THE EFFECT OF MAINSTREAM MEDIA IN AGGRAVATING CONFLICT; THE CASE OF ETHIOPIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATE AND FANA BROADCASTING CORPORATION

Abstract

This study has shown the effect of mainstream media in aggravating conflict especially by considering televisions in Ethiopia. Content Analysis research design and qualitative approach was used for the research strategy. The data sources were both primary and secondary data sources. For this study, two television Medias in Ethiopia; Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporate and Fana Broadcasting Corporations’ programs and news reporting are analyzed their contents. In addition to that a total of 32 participants response for depth interview have participated. Thick description methodologies have been used to analyze participants’ responds. The major finding of this study reveals the effect of mainstream media in aggravating conflict in Ethiopia. The study recommends establishing an independent media regulatory body to monitor, investigate, and enforce guidelines on the use of sensationalized, emotionally charged, or biased language in news reporting, while also ensuring balanced and diverse representation of perspectives, transparency in sourcing and verification of information, and mandatory training programs for media professionals on ethical reporting practices and recognizing implicit biases.