Framing of the War in Northern Ethiopia: Cable News Network and Ethiopian Press Agency in Focus
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Date
2023-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The news of the conflict between the Tigray People‟s Liberation Front (TPLF) and Ethiopia’s federal government has got massive attention from the local and global media outlets. Several thousands of people are believed to have been killed in this conflict. We have observed significant amount of differences in the ways followed by various media outlets in reporting the conflict. This study aimed at exploring how Cable News Network (CNN) and Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) covered the conflict. The study was conducted by taking media framing as its underpinning theoretical framework. In doing so, relevant data for the study was gathered by examining the news stories produced by CNN and EPA from November 2020 to November 2021 (actual commencement of the conflict) up to November 2021 (TPLF’s influx into Wollo and further expansion to Shoa). This study employed qualitative method as a research design. News stories that were broadcast within the stated time were selected and were analyzed and interpreted to examine types of news frames. The findings of this study showed the media employed various types of news frames to treat their interest. CNN’s framing stressed on TPLF war advancement and attribution of responsibility frames while EPA chose framing strategies that magnify TPLF’s crimes. This study determines that CNN employed several framing techniques that would harm the coexistence of people and puts endorsements on how to improve the gaps. EPA on its part strongly adhered to combination of framing techniques that position the Ethiopian National Defense Force as protective of the whole Ethiopian population and demonize TPLS. In conclusion, CNN discourses are focused on TPLF military activities and western world interests.
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Keywords
Conflict,Tigray People‟s Liberation Front (TPLF)