Perspectives on the Effects of VOA Amharic Service Shutdown
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2026-04-30
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study examined the perspective of major stakeholders on the effect of the shutdown of the Voice of Americas Amharic Service, with particular emphasis on trust, credibility, and access to reliable information. The research adopts mixed method approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative method. Data collected from in-depth interviews with journalists, media experts and a survey of former VOA Amharic listeners. A total of 12 interviewee’s participant on qualitative of the study while 183 audiences in Ethiopia and in the diaspora completed and returned the questionnaire. The study's findings demonstrated that in the post-shutdown period of VOAs Amharic service, access to information, media trust, credibility,, and media freedom were at risk. The shutdown also endangers freedom of expression, violating international human rights issues and undermining democratic principle. Finding reveals how the loss of a trusted international broadcaster reshapes information seeking behavior, public opinion and civic engagement among Ethiopia audience and the diaspora. The study recommends that the closer of VOA affect local and international audience as well as professional journalist. The study recommended that VOA Amharic broadcast off air the audience loss a chance to diverse and balanced information. Further studies are needed to understand VOA`s broadcast to Ethiopia more and this study can serve as a spring board for it.
Description
Keywords
Media Trust, Credibility, VOA Amharic, Audience Perspective