The Horn of Africa service broadcasts to more than 130 million people in Ethiopia and Eritrea in three languages: Amharic, Afan Oromo, and Tigrinya. In addition to the direct target audiences in both countries, large diaspora communities in the U.S. and throughout the world also get VOA contents and actively participate. Digital and mobile platforms are also available on the web in all the three languages. The Horn of Africa Service broadcasts local, regional, U.S. and international news, as well as an array of programming about Ethiopian and American culture, politics, current affairs, economics, health, education, entertainment and more. According to a 2018 survey commissioned by the U.S. Agency for Global Media, VOA is the leading international broadcaster in Ethiopia with a weekly audience of more than 11 million. The survey results also indicate that 98 percent of those surveyed said they “trust VOA’s news and information.”

Quick Facts

Programs and Features

AMHARIC (1 hour / seven days a week, 1800 UTC / Radio SW and RoTV) Amharic broadcasts regional and world news, as well as an array of engaging and participatory weekly features.

Monday: A 7-minute program Ask the Doctor on health topics, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tuesday: Education, Business and Economy - A 7-minute program focusing on current issues in education, as well as economic challenges and opportunities.

Wednesday: 7-minute features each, Democracy in Action -- focuses on issues of democracy and governance, the rule of law and human rights. Women and Family -- highlighting achievements and challenges for women, family matters and raising children. Ethiopians in America -- features stories about Ethiopians living in U.S. diaspora communities. Americana -- features stories about the American way of life, culture, and society.

Thursday: Cultural Mosaic -- features stories on Ethiopian people, ethnicity, cultures, rituals and traditions, music, literature, and the arts.

Saturday: Call-In Shows, Panel Discussions, Crossfire -- in which two or more guests offer differing views in a lively debate on important issues of the day in Ethiopia.

Sunday: Sunday Special (Mestawot/The Mirror) includes panel discussions on the week’s hot issues and Radio magazine includes extensive reporting on selected topics, as well as entertaining, cultural reports and discussions.

AFAN OROMO (30 min / seven days a week,1730 UTC / Radio SW and RoTV) Afaan Oromo broadcasts regional and world news, as well as an array of features on democracy, health, development, agriculture, American stories and more. It also presents reports and interviews of special interest to the Oromo population in Ethiopia and the diaspora, including a popular eight-minute weekly (Tuesday) program: Did You Know This About Oromos? and Highlights of the Week (Saturday and Sunday) weekend package shows.

TIGRINYA (30 min / seven days a week,1900 UTC / Radio SW and RoTV)

VOA Tigrinya airs news and features of particular interest to the Tigrinya-speaking listeners in Northern Ethiopia and Eritrea. Tigrinya also offers a weekly (Wednesday) 10-minute program called People to People, in which Tigrinya-speaking Ethiopians and Eritreans discuss issues of mutual interest or concern. Other programs include the biweekly (Tuesday) 7-minute Eritreans in America, the biweekly (Tuesday) 7- minute Life in America feature and the Saturday and Sunday (weekly) Call-in show on conflict and humanitarian crisis in Tigray.

Gabbina VOA (30 min. / seven days a week, 1700 UTC / Radio SW and RoTV) A fast-paced radio show aimed at youth in Ethiopia, Eritrea and in the diaspora. The program explores a range of topics that impact the lives of young people in the region and gives them a forum for expressing their views. Among the topics: migration, health, entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, local governance, music, and life in America.

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