An Investigation of Ethiopian Journalists’ Ethical Practices with Respect to Their Own Editorial Policies: Broadcast Media Journalists in Focus

Muluken Asegidew Chekol 1 *
More Detail
1 Dilla University, Ethiopia
* Corresponding Author
Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, Volume 8, Issue 1, pp. 1-25. https://doi.org/10.29333/ojcmt/2360
OPEN ACCESS   2315 Views   2047 Downloads   Published online: 24 Jan 2018
Download Full Text (PDF)

ABSTRACT

Constructing arguments on the level of journalism ethics violations by identifying the main factors influences journalists to work against their professional interest, and evaluating editorial policy documents and editorial meeting were the basic objectives achieved. Methodological wise, both quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed. About 117 journalists were involved. There are significant, if not critical, media ethics violations by Ethiopian broadcast media journalists. Both in cash and in kind journalist collect benefits from news sources and news makers. In return, they offer positive and success story coverage. Government and media have symbiotic relationships, but in Ethiopia, it is more than that- government officials influence the media. Public official pressures, amateurism and burden of living cost are main factor influence journalists to act unethically. The media editorial policies are not clear and accessible. Media fired and punish in fine “unethical” journalists.

CITATION

Chekol, M. A. (2018). An Investigation of Ethiopian Journalists’ Ethical Practices with Respect to Their Own Editorial Policies: Broadcast Media Journalists in Focus. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 8(1), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.29333/ojcmt/2360

REFERENCES

  • Africa Media Review. (1993). Media Use, Knowledge of World Affairs and Image of Nations among Nigerian Youth. African Council for Communication Education, 7(1).
  • Amhara Mass Media Agency Editorial Policy. (2011). Bahar Dar, Ethiopia.
  • BBC. (n. d). Duty-based Ethics (Deontological Ethics). Accessed from BBC.co/UK, July, 2015. Batoche Books Limited. (2001). Utilitarianism: John Stuart Mill 1863. 52 Eby Street South. Kitchener, Ontario N2G 3L1.
  • Belsey, A., & Chadwick, R. (1992). Ethical Issues in Journalism and the Media. Routledge, New York, USA. Retrieved from http://www.ebookstore.tandf.co.uk/.
  • Biagi, S. (2013). Media Impact: An Introduction to Mass Media. Enhanced (10th Ed.). Michael Rosenberg. Boston, USA.
  • Carpentier, N, Tomanić, I, Pille, P., et al. (2010). Media and Communication Studies Interventions and Intersections: The Intellectual Work of the 2010 ECREA European Media and Communication Doctoral Summer School, Tartu University Press.
  • Committee of Concerned Journalists. (2000). Individual Values, Social Pressures, and Conflicting Loyalties.
  • Cunningham, S. (1999). Journal of Mass Media Ethics: Getting It Right. Aristotle’s “Golden Mean” as Theory Deterioration, 14(1), 5–15.
  • Danesi, M. (2009). Dictionary of Media and Communication. M.E. Sharpe, New York.
  • Dijk, A. (n. d). Power and the News Media, University of Amsterdam. Retrieved from http://www.daneprairie.com.
  • Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation Editorial Policy. (July, 2014).
  • Ethiopian Broadcasting Proclamation: Proclamation No. 178/1999.
  • Ethiopian Press Freedom Proclamation: Proclamation NO. 590/2008.
  • Fana Broadcasting Corporate Editorial Policy. (2011).
  • Gangadharan, S. P., Cleen, B. De, & Carpentier, N. (2007). Alternatives on Media Content, Journalism and Regulation. Tartu University Press.
  • Goldberg, D., Sutter, G., & Walden, I. (2009). Media Law and Practices. Oxford University Press; New York, USA.
  • Lencho, N. (n, d). Communicating for Development and Democratization in Ethiopia: Journalistic Practices and Challenges. Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
  • Margolis, J. (2010). Media Law: Hand Book Series Edition. Bureau of International Information, United States Department of state.
  • Moore, R. L., & Murray, M. D. (2008). Media Law and Ethics. Taylor & Francis eLibrary: New York London.
  • Napoli, P. M. (Winter 2014). Measuring Media Impact: an Overview of the Field. School of Communication & Information. Rutgers University. Retrieved from www.learcenter.org.
  • Oromiya Radio and Television Agency Editorial Policy. (2010).
  • Pacific Journalism Review. (2005). Media Ethics and Accountability: A case study in ethical failure: Twenty Years of Media Coverage of Aboriginal deaths in custody.
  • Pater, D. (2006). Standards of Free Press: Journalism Text Book. USA Department of State. Translated to Amharic by Likemariam Demesie.
  • Reuters Handbook of Journalism. (February, 2012). Reuters Handbook of Journalism. Last modification 22:54, 24 November 2009. Accessed online August, 2015.
  • South Radio and Television Agency Editorial Policy. (2010). Spilsbury, S. (2000). Media Law. Cavendish Publishing Limited. Great Britain, London. Retrieved from www.cavendishpublishing.com.
  • The New York Times. (2004). Ethical Journalism: A Handbook of Values and Practices for the News and Editorial Departments, New York.
  • White, A. (2008). The Ethical Journalism Initiative. International Press Centre Residence Palace Published in Belgium by Brussels Belgium.