‘Freebies’ and ‘Brown Envelopes’ in Ethiopian Broadcast Media
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Date
2008-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
As in other media cultures, the effectiveness and accountability of journalists
in Ethiopia depends on understanding and following professional codes of
conduct/ethics. This research examines to what extent ‘’freebies’’ and
‘’brown envelopes’’ – media bribes – dominate the Ethiopian broadcast
media. Data was collected by triangulation of research methods, with more
qualitative than quantitative research. The study found bribery widespread
among journalists in the state-owned Ethiopian Radio and TV Agency
(ERTA), often attributed to low salaries and lack of ethical training. This
research also discusses how bribes affect reporting and why sources pressure
journalists to accept bribes. The study also explores how ERTA journalists
boast about “buche” – their particular slang for bribery – and openly share
information about a practice that would be considered unethical in
international media outlets. Arguably, without a change of journalists’
attitudes, ERTA’s public credibility and professional integrity will be
undermined.
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Ethiopian Broadcast Media