Media Convergence in Ethiopia: The Practice of Ethiopia Radio and Television Agency/ERTA/
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Date
2013-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Literature on media convergence clearly shows that countries across the globe are entered into the
new phenomenon. Ethiopia as a country and Ethiopia Radio and Television Agency as a media
institution are experiencing convergence since 2001. However, little is known about the meaning
and benefit of convergence. With the view to bridging this knowledge gap, the study aims at
examining the experience of convergence in ERTA. In order to analyze the structure and change of
ERTA newsroom and workflow, Diffusion of Innovations theory is used as a conceptual
framework. A qualitative phenomenological study designed is also employed. What is more, an indepth
interview was conducted with nine journalists from the three platforms including the
management. In order to make up for the shortcomings of the in-depth interview, document analysis
and participant observations were employed.
Data was analyzed through thematic analysis. From the research analysis, the fmding is obtained
that ERTA as a media institution is on the path to adopting a cross media platform, or is functioning
at the level of newsroom 2.0, where collaboration and integration has occurred among the media
platforms to gather and define the news contents for each platform. However, ERTA has not
restructured the newsroom as a full convergence newsroom, which could integrate the high level of
convergence. To do the changes and structure the newsroom and the work flow process, the
management admits that they have faced some constraints in doing the convergence. Absence of
medium specific leadership is the major hurdle for the newsroom. In order to maintain the brand as
a strong national media company with diversity of voices, ERTA needs to go far better than where
it is now.
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Keywords
Practice of Ethiopia, Radio and Television