An investigation of news framing at the 6th general election of Ethiopia: the case of Bonga FM 97.4

Abstract

This study is an investigation of the news framing of the 6th general election in Ethiopia by Bonga FM 97.4. The main goal of the study was to examine how the station framed and reported its news stories during the 2021 general election in Ethiopia, focusing on source and tone distribution among the parties. The principle of Creswell et al. (2003)’s explanatory sequential mixed method approach was used to come up with the data presented in the study in the road of cross sectional design. The study utilized framing and agenda setting theories as the bases for the analysis of the news stories. Samples were selected after identifying election related news from March 2021 to May 2021 proportionally. Using stratified sampling, a total of 82 samples news were taken from each month (26, 31, and 25). The contents from these months were analyzed using structured code sheets under 6 analytical categories by which the media passed through to frame the news. Three reporters and two editors were selected purposively to have deep understanding of how they framed the news, and how they were challenged when covering the 2021 campaign. The finding indicated that in spite of its valuable role of informing the public with its informative frame, the station dominantly used the issue frame over others, and used the ruling party as a source that mostly echoed a positive tone to it. The reporters have been challenged differently from internal and external bodies; after all the study forwarded recommendation that the media station has to be reformed practically in terms of its independence, should work on political reporting routinely, should minimize implicit interference and restrictions. We recommend that an extended study has to be done on this issue.