Simon, Gebremedhin (PhD)Motbinor, Tsgabu2021-04-082023-11-082021-04-082023-11-082015-12http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/26025Interactivity is an integral part of online journalism. It allows active participation of users/readers and demands a two-way (or multi-directional) model of communication. With the interactive features of new media, the receiver is recognized as an active participant. According to Shultz, (2000) the internet provides a potential for more interactive communication, but most of the traditional mass media industries do not seem to use online interactive features. This study aims at exploring online interactive features that are available in online editions of seven Ethiopian newspapers. The newspapers were Addis Zemen, Reporter and Addis Admass Amharic newspapers as well as Ethiopian Herald, The Reporter, Addis Fortune and Capital English newspapers. The study employed both quantitative content analysis and qualitative semistructured interviews to collect the data. And, in order to construct measurable categories of analysis, the concept of interactivity was broken down using Heeter's (1989) six specific and measurable dimensions of interactivity. Each online edition of the newopapers was coded for the presence or absence of 46 specific interactive elements. Findings revealed that the online editions of the newspapers have attempted to incorporate interactive features, but not effectively utilized to the extent that relevant literature indicates. In addition to this, interviews with online newspaper editors explored their knowledge of interactivity and reasons for adopting or not adopting interactive features. The newspapers' editors are aware of the interactive features but were experiencing problems with incorporating such interactive features online. They claim that budget constraints, internet connection failures and shortage of skilled man power were the factors that hinder them in developing their online editions. Generally, this study found out a very low level of interactivity in the online editions of Ethiopian newspapers. It is essential that online editions of Ethiopian newspapers cultivate a culture of thought that have a practical bearing on the offering of active and effective interactive features on their sites. It is also especially imperative that their offering of interactive tools highlights an understanding of the significance of such interactive features and develops beyond a mere availability in to an extensive and effective utilization of such tools.enOnline JournalismA Look at Online EditionsEthiopian NewspapersThesis