing: A Comparative Analysis of Voice of America Amharic, Deutsche Well (DW) Amharic and Radio Ethiopia in Political Issues

• B.A. in Journalism and Communication

Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia 2005 – 2008

Thesis: Quality of Radio Production and Presentation: an Evaluation of Radio Ethiopia.

Professional Experience

Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism and Communications

Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia December 2024 – Present

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:

• Teaching and Curriculum Development:
  • Design, deliver, and assess undergraduate and postgraduate courses in media studies, communication theory, investigative journalism, multimedia storytelling, and development communication.
  • Lead the revision and modernization of the journalism curriculum to integrate digital literacy, fact-checking, and ethical reporting standards in line with UNESCO model curricula.
  • Supervise senior research projects and master’s theses focused on media, governance, health communication, and environmental reporting.
• Research and Publications:
• Conduct independent and collaborative research in areas such as media and democracy, misinformation and public trust, conflict-sensitive reporting, and climate communication in Africa.
• Publish scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to national and international conferences.
• Lead research projects in partnership with academic and media institutions, focusing on journalistic integrity, public communication, and development narratives in the Horn of Africa.
• Community and Institutional Engagement:
  • Coordinate journalism outreach programs and media literacy workshops for local journalists and students.
  • Collaborate with regional media outlets and NGOs to strengthen ethical journalism and fact-based public information campaigns.
  • Serve as faculty advisor for the university media club and student publication, mentoring young reporters in newsroom practices and editorial ethics.
• Professional and Administrative Roles:
  • Participate in departmental strategic planning, accreditation preparation, and policy development.
  • Contribute to staff training and capacity-building initiatives within the School of Communication.
  • Represent the department in university committees and inter-faculty collaborations on media innovation and digital education.
• Capacity Building and External Collaboration:
  • Partner with international programs such as the Africa Health Communications Fellowship and One Health Media Project to integrate experiential learning into journalism training.
  • Facilitate guest lectures, short courses, and expert panels with professionals from the BBC, DW Akademie, and UNESCO.

Key Focus Areas:

Journalism education and ethics | Development communication | Conflict-sensitive and peace journalism | Climate change communication | Media literacy and misinformation | Public interest storytelling | Research supervision

Project Manager | Ethiopian Community Radio Broadcaster Association: Technical and Skill Development

Supported by UNESCO

• 12 August 2022- 9 January 2023

Capacity Building and Assessment for the Ethiopian Community Radio Broadcasters Association

• Assess Skill Development Gaps: Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify areas of skill development needed across community radio stations. This includes evaluating gaps in radio production, media management, and overall operational effectiveness.
• Design and Develop Training Manuals: Create detailed training manuals tailored to the needs identified in the assessment, focusing on key areas such as gender-sensitive reporting, editorial policy, specialized reporting, and content format development.
• Validate Training Content and Capacity: Ensure that the training materials are validated for relevance and effectiveness. This includes checking alignment with gender considerations, editorial guidelines, and current media reporting standards.
• Provide Advisory Support: Advise the Ethiopian Community Radio Broadcasters Association on the implementation of internal media manuals and adherence to national policies and laws. This guidance will support the association's alignment with best practices in the media industry.
• Monitor Project Quality and Effectiveness: Establish mechanisms to monitor and ensure the quality and impact of the project. This includes regular evaluations and adjustments to enhance project outcomes.
• Develop Trainee Selection Criteria: Collaborate with UNESCO and the Ethiopian Community Radio Broadcasters Association to design a transparent and effective selection process for community radio trainees participating in the training series.
• Evaluate and Revise Training Content: Continuously evaluate and revise the training content, methodology, and curriculum. The focus will be on filling the identified skill gaps, particularly in areas such as basic reporting, media management, planning, and production.
• Assess Training Quality: Implement pre-, during-, and post-training evaluations to assess the quality of the training delivery, with a particular focus on the relevance and effectiveness of content and methodology.
• Compile Qualitative and Quantitative Reports: Prepare and compile comprehensive qualitative and quantitative reports on the project's progress and impact. These reports will be used for internal review and external reporting to stakeholders.
• Support Program Planning and Implementation: Actively participate in and support the planning, implementation, and post-implementation phases of the program. This includes coordinating with partners and stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of all program activities.
• Facilitate Program Operations: Assist and facilitate all critical aspects of the program, ensuring smooth operations and timely achievement of project goals.

Lead Trainer and Local Project Manager of “Ethiopia Media support, Train, Protect & Value” project https://ac.cfi.fr/en/appels/ethiopia-media-support/

Funded by : CFI, a part France Médias Monde Implemented by Ethiopian Media Council (EMC) mid- February 2024 to end of July 2024

National-Level Journalism Trainer for Ethiopian Media Houses

• Develop and Deliver Comprehensive Training Programs: Design and implement a range of journalism training programs tailored to the specific needs of various media houses across Ethiopia. These programs cover essential skills such as investigative reporting, ethical journalism, multimedia storytelling, and news production.
• Specialized Reporting Training: Provide specialized training on niche areas of reporting, including conflict-sensitive journalism, environmental reporting, health journalism, and economic reporting. Tailor content to address the unique challenges faced by journalists in these fields.
• Editorial Standards and Ethics: Train journalists and editors on maintaining high editorial standards and adhering to ethical guidelines. This includes sessions on avoiding biases, ensuring accuracy, and upholding journalistic integrity.
• Media Management and Leadership Training: Offer workshops for media managers and executives on effective media management, leadership, and organizational development. Topics include strategic planning, audience engagement, revenue generation, and crisis management.
• Gender-Sensitive Reporting: Conduct training focused on gender-sensitive journalism, ensuring that media coverage is inclusive, balanced, and free from stereotypes. Equip journalists with the tools to cover gender-related issues responsibly.
• Digital Journalism and New Media: Provide training on digital journalism, including the use of social media, data journalism, and mobile reporting. Help media houses adapt to the digital landscape and effectively reach online audiences.
• Content Creation and Storytelling Techniques: Enhance journalists' skills in content creation, focusing on storytelling techniques that resonate with diverse audiences. This includes training on scriptwriting, video production, and audio storytelling.
• Mentorship and Capacity Building: Offer ongoing mentorship to journalists and media professionals, helping them develop their skills and build capacity within their organizations. Provide feedback on their work and guide them in applying best practices.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Regularly assess the training needs of media houses and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs. Use these insights to continuously improve the training content and delivery methods.
• Facilitate Peer Learning and Networking: Organize and facilitate peer learning sessions and networking opportunities for journalists across different media houses. Encourage the exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices.
• Support Policy and Regulatory Compliance: Advise media houses on compliance with national media policies and regulations. Provide training on legal issues related to journalism, including freedom of expression, defamation, and privacy laws.
• Crisis Reporting and Emergency Response: Train journalists on crisis reporting, including covering emergencies, disasters, and conflicts. Equip them with the skills to report accurately and responsibly under pressure.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity in Reporting: Promote cultural sensitivity and diversity in reporting, ensuring that media coverage reflects the diverse voices and communities within Ethiopia. Train journalists to report in a way that is respectful and inclusive of all cultural groups.

Project Manager | Media Literacy Fact-checking Trainer International Media Support (IMS /Fojo) and Bahir Dar University Sept 2020 – December 2023

https://fojo.se/en/happy-global-week-of-media-literacy/

• Designed and implemented media literacy and fact-checking training programs, impacting over 500 journalists and High School students in the National label.
• Managed multiple projects focusing on combating disinformation and hate speech, ensuring quality control and effective monitoring.
• Developed curricula and training materials, leading to enhanced media literacy across Ethiopian media outlets.
• Developing fact Checking and Media literacy module Amharic, Affan Oromo and English Language.

Consultant, Mentor, Translator, and Lead Trainer | Thomson Reuters Foundation PACE Project for   Ethiopian   Radio   Stations   Journalists,   Editors,   and   Managers March 2021 – October 2022

https://www.trust.org/i/?id=7b679a18-41ba-430d-8d95-4a9307a17a7f https://www.trust.org/i/?id=d03bbb3f-787c-431e-b7b2-c4acb34fc080

• Consultancy Services for Media Development: Provided expert consultancy services to support the strategic development of Ethiopian radio stations under the PACE Project. Advised on best practices in journalism, media management, and audience engagement to enhance the overall quality of radio broadcasting.
• Mentorship and Capacity Building: Mentored journalists, editors, and managers from various Ethiopian radio stations, focusing on skill development, leadership, and ethical journalism. Provided one-on-one coaching and feedback to improve their reporting and management capabilities.
• Lead Trainer in Journalism and Media Management: Designed and delivered comprehensive training programs for journalists, editors, and managers. Covered key areas such as investigative journalism, ethical reporting, news production, media management, and leadership skills.
• Translation and Localization of Training Materials: Translated and adapted training materials into local languages, ensuring that content was culturally relevant and accessible to participants. This facilitated a better understanding of the material and its application in the local media context.
• Development of Editorial Guidelines and Policies: Assisted in the creation and implementation of editorial guidelines and policies for radio stations, ensuring that they adhered to international journalism standards and local regulatory requirements.
• Training on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting: Provided specialized training on conflict-sensitive reporting, equipping journalists with the skills to cover sensitive issues responsibly and ethically. This included training on reporting during times of crisis and conflict.
• Evaluation and Impact Assessment: Conducted regular evaluations of training sessions and their impact on participants. Gathered feedback to refine and improve training content, ensuring that it met the evolving needs of Ethiopian radio stations.
• Support for Gender-Sensitive Journalism: Led workshops focused on promoting gender- sensitive journalism, ensuring that radio stations produced content that was inclusive, fair, and free from gender bias.
• Strategic Planning and Project Management: Played a key role in the strategic planning and management of the PACE Project, coordinating with stakeholders, setting objectives, and ensuring that the project was delivered on time and within scope.
• Facilitation of Peer Learning and Collaboration: Facilitated peer learning sessions among journalists, editors, and managers from different radio stations, encouraging collaboration and the sharing of best practices across the network.
• Capacity Building in Digital Media: Trained radio station staff on integrating digital media into their traditional broadcasting, including the use of social media, podcasting, and online content distribution to reach wider audiences.
• Cultural Sensitivity in Reporting: Provided training on cultural sensitivity in reporting, ensuring that radio content was respectful of Ethiopia’s diverse cultures and communities. Promoted inclusive journalism practices that reflected the country’s rich cultural heritage.
• Monitoring and Reporting on Project Outcomes: Monitored the progress of the project and compiled detailed reports on outcomes and impacts. Provided recommendations for future initiatives and potential areas of improvement for the PACE Project.

Radio Journalist |Amhara Media Corporation/ Freelance: Africa News Channel, EMMA NEWS

April 2008 – September 2014 https://www.facebook.com/AmharaMediaCorporation/ Responsibilities:

1. News Reporting and Storytelling:
   • Conducted investigative reporting and developed compelling stories on various topics, including social issues, politics, and human rights.
   • Specialized in reporting on complex and sensitive topics with a focus on ethical journalism and accuracy.
2. Content Creation:
   • Produced high-quality news content for radio, print, and digital platforms.
   • Developed scripts, audio segments, and written articles that effectively communicated key information to a broad audience.
3. Interviewing and Research:
   • Conducted in-depth interviews with sources, including experts, public officials, and individuals affected by the issues covered.
   • Carried out thorough research to ensure all content was well-informed and factually accurate.
4. Editorial Collaboration:
   • Worked closely with editors and media managers to refine story angles, verify information, and meet publication deadlines.

   • Contributed to editorial meetings, suggesting story ideas and providing insights based on fieldwork.

     Specialized Reporting:

 1. Focused on niche areas of reporting, such as conflict-sensitive journalism, environmental issues, and gender-sensitive stories.

2. Ensured that reporting was balanced, inclusive, and free from bias.

3. Digital and Multimedia Journalism:

• Adapted traditional journalism skills to digital platforms, including social media, podcasts, and online news sites.
• Created multimedia content to enhance storytelling and engage with audiences across multiple platforms.

1. Ethical and Legal Compliance:
   • Adhered to ethical journalism standards, ensuring all reporting was conducted with integrity and respect for the subjects involved.
   • Maintained compliance with national media laws and regulations, including those related to defamation, privacy, and freedom of expression.
2. Field Reporting:
   • Engaged in on-the-ground reporting, covering live events, press conferences, and community stories.
   • Demonstrated the ability to report under challenging conditions, including during crises and conflicts.

Skills and Competencies

• Project Management: Strategic project design, implementation, and monitoring.
• Media Training: Expertise in media literacy, fact-checking, and combating misinformation.
• Journalist; Planning stories, idea generating, conducting interviews, evaluating, researching, editing, fact checking and using various sources, writing, producing and broadcasting
• Research and Analysis: Strong background in media studies and political economy.
• Language Proficiency: Fluent in Amharic, English and Turkish.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Proven ability to work with international NGOs and media organizations.

1. Award: Outstanding Investigative Reporting, one of the third prize winners in the teamwork of Festiov Journalism Award 2020. (https://fjawards.com/finalists/59-sucked-dry/article) in Switzerland. International
2. 2023 7th Nile Media Award, Best Balanced Digital Media Story, Kamapalla Uganda, Continental
3. Best Radio Journalist in 2013 at Amhara Mass Media Agency. At Station label

Publications

• Journalism in a sensitive context , 2024 by France Media Development
• Media literacy and countering Disinformation Module for International Media Support (IMS/Fojo) for National training Program of Ethiopian universities, journalists and youth, 2020 in Amharic, English
• The Development of Ethiopian Media, 1991-2021 https://journals.wu.edu.et/index.php/ajbs/article/view/534
• Translator and Editor in to Amharic language ““JOURNALISM, ‘FAKE NEWS’ & DISINFORMATION “UNESCO’s handbook. 2020.
• The development of Broadcast media in Ethiopia, 2020, Government communication of Ethiopia.
• Agenda setting and news framing in Ethiopian politics. (2015 Lambert publishing Inc.)(ISBN: 9783659675812) from Amazon's Book Store.

Ayele Addis Ambelu ; Dr. Adem Chanie Ali ; Dr. Terje Skjerdal

6. African Form of Indigenous Mass Communication in the Case of Ethiopia, by Ayele Addis

The Athens Journal of Mass Media and Communications ISSN NUMBER: 2407-9677 - DOI: 10.30958/ajmmc

Volume 7, Issue 3, July 2021

• https://www.athensjournals.gr/media/2020-3892-AJMMC-Ambelu-05.pdfDirectory      of           Open Access Journals (DOAJ),

6.  The political Ideology shifts of Ethiopia

http://journals.sagepub.com/home/JDS (Ongoing for publication: confirmed: published in February) Sources: Journal Citation Reports (Source Clarivate, 2021), Scopus®, 2020 release, and Google Scholar.

• Research Presentation :
• The role of media for language and culture development, 2016, Wollo University.
• A review of Ethiopian tourism challenges and opportunities in Wollo Published by the Federal Culture Center 2016.
• Art of Journalism, Book , የጋዜጠኝነት ጥበባት ፣ 2008 ዓ.ም ፣ ኤልሳ ማተሚያ ቤት.
• The role of traditional singer in the African politics የአዝማሪዎችሚና በኢትዮጵያ ፖለቲካ (1855-2007)

፣ ባህር ዳር ዩኒቨርስቲ ፣ አባይ የባህል ጥናት እና ምርምር ተቋም፣ 2009 ዓ.ም

• የዳግማዊ ቴዎድሮስማንነት እና ምሰላ በአማርኛ ግጥሞች ፣ ጎንደር ዩኒቨርስቲ ፣ 2010 ዓ.ም
• The Development of Investigative Journalism in Eastern Africa, Book, 2022. (Amharic Language)

Published and forthcoming

*The use of language problems in Mass Media.

* *Freedom of Press in Ethiopia: Critical Review.(Waiting for publication)

*Developmental Journalism in Ethiopia. (Waiting for publication)

*The history of Ethiopian Mass Media (Amharic Book) 2010 E.C