The history of Oromedia, or Oromo media, is deeply intertwined with the political, social, and cultural struggles of the Oromo people, the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia. Oromedia has evolved from oral traditions to modern digital platforms, reflecting the community’s resilience and quest for self-expression and representation since December 30, 2009. Below is an overview of its historical development:

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### 1. **Pre-Colonial Era: Oral Traditions**

   – Before the advent of written media, the Oromo people relied on **oral traditions** to communicate and preserve their history, culture, and knowledge.

   – Key forms of oral media included:

     – **Safuu** (folktales)

     – **Mammaaksa** (proverbs)

     – **Geerarsa** (poetry and songs)

     – **Durduri** (oral storytelling)

   – These traditions were central to passing down values, history, and collective identity.

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### 2. **Colonial Era: Suppression and Resistance**

   – During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Oromo people faced colonization and cultural suppression under Ethiopian emperors like Menelik II and Haile Selassie.

   – The Oromo language (**Afaan Oromoo**) was marginalized, and the use of Oromo media was restricted. However, oral traditions persisted as a form of resistance and cultural preservation.

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### 3. **Mid-20th Century: Early Written Media**

   – The mid-20th century saw the emergence of written Oromo media, though it was limited due to political restrictions.

   – The Oromo language was written using the **Ge’ez script** during this period, but this was not widely adopted due to its incompatibility with Afaan Oromoo’s phonetic structure.

   – Some Oromo intellectuals began publishing pamphlets and books in secret, laying the groundwork for future media development.

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### 4. **1970s-1980s: Political Awakening and Underground Media**

   – The 1970s marked a period of political awakening for the Oromo people, with the rise of the **Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)** and other movements advocating for Oromo rights.

   – Underground media, such as handwritten newsletters and pamphlets, played a crucial role in mobilizing the Oromo community and spreading awareness about their struggle for self-determination.

   – The Oromo language began to gain recognition as a tool for political and cultural expression.

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### 5. **1991: A Turning Point**

   – The fall of the Derg regime in 1991 marked a significant turning point for Oromedia. The new Ethiopian government recognized Afaan Oromoo as one of the country’s official languages.

   – The **Qubee script** (Latin-based alphabet) was adopted for writing Afaan Oromoo, replacing the Ge’ez script. This standardization facilitated the growth of Oromo media.

   – The first Oromo-language newspapers, radio programs, and books began to emerge.

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### 6. **1990s-2000s: Growth of Oromo Media**

   – **Print Media**: Newspapers like **Bariisaa** and **Oromia** were established, providing news and analysis in Afaan Oromoo.

   – **Radio**: Oromo-language radio programs, such as those on **Oromiyaa Radio**, became popular, reaching rural and urban audiences.

   – **Television**: The establishment of **Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN)** marked a milestone in Oromo media, offering news, entertainment, and educational content in Afaan Oromoo.

   – **Online Media**: The internet opened new possibilities for Oromo media, with websites like **Gadaa.com** and **Oromo Media Network (OMN)** providing news and analysis to a global audience.

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### 7. **2010s: Digital Revolution and Global Reach**

   – The 2010s saw a surge in digital Oromo media, driven by advancements in technology and the growing Oromo diaspora.

   – Social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter became essential tools for Oromo journalists and activists to share news, mobilize support, and advocate for Oromo rights.

   – Independent media outlets like **OMN** and **SBS Afaan Oromoo** (based in Australia) gained prominence, offering uncensored news and analysis.

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### 8. **Challenges and Resilience**

   – Despite its growth, Oromedia has faced significant challenges, including:

     – **Censorship and repression**: Oromo journalists often face intimidation, arrest, and censorship, particularly during periods of political unrest.

     – **Resource limitations**: Many Oromo media outlets operate with limited funding and infrastructure.

     – **Language barriers**: While Afaan Oromoo is widely spoken, its use in formal media is still developing, particularly in technical and academic fields.

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### 9. **Role in the Oromo Protests (2014-2018)**

   – Oromedia played a pivotal role during the **Oromo protests**, which were sparked by issues such as land rights, political marginalization, and cultural suppression.

   – Social media and independent Oromo media outlets were instrumental in documenting the protests, sharing information, and mobilizing international support.

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### 10. **Present Day: A Vibrant and Evolving Landscape**

   – Today, Oromedia is a vibrant and diverse field, encompassing print, radio, television, and digital platforms.

   – It continues to serve as a voice for the Oromo people, addressing issues such as political representation, cultural preservation, and social justice.

   – The Oromo diaspora has also contributed to the growth of Oromedia, creating a global network of Oromo-language content.

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### Conclusion

The history of Oromedia reflects the resilience and determination of the Oromo people to preserve their language, culture, and identity. From oral traditions to digital platforms, Oromedia has evolved into a powerful tool for education, advocacy, and empowerment, playing a crucial role in the ongoing struggle for Oromo rights and recognition.