This study envisaged to assess and examine the nature and magnitude of the coverage ofrndemocratic values/issues in two Ethiopian Amharic language newspapers: Addis Neger andrnAddis Zemel!.rnContent analysis was used as a main research tool. In-depth interviews were also made withrneditors and journalists of the two newspapers. Both qualitative and quantitative methods werernemployed to analyze the data. A chi-square test was also done to see whether there was arnsignificant difference between the two newspapers.rnFor gathering data through content analysis, 48 editions of newspapers (24 from each) rangingrnfrom December 2007 to May 2008 were used as samples of the study. All stories that focused onrndemocratic values/issues (election, political parties/multi-party system, good governance andrnhuman rights) were coded and their contents analyzed. The analysis was made based on the type,rntheme, source, origin, placement and length of stories. The data found from the in-depthrninterviews were used as a back up in the discussion and analysis part of the study.rnIn light of the Krowing demand and urge for democracy from within and outside, the findingsrnreveal that democratic values/issues were faded away with very little coverage in bothrnnewspapers. Also, the contents of the articles/stories were found to be insufficientlyrncomprehensive and thorough to help readers get convenient and significant information. Mostrnstories aboul democratic values/issues were found to be hard news dealing with politicalrnparties/multi-party system and election. Moreover, the sources used were mainly official ones.rnAbove all, the two newspapers failed to give prominence to stories about democraticrnvalues/ issues. Many of the stories were found to be in the inside pages.rnIn terms of quantity, the chi-square test revealed that there is a significant difference in therndistribution of five categories between the two newspapers. No significant difference was foundrnwith one category: placement of sto/y. Regardingfrequency of coverage, Addis Zemen was bellerrnalmost in all categories except in the length of story.rnIn general, the results of this study indicate that Addis Neger and Addis Zemen gave limitedrncoverage to democratic values/ issues.