Challenges Of Media Independence And Professional Practice In Ethiopia The Case Of Debub Fm 100.9 Radio

The objective of the study was to assess, identify and analyze the challenges of media independence and professional practice in Ethiopia; taking Debub FM radio as a case in point. The study assessed the current status of the freedom of expression and the press based on the views of the practitioners in media houses. The study examined whether a gap exists between the law and the professional practice. It also assessed the perception of audiences. The research employed qualitative methodology that helps approach the subject of the study from the view of the sources used. Data were gathered using semi-structured questions with different practitioners and audiences. The research used purposive sampling technique to choose key informants. The researcher deliberately selected participants for both the interview and focus group discussion from government media and the public in order to get relevant and diversified data which are significant to the study. The Hallin and Mancini’s freedom of expression, media systems model, media independence, framing theory, websites and other relevant literatures were reviewed for the study. The findings of this research indicated that there is a gap between the law and its actual implementation. There is lack of political commitment in paying proper attention to the realization of the press law. In spite of the fact that the press law allows the media to express views or criticisms on various issues, the government is very critical of those views and less tolerant to very important criticisms of its activity. The absence of credible, strong and all inclusive and independent union of professional journalists have significantly affected the media and the profession. Regardless of very little progress, accessing information easily from government officials has been the great challenge for the journalists and this in turn affect press freedom and the perception of audiences. Based on the research findings, one can argue that the media independence and professional practice is depend on the contribution of educational institutions, the public, media and other related stakeholders. The study contended that the government could show commitment to the realization of the press law and make conducive environment for the journalists to practice professionally and inform, educate and entertain the public at large.

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