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