The revolution that started globally as changes in the size and shape of newspapers hasrnbrought along with it a particular genre marked by the focus towards less serious issuesrnand the treatment of serious issues lightly. In light of this, this study under the title ofrnTabloidization in Perspective: an Assessment of Tabloid Practices in Ethiopia attemptedrnto gain insights into tabloid newspaper practices in Ethiopia through-the eyes of readersrnand practitioners. The objectives were to find out prominent trends in tabloid newspapers,rnthe conceptualization of the public sphere, and the perception of tabloids by their readersrnand different practitioners. The study has utilized qualitative methods of focus grouprndiscussions with tabloid readers and individual in-depth interviews. Accordingly,rnfindings show that tabloids deal with serious issues such as politics and in terms ofrndiversifying voices in the political arena and for their entertaining values, they are praisedrnby their readers. Government journalists and some focus group participants on the otherrnhand argue that tabloids have the tendency to oppose the government and constantlyrncriticize its activities. It has been found out that they engage in journalistic malpracticesrn- -rnto boost their businesses which are seen as crisis for democracy. Some of the trends asrnpointed out by their readers and some journalists include sensationalism, invasion ofrnprivacy, frequent use of anonymous sources, and the reduction of serious issues.