Project Overview

My research examines the challenges journalists face when reporting political issues in Ethiopia through a comparative study of government-owned FM Addis 97.1 and privately owned Sheger FM 102.1.

Originally completed as my Master’s thesis in Journalism and Communication at Addis Ababa University, the research was later developed into a published academic book by LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing.

Research Focus

The study explores the professional and institutional environments in which radio journalists report political issues, with particular attention to access to government information, relationships between journalists and political actors, professional freedom, media regulation, and differences between government and private radio journalism.

Research Methodology

The study used a qualitative research approach, drawing on focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and key-informant interviews to examine the experiences and perspectives of journalists and relevant media stakeholders.

Key Findings

The research identified important differences in the working environments of government and private radio journalists. Government radio journalists generally had greater access to government information, while private radio journalists experienced different relationships with government and opposition political actors.

The study also identified professional freedom, access to information, and journalist–politician relationships as important challenges affecting political reporting.

Academic Contribution

The research contributes to understanding the professional conditions surrounding political journalism within Ethiopia’s FM broadcasting environment. It provides insight into differences between government and private broadcasting and offers a foundation for further research in journalism, media freedom, broadcasting, and political communication.

Publication & Academic Record

The research originated as my Master’s thesis at Addis Ababa University and is preserved in the university’s Electronic Thesis and Dissertation repository.

It was subsequently published as a book by LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, providing a wider platform for the research beyond its original academic setting.

Skills Demonstrated

Academic Research • Qualitative Research • Journalism Studies • Political Communication • Media Research • Focus Group Discussions • In-Depth Interviewing • Data Analysis • Academic Writing • Broadcasting Research