Zeryihun Legese

Overview

Zeryihun Kassa Legese is a media reform leader, communications strategist, and academic researcher specialising in the intersection of artificial intelligence, journalism, and international policy. Currently a PhD researcher at City St George’s, University of London, Zeryihun’s doctoral project investigates the transformative impact of Generative AI on global news media — examining its influence on editorial workflows, verification processes, ethical standards, and the future of democratic information ecosystems.

He brings over 15 years of professional experience at the nexus of media, diplomacy, international development, and strategic communication. Zeryihun previously served as Editor-in-Chief of EBC Radio 104.7 at the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, where he led major institutional reforms in media content strategy, public engagement, and election reporting. His leadership in establishing Ethiopia’s first diplomacy-focused radio station was pivotal during a time of national political and technological change.

Zeryihun’s professional journey includes impactful roles with major international organisations such as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), CARE International USA, UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, WaterAid UK, and the British Council. At the FCDO, he supported high-level public diplomacy efforts and contributed to strategic communications on media freedom, development, and foreign policy — experiences that continue to shape his policy-aware approach to research.

He holds two Master’s degrees with distinction: an MA in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Kingston University London (as a Chevening Scholar sponsored by the UK government), and an MA in Multimedia Journalism and Communication from Addis Ababa University. His academic and practical expertise positions him uniquely to contribute to emerging debates around AI governance, media sustainability, and ethical technology adoption.

Zeryihun’s work bridges academic research, global development, and international policy. He is especially passionate about shaping inclusive, transparent, and accountable frameworks to address the governance and security risks posed by AI in media systems — both in the Global South and internationally. His academic profile is enriched by his contributions to public sector training, capacity building for media institutions, and communications strategies for social justice campaigns.

Qualifications

• PhD in Journalism, City, University of London, United Kingdom, October 2024 - September 2028
• MA in Public Relations and Communications, Kingston University, United Kingdom, 2022 - September 2023
• CIPR Certificate, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingston, June 2023
• MA in Multimedia Journalism and Communications, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, September 2016 - July 2019
• International Communications Skills, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, United Kingdom, December 2018
• Foundational Degree, CELTA (Level 5), Cambridge University, United Kingdom, February - March 2014
• Higher Diploma in Higher Education Teaching Methodologies, Mekele University, Ethiopia, September 2004 - July 2005
• Bachelor of Education in English Language Literature and Linguistics, Dilla University, Ethiopia, September 2000 - July 2004

Postgraduate training

• Higher Diploma, Mekele University, Mekele, Ethiopia, September 2004 - July 2005

Employment

• Research Assistant, Kingston University, United Kingdom, January - May 2024
• Social Media Editor, Journal of Marketing & Philanthropy, Wiley, United Kingdom, November 2023 - October 2024
• Manager, Communications and Public Engagement, Consultant, United Nations Development Programme, Addis Ababa (UNDP), Ethiopia, May 2021 - May 2022
• Advisor, Communications and Policy Advocacy, CARE International USA, Ethiopia, April 2021 - September 2022
• Trainer: Media and Social Media Management Skills, Dods Training Ltd, UK, Ethiopia, July 2020 - February 2023
• Communications Specialist, Consultant, United Nations Women, Addis Ababa (UN Women), Ethiopia, May - November 2020
• Communications and Knowledge Management Specialist, WaterAid UK, Ethiopia, February 2020 - April 2022
• Communications Specialist, Consultant, United Nations Children's Fund, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (UNICEF), Ethiopia, October 2019 - March 2020
• Diplomatic Communications Officer, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Ethiopia, July 2018 - September 2019
• English Communications Skills Teacher, British Council, Ethiopia, July 2017 - July 2019
• Editor-in-Chief/Director of EBC Radio 104.7, Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), Ethiopia, October 2008 - June 2018
• Assistant Lecturer, Dessie Teacher Education College, Ethiopia, July 2004 - September 2008

Languages

Amharic (can read, write, speak, understand spoken, peer review) and English (can read, write, speak, understand spoken, peer review)

Expertise

Geographic Areas

• United Kingdom
• Africa - Eastern
• Global Information Ecosystem

Publications by category