Content Analysis of Documentary Film on Public Service Media: The Case of EBC
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Date
2024-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study make analysis on EBC's documentary programs in relation to documentary film principles and guidelines. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. While the quantitative method is a content analysis using a developed code sheet, the qualitative method is interviews questions to producers and directors and Textual content analysis of sampled documentary productions. The study analyzed ten documentary films using the developed coding sheet. These selected documentaries were analyzed to understand the format and theme used in the genre. By focusing on fewer films, the researcher can delve deeper into each production, examining its techniques and overall effectiveness in conveying the intended message. Ten documentaries released between 2019 and 2023 were examined in the study. Three documentaries were chosen for qualitative textual content analysis out of 10. These three documentaries were selected for its distinctive qualities that set it apart from the others. The study's limited selection of documentaries allows for a more thorough assessment of each film's textual and visual components. Quantitative data collected through the coding sheet will be analyzed using statistical techniques. Qualitative data from the in-depth interview and textual content analysis have been thematically analyzed, from the sample of ten documentary films; three were selected for qualitative textual content analysis. This analysis involved a detailed examination of the selected documentaries' content, focusing on textual elements such as scripts and visuals. The participants for in-depth interviews will be selected based on their involvement in the documentary filmmaking process, such as directors and producers, and the researcher selected nine respondents to conduct an in-depth interview. The study showed that documentary film producers do not spend enough time researching what they are doing for their documentary film production. The filmmaker indicated that there is a lack of uniformity in the research procedures followed by EBC. This suggests that there may be inconsistencies in how research is conducted across different documentary projects, potentially affecting the quality and depth of the content produced .The documentary producers were unable to maintain the proper story structure, and the story structure found a lack of uniformity and standardization. The study also indicated that a significant challenge faced by producers in its documentary production, particularly regarding the prevalence of paid documentaries produced in collaboration with external organizations. The study finally attempted to give recommendations for the documentary program producers, directors, and the station.
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EBC's documentary programs