Coverage of Human Traffiking: Analysis of ‘ENEWAQ’ Programme
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Date
2008-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to explore the coverage of human trafficking by
journalists and the media by taking the case of 'Enewaq' programme, through FM Addis
97.1 Radio Station, as one of the efforts being made is giving the issue media coverage.
Human trafficking was selected as a case study because it is a serious problem not only in
Ethiopia but also around the world. It is the only programme on this subject broadcast on
the Ethiopian mass media regularly. The scale or amount of coverage of human
trafficking activities in the ‘Enewaq’ programme was studied using content analysis
method. In order to answer the main research question, whether the issue was given
priority or addressed well, and to make the research more comprehensive, I used
quantitative as a major method and qualitative as a complementary method of research.
Media theories, including agenda setting and social responsibility, have been used to
inform the analysis and discussion. The findings from the study suggest that the issue of
human trafficking is covered infrequently in terms of time allocated for it and frequency
distribution. In terms of quality, the programme could have been improved following the
principles of mass communications and the relevant media theories. Carefully designed
media messages can promote ideas, bring about change in attitude and certainly make a
difference. In the absence of such changes, it is likely that the problem of human
trafficking will continue to grow. The paper concludes, therefore, that greater media
attention and priority should be given to the problems of human trafficking. There also a
need to synchronize effort among stakeholders, and a clear policy, to deal with this
serious and growing criminal issue.
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Human Traffiking: Analysis