1.

Introduction

1.1. Background of the Study

News is that something new and interesting. According to Machin and Van (2007:2) “Many
of us tend to think a news as natural phenomenon straight forward and self-evident process
where professional journalists inform members of their society about important issue.”

News is a key source to get information but it is not only about information. Gormly (2004:5)
states that “news is a key source of information for the public. It is also an extremely tough,
competitive business.” News must be free from any biased information. According to Machin
and Van (2007:2) “news had to become politically natural pure information and pure fact.”

News is not only transferring facts. According to (Lewis et al 2004:142) “The news cannot
simply reflect reality. As it occurs but must inevitably represent event and ideas in particular
way. This is because news, like any other text is a social construction that produces versions
of any reality rather than ambiguous news. “News has its own value. Allyn and Bacon (2010:
118) state that “news values are important in any media writing because they guide writers in
identifying and listing crucial issues.”

The past ten years have seen a substantial shift in the role of mass media in the public realm
as platforms, peers, and algorithms have a greater influence on gatekeeping, or the process of
selecting and disseminating important events (Wallace, 2018). According to Nielsen (2016),
Wall (2015), Wallace (2018), and other non-journalistic actors, platforms like Google and
Facebook now have more influence on the information that reaches society, the framing and
shaping of social reality, and the accessibility, findability, and engagement of news content
by audiences.

As a result of these changes, a growing number of people and (non-)governmental

organizations are concerned about the way news is produced, consumed, and curated at the
moment (see, for example, European Commission, 2018; van Keulen, Korthagen, Diederen,
& van Boheemen, 2018). Concerns have been expressed regarding selective exposure, news
personalization, and so-called "filter bubbles," all of which are thought to have a negative
impact on news diversity (Zuiderveen Borgesius et al., 2016). As a consequence, various
empirical studies have been pushing the concept of news variety to the forefront of scholarly
debates (see e.g., Courtois, Slechten, & Coenen, 2018; Dylko et al., 2017; Flaxman, Goel, &
Rao, 2016; Fletcher & Park, 2017). .
However, the idea of news diversity has received little attention despite its increasing
relevance in contemporary academic discourses. In fact, it's still not obvious what is intended
by diverse media content or how diverse media should function in democratic society, as
noted by Raeijmaekers and Maeseele (2015). While this ambiguity is not a new problem (see,
for example, Napoli, 1999; Voakes, Kapfer, Kurpius, & Chern, 1996), it becomes even more
urgent to conceptualize in light of the changing news environment and the possibility of
major shifts in the basic presumptions of journalism studies.

The media landscape in Ethiopia, much like the rest of the world, is currently undergoing
significant transformations due to advancements in technology, shifts in politics, and changes
in society. In this era where information holds immense power in shaping public opinion, the
concept of news diversity has gained considerable importance. The objective of this study is
to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of news diversity, with a specific focus on the
Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), which holds a prominent position in Ethiopia's
media landscape.

News diversity plays a crucial role in upholding a healthy democracy by providing citizens
with a wide range of perspectives, voices, and information necessary for making well-
informed decisions (Althaus, 2002; Tuchman, 1978). In the Ethiopian context, where
historical, cultural, and political nuances greatly influence society, understanding the
dynamics of news diversity becomes essential for fostering an inclusive and participatory
democracy. As a state-owned broadcaster, EBC not only serves as a platform for
disseminating news and information to the Ethiopian public but also plays a significant role
in shaping the narratives that influence public perception and discourse. However, the extent
to which EBC reflects the inherent diversity of Ethiopian society remains a subject of inquiry,
thus highlighting the need for a comprehensive evaluation of its news content.

As Ethiopia undergoes transformative changes, both politically and socially, the media's role
in reflecting and influencing these changes becomes increasingly vital. Scholars argue that
diverse news coverage not only ensures an informed citizenry but also contributes to social
cohesion and democratic stability (Donsbach, 2004; Entman, 2012). Therefore, this research
aims to bridge the existing gap in understanding the news diversity within EBC, shedding
light on its role in shaping the public narrative during this pivotal period.

1.2. Statement of the problem

EBC, being a prominent news outlet in Ethiopia, may encounter difficulties in presenting a
wide range of perspectives and representations. This could result in a lack of inclusivity and a
potential bias in the news content (Bagdikian, B. H. 2004). The political environment in
Ethiopia might influence EBC's news agenda, potentially restricting the coverage of certain
topics or viewpoints. Consequently, this may lead to imbalanced and incomplete reporting
(Hallin, D. C., & Mancini, P. 2004). Additionally, socio-cultural factors could impact the
diversity of news content, with certain issues receiving more attention than others. This can
create a distorted portrayal of societal matters. Moreover, technological limitations and the
digital divide may impede the accessibility of diverse news sources, particularly in remote or
underserved areas. This could affect the overall variety of information available to the public
(Webster, J. G., & Ksiazek, T. B. 2012). Therefore, it is crucial for EBC to understand the
preferences and patterns of news consumption among its audience. By adapting to the
evolving ways in which the public consumes news, EBC can ensure that diverse content
reaches a wider audience. In our country, the government largely dominates the practice of
broadcast media, especially television, with only a few private FM radio stations in Addis
Ababa. Consequently, media should not be controlled by any individual or government. If
they are controlled by the government, the media serve the government rather than the public.
Similarly, if they are controlled by individuals, they serve those individuals instead of the
entire public (Chomsky, N., & Herman, E. S. 1988). Many people believe that such
dominated media outlets provide biased information and fail to address a diverse range of
issues in their news coverage. By addressing these concerns, this research aims to provide
insights into the current state of news diversity within the context of EBC. It also aims to
offer recommendations for improvement and contribute to the broader discussion on media
diversity and its implications for a democratic society.

1.3. Objectives of the study

1.3.1. General objective

The General aim of this study is to assess the range of news content generated by the
Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) and analyse its impact on the dissemination of
information and engagement of the audience.

1.3.2. Specific objectives

  To explore the dissemination of news articles across different subjects and
classifications within the content produced by EBC.
 To evaluate the inclusivity of EBC's news reporting by analysing the range of sources
utilized.
 To assess the adequacy of EBC's representation of various regions within Ethiopia.
 To analyse the level of inclusivity in EBC's news coverage by examining the
representation of diverse voices.

1.4. Research Questions

1. How does the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) determine the order and
allocation of news coverage across different subjects, and are there any noticeable patterns
within the chosen timeframe?

2. To what degree does EBC rely on specific sources for its news reporting, and how
effectively do these sources encompass a wide range of viewpoints?

3. To what extent does EBC ensure a comprehensive representation of different regions

within Ethiopia in its news coverage?

4. How inclusive is EBC's news coverage in terms of incorporating diverse voices, taking
into account factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status?

1.5. Significance of the study

The study will hold great importance for various reasons. Primarily, it will enhance the
scholarly comprehension of media diversity through an in-depth examination of a prominent
state-owned broadcasting organization. Additionally, the outcomes of this research will have
potential to enlighten media professionals, policymakers, and the general public about the
current status of news diversity in Ethiopia. This, in turn, will facilitate well-informed
deliberations on media reforms and the advancement of a more inclusive range of
perspectives.

This research will carry significant implications due to multiple factors. Firstly, it will
contribute to the academic realm by shedding light on the concept of media diversity through
a comprehensive analysis of a major state-owned broadcaster. Moreover, the findings of this
study will have the potential to serve as a valuable resource for media practitioners,
policymakers, and the wider public, enabling them to gain insights into the state of news
diversity in Ethiopia. The study also will explore the topics that garner greater attention in the
media, thereby revealing possible biases. Through the implementation of this research, EBC
will acquire a valuable instrument for self-assessment, enabling them to pinpoint areas that
require enhancement and elevate their methodologies. Consequently, this will foster a news
environment that is more inclusive and diverse, aligning with the fundamental principles of
public service broadcasting.

1.5. Scope of the Study

This research is limited to EBC and focuses solely on their news coverage. Over 30- day’s
period, a thorough evaluation will be conducted on their prime-time news coverage each day,
with a specific emphasis on applying diversity to their news content. This will involve in-
depth analysis of their news coverage. The prime time for news at EBC is 1 :00 and 2:00 PM
local time.

References

1. Althaus, S. L. (2002). Information effects in collective preferences.

American Political Science Review, 96(3), 633-646.
2. Donsbach, W. (2004). Psychology of news decisions. Journalism,
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3. Entman, R. M. (2012). Scandal and silence: Media responses to
presidential misconduct. Wiley.
4. Tuchman, G. (1978). Making news by doing work: Routinizing the
unexpected. American Journal of Sociology, 83(4), 772-799.
5. Bagdikian, B. H. (2004). The New Media Monopoly. Beacon Press.
6. Chomsky, N., & Herman, E. S. (1988). Manufacturing Consent: The
Political Economy of the Mass Media. Pantheon.
7. Hallin, D. C., & Mancini, P. (2004). Comparing Media Systems: Three
Models of Media and Politics. Cambridge University Press
Webster, J. G., & Ksiazek, T. B. (2012). The Dynamics of Audience Fragmentation:
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56.