The Practice of Journalism Profession at OTV News Room: Journalists and Audience Reflections in Focus

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Date

2015-12

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

The study aimed at examining the challenges and 0ppoliunities of practicing journalism profession at OTV news room based on the reflections of journalists and audiences. The study employed qualitative research method. Data were qualitatively collected through in-depth individual interview, FGD and document review. Semi-structured interview quest ions were designed for participants of the study and conducted with six FGD and (13) key informants. The interviews were conducted with OTV newsroom staff members and with some selected audiences. The study employed purposive sampling method to select participants of the study. Data collected for the study through different data gathering tools were qualitatively analyzed. To this end, the Political Economy of Mass Media and Social Responsibility theories of communication were used as working theoretical frameworks for the study. The findings indicated that, there is greater confusion between journalists and media managers on the functions and the extent of journalism practices at OTV news room. The media house witnessed less progress in practice. The practices are for the most not base themselves on thc essential principles of journalism. Inauspiciously, the media house practices hardly entertain journalistic values; journalists have no autonomy, poor ethics, lack of public interests and objectivity to report based on journalistic values to th is end are visible. Both thc media and journalists have overlooked their responsibility for they much depend on the governmcnt documents of policy and strategies in their report. In fact, there are opport un ities of worki ng at state media for practitioners since they have easy access to relevant information wi th regard to government, practice with modern media techno logy, receive cooperation I'i'om different goverrunent officials among others. However, challenges like political influences, lack of skill s .. conflict of interest, low professionalism and limited experiences are highly observed in this media institution. What is more, the practices of journali sm at OTV newsroom was not in a posi tion to enterfain public interest issues because of the confusion related with journalism as profession and hOIl government sees the role of media. Media practices are highly influenced by med ia owners and challenges take different forms and they prevent the practitioners from entertai ning their professional responsibility. Based on the findin g, the study offers peliinent recommendat ions.

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Keywords

OTV News Room, Reflections in Focus

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