Interview with Mary Joy Ethiopia Founder Sister Zebider Zewdie  

ሜሪጆይ ኢትዮጰያ

EBEN-EZER  Information & Communication Center (EICc)

Ethio Diaspora communication began with the aim of providing timely news, social and cultural information, opinions and analysis to the Ethiopian community. Ethio Diaspora Communication is one of the arms for the EICC. Through this branch, EICC engaged in the broadcast and production of Ethio Diaspora Radio programs. 

Ethio Diaspora Radio program is strictly designed to serve this community. Like any other ethnic/community radio ours also by and large remained close to the community it serves. In short, it is for the community by the community. We are trying to bridge the gap in communication and offer forum for sharing ideas, hopes, dreams and concerns. Our main objective is also to provide a marketplace of ideas where our listeners make the ultimate judgment on the merits of ideas presented. We serve as forum for the expressions of diverse view among the communities.
Apart from providing the information about the current events, our radio programs advance the development of community’s sense of social responsibility about social issues, and provide a way through which sense of responsibility can be translated into action. In addition, through our weekly programs we encourage the community to be able to interact with one another, to work as volunteers, and to become members of different initiatives in the community, and share freely their knowledge, experience, skills and their time to make their community a better place to live as well as to play active role in local issues, events and activities. 

Most of us came to America today because of historical accident of one form or another. It’s now of course up to us, both individually and collectively to do everything within our power to go forth and claim a piece of the American dream. That of course, includes fully participating in the American political process. Our media plays vital role in this regard. Through our discussion and programs, we encourage members of our community to integrate smoothly in the society they have come to live and enable them to lead a settled life. 

On the other hand, the mainstream media has been indifferent about the ethnic communities in the US. So the ethnic media such as ours have become the main voice to the community. We report about the community from inside out, sometimes quite literally. In fact we shouldn't be surprised to see the ethnic communities who are ‘neglected’ by mainstream media, to develop mistrust. Which by the way, this phenomenon has given the community radio a boost in terms of listeners and supporters. And understanding how to serve the immigrant community is the best way for ethnic media such as ours to survive. 