Climate Change Reporing in the Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency: an Exploratory Study
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Climate change is becoming a major threat to the wellbeing of the entire world. The alarming impact of the change in developing countries like Ethiopia makes the issue more ear-catching.
This study attempted to qualitatively explore climate change reporting in the Ethiopian radio and television agency. In the process of the study the researcher employed in-depth interview, focus group discussion, observation and content analysis under qualitative approach.
The sampling technique used was mainly purposive. Two focus group sessions and three in- depth interviews were conducted with twelve journalists, two editors and one higher official of the Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency (ERTA). Efforts are made to present the analysis thematically.
The findings of the study show that even though there are some improvements related to the past, most climate change stories of ERTA lack clarity and proximity. English mix and newly coined Amharic words are widely seen in the stories. Too often, journalists do not talk about efforts that are being exerted locally to adapt and mitigate climate change. In addition, the station does not give the expected priority to climate change stories relative to other programs. Most climate change stories are transmitted in mornings and daytimes. While there are some endeavors to incorporate the voices of farmers and other community members at the grassroots level, the majority journalists use officials and experts as main sources.
Regarding with the format, the results of the study shows all environment related programs except AWDEGETER, are not in magazine format, which respondents believe that it attracts audiences than mini-documentary. Furthermore, nearly all producers and editors of climate change and related environment programs have not got formal trainings on the subject matter. Besides, the station can hardly handle feedbacks which come from audiences.
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Change Reporing in ihe Ethiopian Radio and Television