Development Journalism Manifestation in Michuu Waaree Radio News Program: The Case of Jimma Fana Fm98.1

Abstract

This study aimed to examine how michuu-waaree news program manifest development journalism in news reporting. Furthermore, the study has pointed out the major news sources covered as well as the challenges occurred during the application of the development journalism including the investigative types of development journalism in the news making of michuu waaree news in Jimma Fana FM98.1. It was informed by public serving development journalism and social responsibility theory of theoretical frameworks. Cross-sectional research design was used in the study as a research design. The study employed qualitative content analysis and in depth interview to gather necessary data. In-depth interview with four journalists, editor and chief editor as well as content analysis of three weeks of michuu-waaree news programs (294 news stories) that had been broadcasted from December 1/2020 to February 30/2021 conducted to get the required data. Both data collected through content analysis and an interview record of the journalists were qualitatively analyzed. Findings from the research indicated that the misunderstanding of the concept of development journalism by the majority of the journalists and media leaders. In relation to the major development issues, the media gave more attentions and focused dominantly on peace related news stories coverage. The medium almost ignores constructive criticism aspect of the developmental journalism. The major sources of the news were government agents whereas event based reporting has dominated the long-term development process. Most of the news broadcasted via the program played informative role of news which louds the government roles. The medium is being busy on reporting success-oriented stories rather than malfunction stories critically. Also, the findings revealed that the in-depth news coverage are lesser.