The Practice and Challenges of Investigative Journalism in Oromia Broadcasting Network: “Millu Qoranno” Program in Focus
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Date
2019
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This research was conducted to examine the practices and challenges of investigative journalism at Oromia Broadcasting Network “Millu Qoranno” program. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed to journalists of Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN). Out of this questionnaires one hundred six (106), representing about 88.3% of the respondents were returned properly and adequately completed. In addition, in depth interviews were conducted with 12 informants purposively selected from Oromia Broadcasting network (OBN), investigative program producer and editors, content director, media expert and general director of Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN). To conduct this study, the researcher employed both qualitative and quantitative research approach. Questionnaire, in depth interview and content analysis of some investigative programs were used to get the required data from the respondents for the research. Scholarly articles related to the practices and challenges of investigative journalism were discussed. Social responsibility theory, Agenda setting theory and Gate-keeping concept were used as theoretical framework. The findings of the study indicated that investigative journalism was not well researched before production. It was not designed and implemented through participatory system and not based on the follow up of stories. In addition, the investigative program producers had no freedom to choose the topic they want to report. The findings of the study also indicated that higher officials forced the investigative program producers to disseminate some stories. Investigative program producers were not fully refunded the expenses of their reporting. Journalists who were working on investigative programs were challenged by government officials. Some investigative programs developed by OBN journalists were not permitted to transfer on air. Moreover, Investigative program of Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN) mainly focused on issues of land grabbing, infrastructure, corruption and good governance. But the program lacks giving coverage on issues of religious, politics and failure of system. It was recommended that OBN organization should give attention for investigative journalism to overcome the challenges hanged the program to be effective specially on those factors like lack of budget, unnecessary interference from higher officials, blocking the program from airing and insufficient training of the investigative program producers and editors.
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Journalisme