Department Journalism and Communication

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.mu.edu.et/handle/123456789/132

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    The Influence of Facebook Activists in the Context of the Tigray Political Crisis
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-21) Solomon Asmelash
    This study explores the role of social media, particularly Facebook, as a platform for political activism in the context of the Tigray political crisis. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative content analysis of Facebook posts with qualitative in-depth interviews to examine how activists use the platform to mobilize support, influence public perception, and shape political narratives. The quantitative data highlight patterns of engagement, frequency of posts, and audience interaction, while the qualitative findings provide deeper insights into the intentions, strategies, and experiences of Facebook activists. The study reveals that Facebook has been a critical tool for both pro-Getachew and pro-Debretsion led TPLF factions‟ activists in disseminating political messages, reinforcing or contesting dominant narratives, and fostering political mobilization. However, it also uncovers potential negative consequences, including the spread of dis/misinformation and increased political polarization. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of digital activism in conflictaffected regions and offer implications for the ethical use of social media in political discourse
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    Sexual Objectification of Women in Modern Tigrinya Music Videos: A Case Study of Engdot Sembet on Dimtsi Weyane TV
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-21) Hillina Alazar Mekonen
    This study explores the sexual objectification of women in modern Tigrigna music videos, particularly those broadcast on Dimtsi Weyane TV. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study uses content analysis as its primary method to assess how women are portrayed visually and thematically in 25 selected music videos. In addition, interviews were conducted with key individuals involved in the selection and broadcasting of these videos to understand the underlying factors contributing to the inclusion of objectifying content. Findings reveal that women are frequently depicted in sexually suggestive clothing, submissive roles, and as accessories to male-centered narratives. Despite the pervasive objectification, hosts and producers of the program often overlook these portrayals, focusing instead on other themes such as lyrical content, political or religious sensitivity, or cultural messages. This lack of awareness underscores a critical gap in content evaluation processes within the media outlet. The study concludes that modern Tigrigna music videos broadcast on Dimtsi Weyane TV contribute to the normalization of the sexual objectification of women. It calls for increased awareness among content curators, the development of gender-sensitive media guidelines, and further research to address the broader implications of media portrayals on societal gender norms.
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    The Practice of Development Journalism in Dimtsi Woyane International: Medeb Hirsha (Agricultural Program) in Focus
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-17) Fisehatsion Gebreabzgi Hailu
    This thesis investigates the practice of DJ in Dimtsi Woyane International (DWI), with a particular focus on the agricultural program Medeb Hirsha, broadcast on both radio and television. The study aims to assess how DJ principles such as participatory communication, empowerment, and advocacy are applied in the program and how effectively these principles contribute to agricultural development in the Tigray region. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with journalists, media managers, and farmers and quantitative data from a comprehensive content analysis of all 53 episodes (48 Radio and 5 TV) aired during the 2016 Ethiopian calendar year. The findings reveal that while the Medeb Hirsha program demonstrates notable efforts to inform and educate farmers, the application of DJ principles is inconsistent. Reporters exhibited varying degrees of understanding regarding DJ, and participatory elements were often constrained by institutional limitations and editorial norms. Nevertheless, the program was found to moderately influence farmers’ awareness, attitudes, and decision-making in agricultural practices. This study contributes to the academic discourse on DJ by offering evidence-based insights into the program's implementation, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement. It also provides actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing participatory communication and reinforcing policy support for agricultural media programming in the regional context