June 02 2004

Addis Ababa - Ethiopia will issue a long-delayed radio broadcast licence to
private operators beginning in August, the information minister said on
Wednesday, opening slightly the country's tightly-controlled media.

Many Ethiopians and rights groups have asked for private radio and
television stations to be allowed to operate independently.

"Technical works in frequency allocations that would allow private
broadcasters to operate have been prepared and the licence will be issued
starting next August," Minister of Information Bereket Simon told
parliament.

Bereket said the licence will be only for FM broadcasts, and medium- and
short-wave as well as private television stations will be considered later.

Bereket said his ministry had begun to discuss a draft press law with
members of the media before presenting it to the cabinet.

The controversial draft has been described as restrictive and discriminatory
by journalist groups, who say it aims to stop reporters operating freely.

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