Eritrean Media: the Lay out pt. 1
For people who are starting to find out there is more under the surface. Here is a short lay out of the media organization of the government and the pro-government movement. The next time we'll bring a lay out of the opposition movement.
The current ruling party, PFDJ (People's Front for Democracy and Justice) has an extensive network of media outlet. The government has official channels like TV, radio and their main website (shabait.org). There are are several government affiliated websites. The governement has also (beside government officials) some spokespersons. Sophia Tesfamariam, resides in the US, and is known for her ferocious posts and articles. Thomas C. Mountain is an American citizen, living in Hawaii, who somehow got involved and is extremely pro-government. The opposition claims that both spokespersons are paid lobbyists.
The interesting part is the facebook network of individuals spreading continious positive messages. It doesn't mean that the information is not correct. It is merely biased and it never asks questions. The communication of the pro-goverment base can be devidid into 3 types.
1. Nostalgia: pictures, video's about the armed independence struggle. The pro-government movement tends to romanticize the independence struggle and still claims the victory as their greatest achievement, thus legitimation of their power (we brought independence, so we're the rightfully rulers)
2. Positive news: about roads, schools, graduations and succes that can be accredited to the government. Normally supported with credo's like "nikit teray","awet n'hafash", "ane ne'hagery", "hade libi, hade hizbi"
3. Bashing: primarily bashing of western "mainstream media" as the supporters call it. Plus vigorously reacting on anti-government posts. mainly calling the posters, woyane, ethiopia supporting or western-sponsored.
So now you know. Keep it in mind, that real fact finding is all about using several sources and weighting interests and political ties. Make up your own mind.