Ethiopia has taken a significant step in limiting press freedom by revoking the media license of the independent online outlet Addis Standard on the grounds that it endangered national interests. This action follows a statement from the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA), which accused Addis Standard of repeatedly violating media ethics and Ethiopian laws while ignoring warnings to change its reporting practices. The EMA, led by a director appointed by the lower house of parliament, deemed that the outlet’s conduct has posed risks to the country and its citizens.

Addis Standard is one of the few independent media sources in Ethiopia, boasting a following of nearly one million on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter). The outlet is known for its critical reporting on various national issues, making its closure a significant loss for dissenting voices in the region. The revocation of its license places further strain on the already challenging landscape for press freedom in Ethiopia, which ranks poorly on global indexes, sitting at 145th out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom according to Reporters Without Borders.

This development raises concerns regarding the state of journalism and the space for independent reporting in Ethiopia, particularly against the backdrop of continuing political and social tensions in the country. Limiting press freedom could have broader implications for democracy and the public's right to information, potentially impacting the role of media in promoting accountability and transparency within the government and society at large.