THE PRACTICES OF NEWS AND SOURCE USAGE IN ETHIOPIAN TELEVISION

Abstract

This paper examined the practices of news and source usage in Ethiopian Television (ETV). It assessed news and source selection criteria of the media organization. The study also focused on the major source of news and speakers in the news. Besides, factors affecting news and source selection was also another objective of the study. The study used mixed research method. As a result, quantitative content analysis and an in-depth interview were used as tools of data gathering. It employed purposive sampling to select key informants for the study.  For the media content sample, the study focused on ETV’s prime time news at 8:00 PM. The findings of the study showed that the major criteria of news selection in ETV were based on the value of the news in building the image of the government. Sources of the news were government officials. The majority of the speakers in the news production by ETV staff reporters were government officials, especially those found at federal level. It was also found that there is lack of journalistic independence in the media. Journalists were influenced to report the positive sides of government and conceal the wrong doings of government officials. Therefore, in the way to the truth as diversified views are very crucial, Ethiopian Television should take the necessary measure to treat varies views in its news stories.