Media Pluralism and Development in Ethiopia with Special Focus on Religious Media
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Date
2012-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This paper examined the interplay between media pluralism and development in Ethiopia with special focus on religious media taking in to consideration the different arguments regarding pluralism of media and development. The study included some concepts regarding media pluralism and theories of religious media in the related literature review part. The study employed qualitative methods both the focus group discussion and the in-depth individual interview tools of data collection using quota non-random sampling method. Open ended questions such as the respondents view on the media pluralism and its role for development were asked for all the respondents in the study. The findings of the study showed that the plural media plays unprecedented role in the development of the country and its people both negatively and positively. The negative effects of the media pluralism on development were suggested merely theoretically. These are creating fear, suspicion and discrimination. Strengthening tensions and fostering stereotypes were also suggested from the negative effect of the media pluralism. However, practical examples regarding the positive contribution of the plural media for development were clearly explained. The creation of job opportunity, the enhancement of democracy, good governance and human right, the role in the elimination of harmful practices, securing womenâs rights, the preserving of the international and inland laws, the promotion of love, respect and peace, the elimination of crimes, corruptions, and injustice were some of the findings written under the positive contribution of the media pluralism for development.
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Religious Media