- NLA University College
Gimlekollen School of Journalism and Communication
Postboks 410 Lundsiden
NO-4604 Kristiansand
Norway - 0047 91194995 (Norwegian mobile)
Terje Skjerdal
NLA University College, Journalism and Media Studies, Faculty Member
- Media Studies, Journalism, Ethiopian Studies, Peace Journalism, Journalism and Media Studies, Diaspora Media, and 10 moreDevelopment Journalism, Media, South Africa, Ethiopia, Communitarianism, Journalism Education, Journalism Ethics, Citizen Journalism, Media and Democracy, and China and Africaedit
- I work at NLA University College, where I have taught at the Department of Journalism, Media and Communication since ... moreI work at NLA University College, where I have taught at the Department of Journalism, Media and Communication since 2002. Much of my research has dealt with journalism in global perspective, including my PhD dissertation (2012), which focuses on competing loyalties among journalists in the Ethiopian state media. I have written extensively on African journalism, but also more generally on issues in the global media. I have published a little more than 40 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. My main interest areas are news journalism, media and democratization, and political communication.edit
This report looks into the issue of media and ethnicity in contemporary Ethiopia. As any- one can witness, there have been immense changes in the local media situation since Dr. Abiy Ahmed assumed leadership in April 2018. In just two... more
This report looks into the issue of media and ethnicity in contemporary Ethiopia. As any- one can witness, there have been immense changes in the local media situation since Dr. Abiy Ahmed assumed leadership in April 2018. In just two years, the country has improved its ranking on Reporter Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index by 51 places, which is the greatest leap of any country anytime – by far. There is a lot to celebrate. At the same time, the press situation in the country is deeply disconcerting. The reason for this is that the media landscape is as polarized as never before, and that parts of the media are being blamed for playing a pivotal role in the turbulence which have erupted in various parts of the country since 2019. The suspicion of many people is that the media are being exploited to propagate an ethnic agenda.
Towards this backdrop, the intention of the study is to examine the role of the media in ethnic tensions in contemporary Ethiopia. The methodology is twofold, combining in-depth interviews with framing analysis. For the interview part, we have met approximately 25 persons with key positions in all major parts of the media in the country. For the framing analysis, we have scrutinized the media coverage of eight crucial incidents between 2018 and 2020 in ten different media outlets.
We argue that the tendencies we’re ob- serving in the media can be described as an intensified ethnification process. By this we mean that ethnic belonging and identity politics are gaining significance as central
frames of reference in the current Ethiopian media discourse. Ethnicity is being employed as a key to interpret media messages, and it outlines a frame for classifying media channels and personalities. We identify two major frames, annihilation and othering, which are indicative of the tendency of journalists to align with their ethnic background. We also find that many media practitioners are deeply concerned about the developments. Research data point towards a more pluralistic media society in Ethiopia (albeit segmented pluralism), but also significantly more polarization. The polarization is fuel- led by ethno-nationalistic media of different origin and ownership, vis-à-vis pan-Ethio- pianist channels. The previous stronghold of the federal state media (EPRDF-supportive) has been overtaken by a fragmented state media structure with growing significance of regional mass media agencies. Journalists are beginning to form alliances along regional and ethnic fault lines, as illustrated by the launch of Amhara Journalists Association, Oromia Journalists Association, Tigray Journalists Association, and so forth. Journalists are highly inclined to use sources which support their own ideological interest, and avoid quoting sources from other ethnicities which could balance the story. When it comes to professional ideals, various channels practice a hybrid reporting style which blends acknowledged standards with an interventionist or activist agenda. We argue that ethnic and political agendas are at risk of being at odds with media professionalism.
Towards this backdrop, the intention of the study is to examine the role of the media in ethnic tensions in contemporary Ethiopia. The methodology is twofold, combining in-depth interviews with framing analysis. For the interview part, we have met approximately 25 persons with key positions in all major parts of the media in the country. For the framing analysis, we have scrutinized the media coverage of eight crucial incidents between 2018 and 2020 in ten different media outlets.
We argue that the tendencies we’re ob- serving in the media can be described as an intensified ethnification process. By this we mean that ethnic belonging and identity politics are gaining significance as central
frames of reference in the current Ethiopian media discourse. Ethnicity is being employed as a key to interpret media messages, and it outlines a frame for classifying media channels and personalities. We identify two major frames, annihilation and othering, which are indicative of the tendency of journalists to align with their ethnic background. We also find that many media practitioners are deeply concerned about the developments. Research data point towards a more pluralistic media society in Ethiopia (albeit segmented pluralism), but also significantly more polarization. The polarization is fuel- led by ethno-nationalistic media of different origin and ownership, vis-à-vis pan-Ethio- pianist channels. The previous stronghold of the federal state media (EPRDF-supportive) has been overtaken by a fragmented state media structure with growing significance of regional mass media agencies. Journalists are beginning to form alliances along regional and ethnic fault lines, as illustrated by the launch of Amhara Journalists Association, Oromia Journalists Association, Tigray Journalists Association, and so forth. Journalists are highly inclined to use sources which support their own ideological interest, and avoid quoting sources from other ethnicities which could balance the story. When it comes to professional ideals, various channels practice a hybrid reporting style which blends acknowledged standards with an interventionist or activist agenda. We argue that ethnic and political agendas are at risk of being at odds with media professionalism.
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This study examines the perceived relevance and implementation of competing normative ideals in journalism in times of increasing use of digital technology in newsrooms. Based on survey and content analysis data from 37 countries, we... more
This study examines the perceived relevance and implementation of competing normative ideals in journalism in times of increasing use of digital technology in newsrooms. Based on survey and content analysis data from 37 countries, we found a small positive relationship between the use of digital research tools and "watchdog" performance. However, a stronger and negative relationship emerged between the use of digital audience analytics and the performance of "watchdog" and "civic" roles, leading to an overall increase in conception-performance gaps on both roles.
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Religion has become an issue in the Ethiopian media. This is a new situation in a country which for many years excluded religious expressions from the public media. With the coming of prime minister Abiy Ahmed and the Prosperity Party in... more
Religion has become an issue in the Ethiopian media. This is a new situation in a country which for many years excluded religious expressions from the public media. With the coming of prime minister Abiy Ahmed and the Prosperity Party in 2018, the principle of the secular state, which is in the Ethiopian Constitution, has been challenged fundamentally.
Religion is being brought into official speeches and reflected in the media.
Presenters on state television are seen wearing Orthodox crosses and Muslim hijabs, which was unheard of just five years ago. The new media proclamation which came in 2021 allows religious organizations to apply for broadcasting licences for the first time in the nation’s history. By 2023, between 40 and 50 religious organizations have acquired such
a licence. At the same time, religion has also surfaced as a conflict issue in the media. Quarrel within the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council in 2021, dispute around the ownership and use of Meskel Square in Addis Ababa in 2020– 22, and an attempt of schism within the Orthodox church in 2023 are three hot issues which epitomize religious conflict as a topic in the current news scene.
The purpose of this study is to assess the ongoing changes in media and religion in Ethiopia. The researchers have interviewed 20 representatives from the media, the religious community and the regulator. The study also contains an in-depth analysis of 98 stories on religion which made headlines in ten different media outlets between 2020 and 2023.
The study found that the newfound openness to religion in the Ethiopian
media is deficient. The ‘broadcasting licences’ for religious organizations do not permit local radio stations or transmission through terrestrial television but are a registration system to map organizations which use the Internet and satellite to distribute religious programmes to Ethiopian audiences. The authorities continue to be suspicious of religious broadcasting and fear that extreme actors will destabilize the social
order if they get access to the airwaves. The state media – officially called public media – neglect and downplay religious conflict issues in their coverage. However, with the many private media outlets as well as the social media on the scene, it has become harder for the state media to control the narrative around religious issues altogether. The content analysis shows that polarization is still a major problem in the reporting of religion in the Ethiopian media. Stories are often biased towards the
journalist’s political and ethnic stance.
Claiming that they are ’secular’, the state media (’public media’) tend to ignore important religious issues and conflicts which have resulted in loss of lives, burning of religious buildings, and displacement of people. The media appear to be ambivalent between applying a peculiar interpretation of ’secular’ principles by ignoring religion, or deciding to report such issues. The report stresses the importance of sensitizing reporters about religious issues and making the media more ethically responsible when reporting religion.
Religion is being brought into official speeches and reflected in the media.
Presenters on state television are seen wearing Orthodox crosses and Muslim hijabs, which was unheard of just five years ago. The new media proclamation which came in 2021 allows religious organizations to apply for broadcasting licences for the first time in the nation’s history. By 2023, between 40 and 50 religious organizations have acquired such
a licence. At the same time, religion has also surfaced as a conflict issue in the media. Quarrel within the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council in 2021, dispute around the ownership and use of Meskel Square in Addis Ababa in 2020– 22, and an attempt of schism within the Orthodox church in 2023 are three hot issues which epitomize religious conflict as a topic in the current news scene.
The purpose of this study is to assess the ongoing changes in media and religion in Ethiopia. The researchers have interviewed 20 representatives from the media, the religious community and the regulator. The study also contains an in-depth analysis of 98 stories on religion which made headlines in ten different media outlets between 2020 and 2023.
The study found that the newfound openness to religion in the Ethiopian
media is deficient. The ‘broadcasting licences’ for religious organizations do not permit local radio stations or transmission through terrestrial television but are a registration system to map organizations which use the Internet and satellite to distribute religious programmes to Ethiopian audiences. The authorities continue to be suspicious of religious broadcasting and fear that extreme actors will destabilize the social
order if they get access to the airwaves. The state media – officially called public media – neglect and downplay religious conflict issues in their coverage. However, with the many private media outlets as well as the social media on the scene, it has become harder for the state media to control the narrative around religious issues altogether. The content analysis shows that polarization is still a major problem in the reporting of religion in the Ethiopian media. Stories are often biased towards the
journalist’s political and ethnic stance.
Claiming that they are ’secular’, the state media (’public media’) tend to ignore important religious issues and conflicts which have resulted in loss of lives, burning of religious buildings, and displacement of people. The media appear to be ambivalent between applying a peculiar interpretation of ’secular’ principles by ignoring religion, or deciding to report such issues. The report stresses the importance of sensitizing reporters about religious issues and making the media more ethically responsible when reporting religion.
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In African media practice, journalists commonly receive money from their sources. Instead of condemning these cash or in-kind payments, Behanu Lodamo and Terje Skjerdal strive to describe Ethiopia’s “manila envelope” system from the... more
In African media practice, journalists commonly receive money from their sources. Instead of condemning these cash or in-kind payments, Behanu Lodamo and Terje Skjerdal strive to describe Ethiopia’s “manila envelope” system from the inside, to understand the practice’s internal logic. The authors show how some payments that external observers would perceive as corrupt are seen by the parties involved as alternative yet legitimate forms of professional incentivizing.
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The purpose of this study was exploring evidence of a community-based environment and forest development program run by an organization. It is a thematic analysis of scientific documents related to the experiences and challenges were... more
The purpose of this study was exploring evidence of a community-based environment and forest development program run by an organization. It is a thematic analysis of scientific documents related to the experiences and challenges were explored. The academic study carefully followed a holistic approach to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders. The organization has been striving to improve environmental challenges, climate change, and sustainable development in Ethiopia. A qualitative method was properly employed. The results prove a causal relationship between improvements in environmental security and sustainable development in the region. The working framework of the organization is that it is inseparably linked to the mutual commitment of the government. However, the insightful reports sufficiently demonstrate that there is no clear and adopted standard policy that can be applied across project phases. Moreover, the results purportedly show that successful partnerships and image building are critically important to the outstanding achievement of its key objectives. The communication strategy remains the key instrument to encourage the partnership of stakeholders. There was a unique culture of properly documenting communication success and apparent failure in the annual reports on community projects. Likewise, the organization adequately identified effective communication as the grand strategy of project implementation. Nonetheless, the organization cannot merely fulfill its potential for efficiently implementing the possible activities of community projects. Communicating the results to stakeholders was also significantly weaker than ever. Moreover, the implementation strategy does not show how and when to properly apply the communication strategies. The apparent lack of communication infrastructure and considerable delay in responses from the potential funders impeded executing the specific projects and establishing effective communication with local stakeholders at the grassroots level. We subtly suggest the organization carefully consider all the possible pitfalls and combine participatory environmental communication as a modest means of merely executing community-based projects.
Research Interests: Business, Cultural Studies, Development communication, Sustainable Development, Environmental Communication, and 9 moreCitizen Journalism, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Environmental Planning, Environmental Security, Participatory Development, Article, Community based forest management, Development Communication, and African Identities
This paper examines journalistic role performance in coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, based on a content analysis of newspaper, television, radio and online news in 37 countries.
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Studies suggest that, at the routine level, news beats function as unique “micro-cultures.” Exploring this “particularist” approach in news content, we compare how the interventionist, watchdog, loyal, service, infotainment, and civic... more
Studies suggest that, at the routine level, news beats function as unique “micro-cultures.” Exploring this “particularist” approach in news content, we compare how the interventionist, watchdog, loyal, service, infotainment, and civic roles materialize across 11 thematic news beats and analyze the moderating effect of platforms, ownership, and levels of political freedom on journalistic role performance in hard and soft news. Based on the second wave of the Journalistic Role Performance (JRP) project, this article reports the findings of a content analysis of 148,474 news items from 37 countries. Our results reveal the transversality of interventionism, the strong associations of some topics and roles, and the limited reach of news beat particularism in the face of moderating variables.
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This study examined non-formal Environmental Education (EE) is employed in interventions aimed at empowering rural society in Ethiopia. The study focused on a relatively less explored area of how non-formal EE in the form of project-based... more
This study examined non-formal Environmental Education (EE) is employed in interventions aimed at empowering rural society in Ethiopia. The study focused on a relatively less explored area of how non-formal EE in the form of project-based learning and how it was used to equip the community with skills and knowledge. Using qualitative data collection methods and thematic analysis was employed as an analytical strategy, the study produced evidence of the importance of community programs to out-of-school youths and adults in the acquisition of fundamental skills and knowledge. Greening campaigns were found to be essential in sustaining the lives of the rural communities. As demonstrated in the study, community projects aimed at enhancing learning are in sync with theory of project-based learning. Assisted by relevant conceptualization, the organization which motivated this study, develops insights for knowledge management for further implementation strategies. Its major focus is on empowering poor communities and their institutions by ensuring environmental security and livelihoods. As crucial stakeholders, communities received knowledge and technical skills through experience sharing, training, and workshops. Findings further indicated that most of the project community members were illiterate prior to their engagement in the project activities, which demonstrated that they needed to acquire basic knowledge and skills enact agency. Many community members became part of the project because of the mobilization and awareness creation campaign by the local development organization. However, there have been several roadblocks to the implementation of the community projects. But most importantly the study shows, skills and knowledge imparted through EE were important to implement community projects, helping to enhance community participation in raising environmental quality, thereby improving environmental performance, farming methods, and livelihood situations. We suggest project-based learning be used as a tool for community empowerment initiatives aimed at responding to environmental problems.
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The shifting role of journalism in a digital age has affected long-standing journalistic norms across media platforms. This has reinvigorated discussion on how work in online newsrooms compares to other platforms that differ in media... more
The shifting role of journalism in a digital age has affected long-standing journalistic norms across media platforms. This has reinvigorated discussion on how work in online newsrooms compares to other platforms that differ in media affordances and forms. Still, more studies are needed on whether those differences translate into distinct practices, especially when examining cross-national studies. Based on the second wave of the Journalistic Role Performance (JRP) project, this article reports the findings of a content analysis of 148,474 stories produced by 365 media organizations from 37 countries, comparing the performance of journalistic roles in online newsrooms to three other types of media—TV, radio, and print. The paper analyzes if journalistic roles present themselves differently across platforms, and if these differences are constant or they vary across countries. Results show that there are measurable differences in role performance in online journalism compared to other...
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Mellado, C., Blanchett, N., Stępińska, A., Mothes, C., Lecheler, S., Blanco-Herrero, D., … Zhao, X. (2023). Does News Platform Matter? Comparing Online Journalistic Role Performance to Newspaper, Radio, and Television. Digital Journalism, 12(3), 376–399. https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2023.2191332more
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"Using Ethiopia as its case, this dissertation discusses a classic problem in journalism sociology, specifically the dilemma of media practitioners who face multiple commitments. One stream of research within this area... more
"Using Ethiopia as its case, this dissertation discusses a classic problem in journalism sociology, specifically the dilemma of media practitioners who face multiple commitments. One stream of research within this area has focused on the conflict that arises when journalists find their professional commitment to be challenged by a commitment to a non-professional community such as the nation. An accepted theory maintains that journalists in such situations will protect a sense of professionalism by shifting between loyalties, where media prac-titioners for a limited period exchange their ‘ordinary’ professional loyalty for loyalty to the nation. According to the theory, the professional mindset is eventually restored through a process of ‘paradigm repair’. This approach may be described as a model of ‘shifting loyalties’. The current research project considers the theory through the case of Ethiopia, a transitional society characterized by strong state/government dominance in the media sector. The study applies a combination of personal interviews, newsroom observation and content analysis, with main emphasis on qualitative interviews with 67 journalists from three state-owned media institutions. The researched institutions comprise of a television station (Ethiopian Television), a daily newspaper (The Ethiopian Herald), and a news agency (Ethiopian News Agency), all of which in various ways are affected by government control. The research finds journalism culture in the Ethiopian state media to be circumscribed by a combination of aspiring professionalism, vague control and personal opportunism. Through a culture of self-censorship and discourses of fear in the newsroom, journalists pro-duce and reproduce a subservient reporting style. At the same time, reporters rescue a sense of professionalism by exploiting the journalistic adiophoron, trusting a critical public, and adhering to national interest. On the normative level, the journalists are found to express dual loyalty to the profession and the nation, while a potential loyalty to the government is observed as broken. The research concludes that the recognized approach of ‘shifting loyalties’ does not convincingly describe the situation for journalists in the Ethiopian state media. The interviewed journalists do not portray an environment where they normally stay professional and occasionally swop to national loyalty, but rather describe how both loyalties are present at the same time, persistently and forcefully. Thus, the research submits that within the Ethiopian context, professional and national loyalties can hardly be treated separately as if the journalists subscribe to one identity the one day and another the next. In place of a model of shifting loyalties, the research therefore proposes a model of ‘competing loyalties’."
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Abstract: The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings on the media in 1997 were probably unique from a world perspective. In contrast to attempts made elsewhere world to investigate the role of the media in... more
Abstract: The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings on the media in 1997 were probably unique from a world perspective. In contrast to attempts made elsewhere world to investigate the role of the media in relation to political procedures, the TRC ...
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... Addis Ababa: Panos Ethiopia and Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority. Domatob, JK and SW Hall. 1983. Development journalism in black Africa. Gazette 31(1): 933. Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority (EBA). 2010, January. Number of... more
... Addis Ababa: Panos Ethiopia and Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority. Domatob, JK and SW Hall. 1983. Development journalism in black Africa. Gazette 31(1): 933. Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority (EBA). 2010, January. Number of periodicals. http://www.eba. ...
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Development journalism remains an important concept in the journalism studies literature, but it has, at the same time, suffered from a lack of empirical research. Drawing on a survey of 2598 journalists from eight South Asian, Southeast... more
Development journalism remains an important concept in the journalism studies literature, but it has, at the same time, suffered from a lack of empirical research. Drawing on a survey of 2598 journalists from eight South Asian, Southeast Asian, and sub-Saharan African countries, which was conducted as part of the Worlds of Journalism Study, this study assesses the importance journalists ascribe to three key development journalism roles—social intervention, national development, and educating people. It also compares these perceptions across the countries, between government- and privately owned news media in these countries, and between these countries and 19 Worlds of Journalism Study countries in Western Europe and North America, which profess to adhere to an objective and democratic press function. Findings suggest that journalists from the eight countries, across government- and privately owned media, considered development journalism important, and detached, adversarial journalism as less important. Their rating of the latter roles differed considerably from those of journalists from the 19 comparison countries. Results suggest that journalists were more likely socialized into their roles rather than being forced into the same by the heavy hand of government.
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This article examines the narratives presented on the subjects of relocation, investment and development in Ethiopia. In particular, we focus upon representations given by the Government of Ethiopia and Human Rights Watch (HRW) of the... more
This article examines the narratives presented on the subjects of relocation, investment and development in Ethiopia. In particular, we focus upon representations given by the Government of Ethiopia and Human Rights Watch (HRW) of the Gambella Region. The article deconstructs and critically assesses the discourse and the way in which representations and descriptions are made in order to advocate a particular position. We argue for a less polarizing and more comprehensive narrative from all parties. The article concludes with some reflections on the role and influence of advocacy reporting and, therefore, the responsibility in publishing such reports.
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(2015). Why the ‘African’ still matters in African journalism studies. African Journalism Studies: Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 57-64.
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Beware journalists in exile, warns Terje S. Skjerdal, a lecturer in journalism in both Norway and Ethiopia. He argues that journalists in the West are too willing to believe accounts from fellow journalists who have fled from oppressive... more
Beware journalists in exile, warns Terje S. Skjerdal, a lecturer in journalism in both Norway and Ethiopia. He argues that journalists in the West are too willing to believe accounts from fellow journalists who have fled from oppressive regimes. Uncritical coverage of their stories risk being counterproductive, he argues. Drawing on his knowledge of Ethiopian media fugitives, he points to the fact that many could not be trusted and some were not, strictly speaking, journalists at all. He writes: "Perhaps the problem arises when journalists leave their professional objectivity behind and become activists." His central message: do the basics by checking your sources.
Much African journalism scholarship has had a critical stand towards ‘Western’ journalism models. The criticism has resulted in the submission of alternative African journalism models such as ujamaa journalism, ubuntu journalism and oral... more
Much African journalism scholarship has had a critical stand towards ‘Western’ journalism models. The criticism has resulted in the submission of alternative African journalism models such as ujamaa journalism, ubuntu journalism and oral discourse journalism. The present article reviews a number of significant contributions to normative African journalism models over the past 50 years and argues that they constitute three major streams: journalism for social change, communal journalism and journalism based on oral discourse. The vital differences between these three journalism models are explicated along the dimensions of interventionism and cultural essentialism. The article goes on to enquire why the three journalism models of Africa, different as they are, appear to be in collective conflict with Western journalism paradigms. It is suggested that the dimensions of socio-historicity and professionalism best explain the conflict.
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It is generally said that an independent press is vital for any democracy. However, the case in many African countries is that the independent or private press is weak and lacks credibility, although its assumed role as a cornerstone of... more
It is generally said that an independent press is vital for any democracy. However, the case in many African countries is that the independent or private press is weak and lacks credibility, although its assumed role as a cornerstone of young democracies is repeatedly stressed by commentators and policy-makers. This research investigates the role of the private press in Ethiopia since 1991, when democracy came to the country. Through interviews with 15 key actors in the media and political sector, it reflects on the role of the private media vis-à-vis Francis Kasoma’s theories of the independent press in Africa. From the Ethiopian perspective, the research takes on a slightly more pessimistic view of the role of the private newspapers in building democracy than what Kasoma concluded in light of his comparative research of media in Sub-Saharan countries in general. Findings indicate that the Ethiopian private press has had a pragmatic relationship with recognized professional and ethical standards; the private press has largely failed to represent and inform the citizens; and it has been generally politicized. However, the existence of the private press has also served as a caution for the government, although the press has had more of a symbolic role than being a real cornerstone of democracy.
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Research Interests: Journalism and Somali
This article documents self-censorship practices in three state-owned media institutions in Ethiopia: Ethiopian Television, the Ethiopian News Agency and the Ethiopian Herald. The data from in-depth interviews with 34 reporters and... more
This article documents self-censorship practices in three state-owned media institutions in Ethiopia: Ethiopian Television, the Ethiopian News Agency and the Ethiopian Herald. The data from in-depth interviews with 34 reporters and editors reveals that self-censorship is an everyday activity in the newsrooms, but is particularly prevalent during times of tension and in political coverage. The article discusses how self-censorship routines are internalised and reinforced among new candidates for reporter jobs. It is argued that the journalists take on certain “ethical rationalisations” (or pseudo ethical reasoning, if one prefers) to justify the practice. Four principal rationalisations are identified: liberties normally accorded to editing practice; transferring ethical responsibility from the individual journalist to the institution; confidence that the audience will counter-read the news; and self-censorship as a support for the supposed benefits of development journalism.
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This study investigates the role of the diaspora online media as stakeholders in the transnational Ethiopian media landscape. Through content analysis of selected websites and interviews with editors, the research discusses how the sites... more
This study investigates the role of the diaspora online media as stakeholders in the transnational Ethiopian media landscape. Through content analysis of selected websites and interviews with editors, the research discusses how the sites relate to recognized journalistic ideals and how the editors view themselves in regard to journalistic professionalism. It is argued that the journalistic ideals of the diaspora media must be understood towards the particular political conditions in homeland Ethiopia. Highly politicized, the diaspora websites display a marked critical attitude towards the Ethiopian government through an activist journalism approach. The editors differ slightly among themselves in the perception of whether activist journalism is in conflict with ideal-type professional norms, but they justify the practice either because of the less than ideal conditions back home or because they maintain that the combination of activism and professionalism is a forward-looking journa...
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Development journalism remains an important concept in the journalism studies literature, but it has, at the same time, suffered from a lack of empirical research. Drawing on a survey of 2598 journalists from eight South Asian, Southeast... more
Development journalism remains an important concept in the journalism studies literature, but it has, at the same time, suffered from a lack of empirical research. Drawing on a survey of 2598 journalists from eight South Asian, Southeast Asian, and sub-Saharan African countries, which was conducted as part of the Worlds of Journalism Study, this study assesses the importance journalists ascribe to three key development journalism roles—social intervention, national development, and educating people. It also compares these perceptions across the countries, between government- and privately owned news media in these countries, and between these countries and 19 Worlds of Journalism Study countries in Western Europe and North America, which profess to adhere to an objective and democratic press function. Findings suggest that journalists from the eight countries, across government- and privately owned media, considered development journalism important, and detached, adversarial journalism as less important. Their rating of the latter roles differed considerably from those of journalists from the 19 comparison countries. Results suggest that journalists were more likely socialized into their roles rather than being forced into the same by the heavy hand of government. KEYWORDS: development journalism, national development, social change, South and Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Worlds of Journalism Study
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This article discusses some of the challenges that the new media create for editorial responsibility in light of recent discussion in Norway. Online discussion forums in particular have caused much dispute and ambiguity as regards... more
This article discusses some of the challenges that the new media create for editorial responsibility in light of recent discussion in Norway. Online discussion forums in particular have caused much dispute and ambiguity as regards editorial involvement. The study shows that the Norwegian Press Complaints Commission has received an increasing number of complaints regarding online content, and that the complaints usually result in an adjudication. It is shown that Norwegian editors have diverse attitudes towards the question of pre-moderation or post-moderation of user-generated content. The study further contains an overview and discussion of media regulation in the Nordic-Baltic countries in relation to the digital media. The regulations are generally traditional in their focus and are insufficient to clarify questions of editorial responsibility of the new media. In terms of the dispute over editorial control in the digital media, two contradicting discourses are identified: the ‘r...
Les gratifications des journalistes par leurs sources sont des pratiques courantes pour les medias africains. Loin de s’attarder a la condamnation de ces pratiques financieres ou en nature, Behanu Lodamo et Terje Skjerdal s’attachent a... more
Les gratifications des journalistes par leurs sources sont des pratiques courantes pour les medias africains. Loin de s’attarder a la condamnation de ces pratiques financieres ou en nature, Behanu Lodamo et Terje Skjerdal s’attachent a decrire de l’interieur les mecanismes des « enveloppes brunes » en Ethiopie, pour en comprendre les logiques internes. Elles demontrent que certaines remunerations, percues par l’exterieur comme de la corruption, apparaissent notamment pour les acteurs principaux comme des formes alternatives legitimes d’encouragement professionnel.
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The typical journalist in Ethiopia is male, 30 years old and holds an undergraduate degree in journalism or communication. Of the 350 interviewed journalists, 101 were women, making for a proportion of 28.9 percent of the overall sample.... more
The typical journalist in Ethiopia is male, 30 years old and holds an undergraduate degree in journalism or communication. Of the 350 interviewed journalists, 101 were women, making for a proportion of 28.9 percent of the overall sample. On average, Ethiopian journalists were 30.4 years old (s=6.84); less than 10 percent were 40 years or older. Journalists tend to be well educated: 97.4 percent have obtained a university degree, with 88.0 percent having completed a bachelor’s degree and 9.4 percent a master’s degree. 56.6 percent of those who held a university degree had specialized in journalism and/or communication. 32.1 percent of the interviewed journalists had specialized in a field related to their area of coverage.
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Social media commonly function as alternative channels for debate in controlled media societies, often supported by the digital diaspora. This study takes a closer look at Ethiopia, where communication traditionally has been controlled by... more
Social media commonly function as alternative channels for debate in controlled media societies, often supported by the digital diaspora. This study takes a closer look at Ethiopia, where communication traditionally has been controlled by the government. The situation was particularly tense between 2016 and 2017, when a state of emergency act was declared following anti-government protests. The study scrutinizes three of the most popular online channels during the unrest (Ethiopian DJ, Mereja.com and Zehabesha), all of which used Facebook as their primary means of communication. The findings show that the stories posted by the sites were overwhelmingly political, with a particular focus on ethnic issues. Reader reactions show a slightly different pattern, concentrating less on politics and more on society and culture. This could be an expression of felt anxiety among the public due to the tense political situation. Interestingly, when users did comment on ethnic issues, they were no...
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Šiame straipsnyje nušviečiama vis dažniau Norvegijoje diskutuojama naujosios žiniasklaidos kuriamų iššūkių redakcinei atsakomybei tema. Internetinių diskusijų forumai sukėlė ypač daug ginčų ir neaiškumų dėl redakcijos vaidmens. Tyrimas... more
Šiame straipsnyje nušviečiama vis dažniau Norvegijoje diskutuojama naujosios žiniasklaidos kuriamų iššūkių redakcinei atsakomybei tema. Internetinių diskusijų forumai sukėlė ypač daug ginčų ir neaiškumų dėl redakcijos vaidmens. Tyrimas atskleidė, jog Norvegijos Spaudos nusiskundimų komisijos gaunamų skundų dėl internetinio turinio skaičius auga, dauguma jų pasitvirtina. Redakcijos skirtingai vertina vartotojo kuriamo turinio redagavimą Norvegijoje. Straipsnyje taip pat pristatoma skaitmeninės žiniasklaidos reglamentavimo sistema Šiaurės ir Baltijos šalyse. Dažniausiai taikomas tradicinis reglamentavimas, kurio nepakanka naujosios žiniasklaidos redakcinei atsakomybei apibrėžti. Vyraujančiame diskurse apie redakcijos kontrolės pobūdį skaitmeninėje žiniasklaidoje galima išskirti du priešingus požiūrius: “atsakingos redakcijos” diskursą ir “dalyvaujančios naujosios žiniasklaidos” diskursą. Pagaliau, žvelgiant į redakcijos skaitmeniniame amžiuje perspektyvas, galima būtų išskirti tris ga...
Hong Kong has a reputation for being one of the freest media societies in Asia, but its ranking on press freedom indices has fallen steadily since the Chinese takeover in 1997. The online media have nevertheless created a space for a... more
Hong Kong has a reputation for being one of the freest media societies in Asia, but its ranking on press freedom indices has fallen steadily since the Chinese takeover in 1997. The online media have nevertheless created a space for a widened public sphere. In a situation of growing self-censorship and rise of alternative journalism formats, this study asks whether citizen journalism represents a viable alternative to conventional journalism. The aim of the study is to map out differences between conventional journalists and citizen journalists with regard to role perception. The empirical data consist of 12 semi-structured interviews with citizen journalists and conventional journalists in Hong Kong. The study finds that both groups are concerned about the future of press freedom, perceiving high degrees of self-censorship as well as political and commercial pressure. Concerns about declining trust are strong. Neither of the informant groups trusts the media to be neutral, and they ...
This report looks into the issue of media and ethnicity in contemporary Ethiopia. As anyone can witness, there have been immense changes in the local media situation since Dr. Abiy Ahmed assumed leadership in April 2018. In just two... more
This report looks into the issue of media and ethnicity in contemporary Ethiopia. As anyone can witness, there have been immense changes in the local media situation since Dr. Abiy Ahmed assumed leadership in April 2018. In just two years, the country has improved its ranking on Reporter Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index by 51 places, which is the greatest leap of any country anytime – by far. There is a lot to celebrate. At the same time, the press situation in the country is deeply dis-concerting. The reason for this is that the media landscape is as polarized as never before, and that parts of the media are being blamed for playing a pivotal role in the turbulence which have erupted in various parts of the country since 2019. The suspi-cion of many people is that the media are being exploited to propagate an ethnic agenda.
Towards this backdrop, the intention of the study is to examine the role of the media in ethnic tensions in contemporary Ethiopia. The methodology is twofold, combining in-depth interviews with framing analysis. For the interview part, we have met approximately 25 persons with key positions in all major parts of the media in the country. For the framing analysis, we have scrutinized the media coverage of eight crucial incidents between 2018 and 2020 in ten different media outlets.
We argue that the tendencies we’re observing in the media can be described as an intensified ethnification process. By this we mean that ethnic belonging and identity politics are gaining significance as central frames of reference in the current Ethiopian media discourse. Ethnicity is being employed as a key to interpret media messages, and it outlines a frame for classi-fying media channels and personalities. We identify two major frames, annihilation and othering, which are indicative of the tendency of journalists to align with their ethnic background. We also find that many media practitioners are deeply con-cerned about the developments. Research data point towards a more pluralistic media society in Ethiopia (albeit segmented pluralism), but also significantly more polarization. The polarization is fuelled by ethno-nationalistic media of different origin and ownership, vis-à-vis pan-Ethiopianist channels. The previous stronghold of the federal state media (EPRDF-supportive) has been overtaken by a fragmented state media structure with growing significance of regional mass media agencies. Journalists are beginning to form alliances along regional and ethnic fault lines, as illustrated by the launch of Am-hara Journalists Association, Oromia Journalists Association, Tigray Journalists Association, and so forth. Journalists are highly inclined to use sources which support their own ideological interest, and avoid quoting sources from other ethnicities which could balance the story. When it comes to professional ideals, various channels practice a hybrid reporting style which blends acknowledged standards with an interventionist or activist agenda. We argue that ethnic and political agendas are at risk of being at odds with media professionalism.
Towards this backdrop, the intention of the study is to examine the role of the media in ethnic tensions in contemporary Ethiopia. The methodology is twofold, combining in-depth interviews with framing analysis. For the interview part, we have met approximately 25 persons with key positions in all major parts of the media in the country. For the framing analysis, we have scrutinized the media coverage of eight crucial incidents between 2018 and 2020 in ten different media outlets.
We argue that the tendencies we’re observing in the media can be described as an intensified ethnification process. By this we mean that ethnic belonging and identity politics are gaining significance as central frames of reference in the current Ethiopian media discourse. Ethnicity is being employed as a key to interpret media messages, and it outlines a frame for classi-fying media channels and personalities. We identify two major frames, annihilation and othering, which are indicative of the tendency of journalists to align with their ethnic background. We also find that many media practitioners are deeply con-cerned about the developments. Research data point towards a more pluralistic media society in Ethiopia (albeit segmented pluralism), but also significantly more polarization. The polarization is fuelled by ethno-nationalistic media of different origin and ownership, vis-à-vis pan-Ethiopianist channels. The previous stronghold of the federal state media (EPRDF-supportive) has been overtaken by a fragmented state media structure with growing significance of regional mass media agencies. Journalists are beginning to form alliances along regional and ethnic fault lines, as illustrated by the launch of Am-hara Journalists Association, Oromia Journalists Association, Tigray Journalists Association, and so forth. Journalists are highly inclined to use sources which support their own ideological interest, and avoid quoting sources from other ethnicities which could balance the story. When it comes to professional ideals, various channels practice a hybrid reporting style which blends acknowledged standards with an interventionist or activist agenda. We argue that ethnic and political agendas are at risk of being at odds with media professionalism.
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Research report, executive summary: Little has been known about the Ethiopian journalist population as a whole regarding its demographic profile, ideology and personal attitudes. This report, which is part of the global Worlds of... more
Research report, executive summary:
Little has been known about the Ethiopian journalist population as a whole regarding its demographic profile, ideology and personal attitudes. This report, which is part of the global Worlds of Journalism Study, provides a comprehensive picture of a professional group often referred to in the news, but less investigated. The report is based on interviews with 350 journalists from all parts of the Ethiopian media.
The study detects some important changes which have occurred in the Ethiopian journalist fraternity recently. In just a few years, the local journalist population has become one of the most educated in the world, with 97% having at least a bachelor’s degree. The female proportion is also on the increase, and soon every third journalist in the country is expected to be a woman. At the same time, Ethiopian journalists are among the youngest and least experienced in all countries, with an average age of 30 years. Illustratively, around 90% of today’s Ethiopian journalists were not in the profession during the 2005 elections.
The study detects significant differences between journalists in the state media and journalists in the private media, but also some similarities. Journalists in the private media experience high degree of professional autonomy with 71% perceiving ‘a great deal of freedom’ in selecting news stories, compared with 41% in the state media. Both groups have high trust in the government – indeed one of the highest trust levels of the 66 countries investigated in the Worlds of Journalism Study – but nonetheless low trust in political parties and politicians in general.
When asked about their political view, most journalists in the study identified themselves halfway between the government and the opposition. There is a slightly higher proportion of reporters supporting the government in the state media than in the private media.
In terms of professional role, Ethiopian journalists have some features which set them apart from their counterparts in the north. Ethiopian journalists reveal strong commitment to national development and support for government policy. They also regard advocacy for social change as an important part of their work. Thus, the typical Ethopian journalist can be described as both a loyalist and a change agent.
Little has been known about the Ethiopian journalist population as a whole regarding its demographic profile, ideology and personal attitudes. This report, which is part of the global Worlds of Journalism Study, provides a comprehensive picture of a professional group often referred to in the news, but less investigated. The report is based on interviews with 350 journalists from all parts of the Ethiopian media.
The study detects some important changes which have occurred in the Ethiopian journalist fraternity recently. In just a few years, the local journalist population has become one of the most educated in the world, with 97% having at least a bachelor’s degree. The female proportion is also on the increase, and soon every third journalist in the country is expected to be a woman. At the same time, Ethiopian journalists are among the youngest and least experienced in all countries, with an average age of 30 years. Illustratively, around 90% of today’s Ethiopian journalists were not in the profession during the 2005 elections.
The study detects significant differences between journalists in the state media and journalists in the private media, but also some similarities. Journalists in the private media experience high degree of professional autonomy with 71% perceiving ‘a great deal of freedom’ in selecting news stories, compared with 41% in the state media. Both groups have high trust in the government – indeed one of the highest trust levels of the 66 countries investigated in the Worlds of Journalism Study – but nonetheless low trust in political parties and politicians in general.
When asked about their political view, most journalists in the study identified themselves halfway between the government and the opposition. There is a slightly higher proportion of reporters supporting the government in the state media than in the private media.
In terms of professional role, Ethiopian journalists have some features which set them apart from their counterparts in the north. Ethiopian journalists reveal strong commitment to national development and support for government policy. They also regard advocacy for social change as an important part of their work. Thus, the typical Ethopian journalist can be described as both a loyalist and a change agent.
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Ved en sidearm til Blindleia ble ei av landets minste middelalderkirker bygd. Høvåg kirke fikk en merkelig plassering, halvveis opp i en skråning. Hvorfor bygde man ei steinkirke på dette stedet? Historien om Høvåg kirke har vært prega av... more
Ved en sidearm til Blindleia ble ei av landets minste middelalderkirker bygd. Høvåg kirke fikk en merkelig plassering, halvveis opp i en skråning. Hvorfor bygde man ei steinkirke på dette stedet? Historien om Høvåg kirke har vært prega av gjetninger og spekulasjoner. Mye viser seg å være feil.
Denne boka forteller den mangfoldige historien til ei av Norges minst kjente middelalderkirker, fra oppføringen i høymiddelalderen, via svartedauden, reformasjonen og utvidelser på 1700- og 1800-tallet, til den store restaureringen på 1900-tallet.
Denne boka forteller den mangfoldige historien til ei av Norges minst kjente middelalderkirker, fra oppføringen i høymiddelalderen, via svartedauden, reformasjonen og utvidelser på 1700- og 1800-tallet, til den store restaureringen på 1900-tallet.
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This paper examines journalistic role performance in coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic based on a content analysis of newspaper, television, radio, and online news in 37 countries. We test a set of hypotheses derived from two perspectives... more
This paper examines journalistic role performance in coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic based on a content analysis of newspaper, television, radio, and online news in 37 countries. We test a set of hypotheses derived from two perspectives on the role of journalism in health crises. Mediatization theories assume that news media tend to sensationalize or to politicize health crises. A contrasting perspective holds that journalists shift toward more deferential and cooperative stances toward health
and political authorities in a health crisis, attempting to mobilize the public to act according to the best science. Hypotheses derived from these perspectives are tested using the standard measures of journalistic roles developed by the Journalistic Role Performance Project. Results show that the deference/ cooperation/consensus perspective is better supported, with media moving away from the Watchdog and Infotainment, and toward performance of the Service and Civic roles. We also explore differences in the pattern by country.
and political authorities in a health crisis, attempting to mobilize the public to act according to the best science. Hypotheses derived from these perspectives are tested using the standard measures of journalistic roles developed by the Journalistic Role Performance Project. Results show that the deference/ cooperation/consensus perspective is better supported, with media moving away from the Watchdog and Infotainment, and toward performance of the Service and Civic roles. We also explore differences in the pattern by country.