Abstract
The aim of this research is to analyze news coverage of two wire services in Ethiopia, namely ENA and WIC. The research also appraises the role of these news media in relation to the contribution of local research dissemination. 340 sample news stories are chosen for content analysis from both wire services. Systematic sampling technique is employed to pick representative news items. The selected stories have been covered by news media of the country. 18 key informants are also used purposively for interview. The findings of the study have shown that the range of ENA and WIC news coverage is diverse and wide, but the proportion given to issues in news coverage is imbalanced. Educational, health, agricultural and science and technology, for example, are local topics that have got very little news recognition and attention. The coverage of local and foreign research findings of ENA is almost the same and equal in proportion. Whereas in the case of WIC, the coverage of foreign research findings is quadruple than the coverage of local research findings. This indicates local research findings have got little attention and recognition in the news coverage. It shows journalists’ engagement in reporting and popularizing local research findings is very low. Even, the finding from the news media further implied that the researchers are less attracted by the media.
Highlights
Ethiopia is an important country in many ways
The objective of this study delves into the role of Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) and Walta Information Centre (WIC) in disseminating the topic of local research findings, and whether these have been covered in news media or not
The degree of news coverage given for the topics of art and entertainment, social affairs, educational and science and technology has no significantly differ between the two organizations.On the other hand, the two news media have concerned on the topics of health (7.38%) and foreign policy and diplomacy (12.5%) in their news coverage
Summary
Ethiopia is an important country in many ways. A large country of 1.1 million km, it is strategically positioned in the troubled Horn of Africa. With a population of nearly 95 million people, Ethiopia is the second most populous country in sub-Saharan Africa. Almost 10% of the population experiences chronic food insecurity, and poverty levels are slowly declining, around 36% of Ethiopia’s people live below the $1 a day poverty line. With regarding to the reduction of poverty level, the contribution of media is central. That is why international community, with confidence, acknowledged the role of media for sustainable development (UNESCO, 2014). The recognition of the role of media for sustainable development is due to its importance for public participation and the interaction of state and non-state actors
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