State control and media monopoly in Ethiopia and its impact for social inequality

This study examines the impact of state media control in Ethiopia on social inequality, drawing on theories of social inequality, political economy, and public sphere theory. Using semi-structured interviews and document analysis, this study explores how state control shapes access to information, public participation, and the representation of diverse social groups. The findings reveal that political influence shapes both public and private media, undermining their ability to function as platforms for open debate and democratic participation. Despite media reforms and the emergence of private media outlets, Ethiopia’s media landscape remains largely state-dominated, limiting the public sphere and reinforcing social inequality. Access to information remains restricted, unequal distribution of government advertising and sponsorship further undermines editorial independence. Structural barriers persist, including political interference, weak journalistic professionalism, and ambiguous institutional responsibilities. Overall, the Ethiopian media system remains deeply constrained by political and economic forces that impede its democratic role. This study enhances our understanding of the intersection of state media control with political and economic frameworks that perpetuate social inequality in Ethiopia. This emphasises that restoring the media’s democratic function requires creating an enabling media environment to serve as an independent and inclusive platform for public discourse.