A Comparative Analysis of State and Private Newspapers of National News Coverage and Representation of Newsmakers- A Case Study on Addis Zemen and Addis Admas Newspapers
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Date
2011-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main aim of this research was to compare the state owned and private owned newspapers (Addis Zemen and Addis Admas) extent of coverage and representation of known and unknown newsmakers in the news. Thus, the study has tried to get answer for the above research questions by setting specific objectives:
To determine the extent of news coverage the known and unknown newsmakers receive in the news in the newspapers.
To assess the types of topics and kind of roles (as criminals, heroes, victims) given to the known and unknown newsmakers in the newspapers.
To identify the tone of coverage and representations (negative, positive and mixed) of known and unknown newsmakers in the newspapers.
The analysis of data gathered through content analysis method is made by using a description method and the interview is also analyzed through different categories inferred from the interview questions and answers. The finding shows that unknown newsmakers-ordinary people and those in official positions are under- represented compared to known newsmakers in both newspapers even if the Addis Admas newspaper gives better coverage compared to the Addis Zemen newspaper; and for most part, those in official positions. When comparing the newspapers tone of coverage given to newsmakers, they are in the extreme parts; Addis Zemen gives favorable representation for both newsmakers while Addis Admas gives unfavorable representation for both newsmakers. This research finding shows that due attention should be given to the unknown newsmakers too in the newspapers coverage because by reading the news which is the actual happening, anyone can infer meaning not only about the newsmaker but also about the society and the nation at large. It would also be good if the tones of coverage and the type of topics and roles given to the newsmakers get special attention because, varying the coverage is sometimes the tool to satisfy readers‟ interest by entertaining different tones, roles and topics in the news.
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State and Private Newspapers of National News