This paper aims to shed light on the differences and similarities in the coverage of the Ethiopian Reporter Newspaper and Egyptian Ahram Online on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) tripartite negotiations between January and August 2020. By applying the theories of agenda setting and framing, using both quantitative and qualitative methods, this study provides an in-depth analysis of media representation and its potential influence on public perception and policy.
This study examines the coverage of the GERD negotiations by the Ethiopian Reporter Newspaper and Ahram Online within a specific period in 2020. By using agenda setting and framing theories, the reports were analyzed for their perspectives on legal, technical, developmental, international and mistrust aspects. A particular focus was placed on the different framings: While Ahram Online preferred the internationalization framework to place the negotiations in a broader geopolitical context, the reporter placed greater emphasis on Ethiopia's natural and sovereign right to its water resources. The results show clear differences in the use of specific frames, indicating divergent national interests and narratives. It also highlights the importance of a cooperative media platform for Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan to reduce tensions and build trust between the people of the three countries.
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the problem
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.3.1 General Objective
1.3.2 Specific objectives of the study are:
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Scope of the Study
1.6 Significance of the study
1.7 Limitation of the Study
1.8 Organization of the study
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2. 1 Trans-Boundary River
2.2 River Nile
2.3 Hydro Politics of The Nile River Basin
2.4 Introduction of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
2.4.1 GERD Tripartite Negotiation Process and Diplomatic Tensions
2.5 The Role of Media in Diplomacy
2.6 Theoretical Framework
2.6.1 Framing Theory
2.6.2 Agenda Setting
Chapter Three
Research Methodology
3.1 Research design
3.1.1 Quantitative Content Analysis
3.1.2 Qualitative Content Analysis (Textual Analysis)
3.2 Data sources and collection
3.2.1 Data sources
3.2.2 Data collection method
3.3 Sampling strategy
3.3.1 Media selection
3.3.1.1 The Reporter Newspaper
3.3.1.2 Al-Ahram online
3.3.2 Time frame
3.3.3 Story selection
3.4 Unit of analysis
3.5 Data Coding
3.6 Pilot Coding
3.7 Data analysis procedure
Chapter Four
4.1 Data presentation, Analysis and Discussion
4.2 The Reporter Newspaper, framing of GERD negotiation
4.2.1 Right frame
4.2.1 Development Frame
4.2.3 Internationalization
4.3 ALAHRAM; framing of GERD negotiation
4.3.1 Internationalization frame
4.2.2 Right frame
4.2.3 Development frame
4.2.4 Distrust frame
Chapter Five
Conclusion and Recommendation
5.1. Conclusion
5.2 Recommendations
Research Objectives & Key Topics
This study aims to investigate and conduct a comparative analysis of how two distinct media outlets, The Reporter Newspaper (Ethiopia) and Ahram Online (Egypt), utilized framing techniques to portray the tripartite negotiations surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) during a critical period in 2020.
- Theoretical frameworks of agenda setting and framing in international media.
- Comparative framing analysis of Ethiopian versus Egyptian media narratives.
- The influence of national interests on journalism and diplomatic reporting.
- The role of media in shaping public opinion during transboundary water disputes.
- The impact of third-party involvement on news framing and diplomatic tension.
Excerpt from the Book
2. 1 Trans-Boundary River
As indicated in several literature materials and policy documents, national and Trans-boundary rivers are the main sources of global fresh water. In broader view, trans-boundary waters may consist of the aquifers, lake and river basins shared by two or more countries. As a result, vast numbers of people and livelihoods are highly dependent on river water bodies to sustain their existence on our planet (wolf, 2003).
Due to its natural benefits and necessity, a trans-boundary river has been a top agenda across the world. According to Swain (2011) this is due to its impacts on the livelihoods of people who specifically reside across a river catchment areas and lines through which the water flows. Hence, Trans-boundary Rivers are critical water resources which requires the need for cooperation, and consistent consultation among riparian states sharing natural resources along the basin (Okurut and Othero ;2010).
Various hydrological researches Magdi ( 2011) show that there are more than 270 trans-boundary basins all over the world. But as documented by the Oregon University trans-boundary dispute data base numbered 276. The United Nations‘ Water body‘s report disclosed that 148 states share an international river basin worldwide and one third of these basins crossed more than two countries (UN-Water, 2018).
Trans-boundary river basin also covers 48.8 percent of our planet‘s surface. From such data we can realize that almost half of world‘s population resides under a trans-boundary river basin (Climate diplomacy,2014). It is also important to note that trans-boundary river basins create interdependency among states in spite of their geographical border. Cognizant to such fact two-fifth of the world‘s labor force works in a water-dependent sectors such as agriculture, mining, and fisheries.
These livelihoods and economies are highly vulnerable to the ever-increasing trend of water insecurity. As illustrated in a document by economy forum ( 2016; December 15), water insecurity and climate change are blamed to be the major two factors for global security threat.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter One: Introduction: Provides background on the Nile and the GERD project, defines the research problem, objectives, and significance, and outlines the scope and limitations of the study.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: Examines existing academic knowledge regarding trans-boundary rivers, the hydro-politics of the Nile, water diplomacy, and the theoretical foundations of framing and agenda-setting theories.
Chapter Three: Research Methodology: Details the research design, specifically the use of mixed qualitative and quantitative content analysis, data collection strategies, and sampling criteria for the selected media outlets.
Chapter Four: Analyzes the gathered data, categorizing news stories from the selected media into specific frames like 'Right frame', 'Development frame', and 'Distrust frame', and discusses how these frames were employed.
Chapter Five: Conclusion and Recommendation: Summarizes the key findings of the study, noting the influence of national interests on media framing, and provides recommendations for strengthening media cooperation in the Nile Basin.
Keywords
Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, GERD, Nile River, Water Diplomacy, Media Framing, Agenda Setting, Ethiopia, Egypt, Sudan, Trans-boundary Rivers, Content Analysis, Hydropolitics, International Relations, Political Communication, Hydrodiplomacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research study?
This study examines how international media outlets from Ethiopia and Egypt framed the diplomatic and technical negotiations regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) between early and late 2020.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The study covers themes related to transboundary water politics, the role of media in diplomacy, water rights, economic development, and socio-political distrust between riparian states.
What is the primary research goal or research question?
The central goal is to determine how The Reporter Newspaper and Ahram Online framed the tripartite negotiations, identifying which frames were dominant and assessing the influence of national interests on journalistic practice.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The researcher utilizes a triangulation approach, combining quantitative content analysis for statistical frequency of frames and qualitative textual analysis for in-depth interpretive evaluation of the media reports.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body critiques the media coverage using five primary frames: Right frame, Internationalization frame, Development frame, Technical frame, and Distrust frame, grounding these observations in the geopolitical history of the Nile Basin.
Which keywords classify this work?
The work is primarily classified by terms such as GERD, water diplomacy, media framing, hydro-politics, and international relations regarding the Nile Basin conflict.
How does media ownership influence the framing of the GERD negotiations?
The study notes that media ownership significantly dictates framing; The Reporter, as a private entity in Ethiopia, and Al-Ahram, as a state-owned Egyptian outlet, both tended to align their coverage with their respective national interests and government stances.
What conclusion does the author draw regarding the role of journalists?
The author concludes that journalists at these institutions often find themselves in conflict between their professional duty to remain objective and the pressure to uphold nationalistic interests in a high-stakes regional security dispute.
- Citar trabajo
- Selam Mulugeta (Autor), 2021, Analyzing media coverage of the GERD negotiations. A comparison between Ethiopian and Egyptian perspectives, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1452817