Petition updateUphold Freedom of Expression and Fair Treatment for Ethiopian Amhara MediasApplication to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Regarding YouTube Blocking of Three Media
Wondwossen TekluNairobi, Kenya
Sep 23, 2023

Application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Regarding YouTube Blocking of Three Amhara Community Channels


Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street SW Washington, D.C. 20554 USA


Dear Commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission,

I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of utmost importance concerning the recent blocking of three Amhara media channels (Ethio 360 Media, Addis Dimts and Baro Tube Channel) on the YouTube platform. This action is being carried out by YouTube, a subsidiary of Google, and I believe it to be in direct violation of the rules and regulations governing online content in the United States and abroad. 

Over the past tow and half months alone, these channels have been blocked repeatedly without any prior notification or warnings from YouTube. 

This has resulted in significant disruption to my ability to communicate and share content with their audience, impacting our  livelihood and freedom of expression.

Our  YouTube channels, Ethio 360 Media, Addis Dimts Media and Baro Tube Channel has been blocked for multiple times without prior notification or warnings. For instance Ethio 360 Media alone, has been blocked for almost fifteen times without of prior Warnings nor notifications within short period of time. Additionally, the you Tube company went on blocking  the newly created channels in contradiction of its own community guidelines and regulations which that violated the right of a million subscribers of the three medias. 

The three Amhara media channels, Ethio 360 Media, Addis Dimts and Baro Tube Channel in question have been instrumental in providing news, information, and cultural content to the Amhara community both in Ethiopia and in the United States. 

The abrupt blocking of these channels is not only a threat to the freedom of speech but also adversely affects the diverse voices and perspectives that  thrive in Ethiopia. 

I believe in the importance of adhering to YouTube's community guidelines and policies, and I have taken all necessary measures to ensure compliance. However, the lack of communication and transparency from YouTube in blocking my channels has left me in a state of uncertainty.

I request the FCC to investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action in accordance with the laws and regulations that govern online content in the United States and abroad. 

The following points highlight why I believe this YouTube blocking constitutes an unlawful act:

1. Violation of Freedom of Speech:

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the freedom of speech, including the right to express diverse viewpoints. Blocking these media channels infringes upon this fundamental right.

2. Lack of Transparency:

YouTube's actions lack transparency, as they have not provided clear reasons for the blocking of these channels. This lack of transparency is contrary to the principles of fairness and accountability.

3. Unjustified Censorship:

YouTube's actions appear to be censorship based on the content's ethnicity or political perspective. Such discriminatory practices go against the principles of neutrality and fairness upheld by U.S. regulations.

4. Impact on Cultural Exchange:

These Amhara media channels have played a significant role in promoting cultural exchange and understanding. Their removal disrupts these important initiatives.

I kindly request that the FCC investigate this matter promptly and ensure that YouTube adheres to the principles of free speech, transparency, and fairness. It is vital to protect the rights and voices of all communities within the United States, including the Amhara community.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that the Federal Communications Commission will take the necessary steps to address this issue in accordance with the laws and regulations of the United States.

 

 Urgent Petition: 

Support Our Efforts to Address YouTube Blocking of Amhara Media Channels


Dear Friends/Readers 

I am writing to urge you to support our cause by signing a crucial petition addressed to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). We are seeking to rectify the unlawful blocking of three Amhara media channels on YouTube, a matter of significant concern.

The three Amhara media channels, Ethio 360 Media, Addis Dimts Media and Baro Tube Channel have been vital sources of news, information, and cultural content for the Amhara community in the United States in Ethiopia and around the world.

Unfortunately, YouTube's recent action to block these channels jeopardizes our freedom of speech and hinders the exchange of diverse viewpoints.

We firmly believe that this censorship is in violation of the rules and regulations governing online content in the United States. To address this issue effectively, we have submitted an application to the FCC, outlining the reasons why this YouTube blocking is unlawful and detrimental to our community.

Your signature on our petition will help amplify our voice and ensure that our concerns are heard by the FCC. By signing, you are advocating for:

1. The Protection of Freedom of Speech: 

Supporting our petition means upholding the fundamental right to freedom of speech, as enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

2. Transparency and Accountability: 

We seek transparency from YouTube in their decision-making process and accountability for actions that appear to be based on ethnicity or political perspective.

3. Cultural Exchange and Understanding: 

The restoration of these Amhara media channels will facilitate cultural exchange, information flow and foster better understanding among diverse communities.


Please take a moment to sign our petition using the link below:

[https://www.change.org/p/uphold-freedom-of-expression-and-fair-treatment-for-ethiopian-amhara-medias

Your signature will make a meaningful difference in our efforts to address this issue with the FCC.

Together, we can work towards ensuring that all voices are respected and protected within the United States and beyond. 


Thank you for your support and commitment to safeguarding freedom of expression.


The three Blocked Medias Current Link Address 


Ethio 360 Media link Address 

� +1 540 277 3242

Home | Ethio360 Media https://www.ethio360media.com/

360 Studio 6 - YouTube https://m.youtube.com/@360Studiova

Addis Dimts Link Address 

� +1 202 567 7527 
� hostabebe@gmail.com

Addis Dimtse https://addisdimts.com/main.html
https://m.youtube.com/@Abebebelew-dy7vk

https://youtube.com/@Abebebelew-dy7vk?si=_aXF85cZm5PK0Ma5

 

Baro Tube Channel Link Address

https://youtu.be/pmpFS9qg7pk

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