Content Analysis of Media Coverage of Food Safety Issues/Adulteration: The Case of Addis Admas And Addis Zemen Newspapers
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Date
2018-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to analyze the content of the media coverage of food safety/adulteration issue: in case of Addis Zemen and Addis Admas newspapers. The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative research tools to support the claims raised and to get elaborated detail information from the research participant that contributes to a thick description.As per the analysis, the extent on coverage of the two newspapers about food safety related issue is weak and need to be improved as it is a public problem. No story was covered about food adulteration.
The main causes for not covering food safety issue are lack of information, and capacity/skill gap on the profession.The sources used in reporting about food safety related issue varies from public to private newspapers, as all issues reported on Addis Zemen is from Government source whereas its only 30% for Addis Admas (private newspaper). NGO’s, Experts and Individuals were also a source for the private newspaper. Budgeting issue, unable to get editors/professionals to take the column, and responsible sectors are not creating communication for delivering information are also major challenges in reporting on Food safety issues.
The study recommends on howto increase the coverage of media about food safety/adulteration issue: as those government agencies and stakeholders involved in the regulation of the quality and safety of food, and food products produced have to create strong integration and coordination among them; otherwise, it is inconceivable to achieve the objective of protecting the public from health risks and consumers which could result from unfair trade practices. Key Words
Adulteration: to corrupt, debase, or make impure by the addition of a foreign or inferior substance or element
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corrupt, ebase