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An Examination of Media and Politics in the Ethiopian Context

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An Examination of Media and Politics in the Ethiopian Context Conceptualizing an African Media System: An Examination of Media and Politics in the Ethiopian Context Menychle Meseret Abebe Thesis for the Master’s Programme in Global Journalism at NLA University College, Kristiansand, Norway Course Code GJ322 Advisor: Dr. Terje Skjerdal May 2017 i Abstract The study of the media’s relation with the political system is a burgeoning area of inquiry in comparative media studies. A key framework in this regard is Hallin and Mancini’s (2004) Comparing Media Systems. This study attempts to conceptualize the Ethiopian media system in comparative perspective based on globally renowned media systems models. More specifically, it asks whether these media systems models are fit to explain the Ethiopian media system and also attempts to identify unique features which should be considered in defining a suitable media system for Ethiopia. The study was done using a qualitative research approach. Research data for the study was collected through in‐depth interviews with 11 purposively selected informants as well as document analysis. The analysis concludes that globally renowned media system models are inadequate to explain the historical development of media and politics in Ethiopia. Even though some features of the Ethiopian media such as a weak media market, low circulation of newspapers, dominance of electronic media, low professionalization, elite oriented press and absence of commercialization resemble elements of the polarized pluralist model, issues such as circulation of newspapers and the relationship between media and politics differ remarkedly from the model. The research has also identified various distinct features that should be considered when defining a functioning media system model for Ethiopia. The nature of media and politics is seen to be influenced by the legacy of the previous regimes, the political history and philosophy of the current ruling party, international influences which have led to superficial liberalization, and underdeveloped media markets and institutions. Based on these factors and together with elements it shares with the polarized pluralist model, the Ethiopian media system can be understood as a media sector in need of development and an institutional environment which continues to be influenced by the ideas of both the past and current regimes, though still being sensitive to changes in the global world order. ii iii Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................ ii List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ vii A Note on Ethiopian Names .................................................................................................................... viii Currency ...................................................................................................................................................... ix Abbreviations .............................................................................................................................................. x Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................... xi Chapter One: Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 1.1. Background and Problem Statement ........................................................................................ 1 1.2. Objective of the Study ................................................................................................................ 4 1.3. Research Questions .................................................................................................................... 4 Chapter Two: Literature Review and Theoretical Framework ................................................................ 7 2.1. Comparative Research in Media Studies: An Overview ........................................................... 7 2.2. Trends in Comparative Research in Media Studies .................................................................. 8 2.3. Why Comparative Research? ................................................................................................... 10 2.4. Limitations of Comparative Research ..................................................................................... 10 2.5. Studying the Relations Between Media and Politics ............................................................. 12 2.5.1. Four Theories of the Press ................................................................................................ 12 2.5.2. Other Attempts of Classifying Media Systems ............................................................... 14 2.6. Theoretical Framework of the Study ....................................................................................... 16 2.6.1. Hallin and Mancini’s Framework for Studying Media and Politics ............................... 17 2.6.2. The Three Media Models .................................................................................................. 25 2.7. Extending Hallin and Mancini’s Framework to New Democracies ....................................... 29 Chapter Three: Methodology ................................................................................................................... 33 3.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 33 3.2. Qualitative Research ................................................................................................................. 33 3.3. Fieldwork in a ‘State of Emergency’ ........................................................................................ 34 3.4. Data Collection Tools ................................................................................................................ 35 3.4.1. In‐depth Interviews ........................................................................................................... 36 3.4.2. Document Analysis ........................................................................................................... 37 iv 3.5. Data Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 39 3.6. Terminology ............................................................................................................................... 39 3.7. Ethical considerations ............................................................................................................... 40 Chapter Four: A Brief History of Politics and Mass Media in the Ethiopian Society ........................... 41 4.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 41 4.2. Overview of the Ethiopian Political System ........................................................................... 41 4.2.1. The Current Party System ................................................................................................ 42 4.3. The Nature of Mass Communications in the Traditional Ethiopian Society ........................ 44 4.4. A Short History of Mass Media in Ethiopia ............................................................................. 46 4.4.1. Media from Emperor Menilik II to Emperor Haile Selassie I .......................................... 46 4.4.2. Media under the Revolution ............................................................................................. 49 4.4.3. Media in the Current EPRDF Regime ............................................................................... 52 Chapter Five: Analysis of the Ethiopian Media System ......................................................................... 55 5.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 55 5.2. The Media Market in Ethiopia .................................................................................................. 55 5.2.1. Print media ........................................................................................................................ 55 5.2.2. Unstable Environment for Newspapers .......................................................................... 61 5.2.3. Broadcast Media ................................................................................................................ 62 5.3. The Role of the State ................................................................................................................ 66 5.3.1. Ownership .......................................................................................................................... 67 5.3.2. National Media Policy ....................................................................................................... 67 5.3.3. Media Governance ............................................................................................................. 70 5.4. Political Parallelism ................................................................................................................... 78 5.4.1. The state and media in Ethiopia .....................................................................................
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