Coverage on Disability Issues by The National Broadcast Media in Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2008-07
Authors
Menker, Meaza
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The aim of this research was to examine the coverage of disability issues
by the national broadcast media of Ethiopia. One hundred eighty program
days were randomly selected from a total of 365 transmission days
(January 2007- January 2008). The research was carried out using
quantitative (content analysis) and qualitative (in-depth interviews)
research methods.
Data collected showed that only 1.13% and 0.51% of the sampled hours
were devoted to disability issues by ETV and Radio Ethiopia respectively,
indicating that disability issues rank low in the national broadcast media's
programming agenda. The disability stories transmitted during the stated
period were in a program format, and very few were covered as news or
public service announcements. On the other hand, stakeholders like
advocacy groups and associations have not shown noticeable initiatives to
use the media for promoting disability issues.
Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that advocates of
disability should organize forums and worksh ops for journalists to develop
enhanced knowledge of disability related issues. In addition, the study
recommends that media policies and guidelines should be developed and
implemented in order for disabi lity issues to be recognized as newsworthy
stories, and the nation al broadcasting media ins titutions should establish
requirements for consistent and adequate airtime for disability issues.
Description
Keywords
national broadcast media of Ethiopia