The Intelligence from The Economist Press clipping: Ethiopia’s media crackdown
Jun 2, 2022
Tom Gardner, The Economist's Horn of Africa correspondent, shares insights on Ethiopia's severe media repression under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, detailing the ongoing censorship and targeted arrests of journalists. Erin Braun, the Mountain West correspondent, discusses the struggles of California's legal marijuana growers, burdened by high taxes and a saturated market despite the booming industry. The conversation highlights the challenges of maintaining press freedom and thriving in an over-regulated agricultural landscape.
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Government-backed Propaganda?
- It's difficult to definitively link the propaganda campaign to the Ethiopian government.
- However, there's a clear connection between online activists, state media, and the government's messaging.
Disinformation Campaign
- The Ethiopian government launched a "State of Emergency Fact Check" account to counter narratives.
- This initiative aimed to discredit victim testimonies and undermine independent reporting, eroding public trust.
California's Cannabis Crisis
- California's legal marijuana market, despite being the world's largest, faces challenges.
- Growers struggle due to high taxes and strict regulations, hindering their profitability.