The Amhara Media Council (AMC), a coalition of 14 independent media organizations advocating for press freedom in Ethiopia, has issued an urgent appeal to Mr. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., demanding an end to what it calls the systematic and politically motivated deplatforming of Amhara journalists and media outlets on YouTube.
In a formal letter sent to Mr. Pichai, AMC expresses grave concern over a growing pattern of YouTube channel terminations that disproportionately target Amhara journalists, many of whom report on human rights violations and government abuses in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. Several of these journalists are now in exile and rely on YouTube to reach their audiences and document atrocities.
“YouTube has become a lifeline for persecuted Ethiopian journalists,” said Meaza Mohammed, President of the Amhara Media Council. “The platform’s growing role in supporting global press freedom is being undermined by coordinated reporting attacks, likely orchestrated by actors aligned with the Ethiopian government.”
The Council warns that YouTube’s automated content moderation systems are being weaponized through mass flagging campaigns, leading to the deletion of channels without proper review or transparency. Many of the removed videos featured in-depth reporting on the Fano movement, a grassroots Amhara self-defense group that has not been designated a terrorist organization by the United States or other international authorities.
These removals, AMC says, have:
- Erased vital historical records and investigative journalism
- Silenced critical voices speaking out against atrocities
- Undermined press freedom and democratic accountability
- Emboldened authoritarian efforts to suppress dissent
To address this escalating crisis, the Amhara Media Council is calling on Alphabet Inc. to:
1. Conduct an independent audit of YouTube account terminations involving AMC-affiliated media;
2. Restore improperly removed channels and ensure fair treatment of journalists reporting on conflict;
3. Implement transparent content moderation policies that protect journalists in politically sensitive contexts;
4. Engage in direct dialogue with AMC to develop lasting solutions that prevent abuse of YouTube’s systems.
“YouTube has a global responsibility not to enable censorship by proxy,” said Meaza. “The stakes are high—not just for the Amhara people, but for press freedom around the world.”
Channels Terminated Include:
Mereja TV – 300,000 subscribers
Ethio 251 Media – 145,000 subscribers
Ghion TV Multimedia – 120,000 subscribers
Global Fano Media – 30,000 subscribers
The Amhara Media – 30,000 subscribers
The Voice of Amhara – 150,000 subscribers
Amhara Broadcasting Center (ABC) – 90,000 subscribers
Mereb Media – 25,000 subscribers
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Meaza Mohammed
President, Amhara Media Council
📧 [email protected]
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