Bereket Hasen Beddecha

since 2025
Christoph-Martin-Wieland Fellow

since April 2022
Colleague at the "Graduate School of Communication and Digital Media (ComDigMed) Studies", Faculty of Philosophy, Erfurt

since Januar 2022
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D:) student in Communication Science, University of Erfurt

since 2014
Lecturer at Mekelle University

2017-2021
Founder and Manager at MOMONA FM 96.4 Community Radio Station, Mekelle

2015-2021
Coordinator at Mekelle University and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (Public Lectures, Conferences and Scientific Publications-Part-Time)

2018
Head of "Media, Communication and Publication Relations", Federation of African Sport University (FASU) and Universities Sport Association of Ethiopia, Mekelle

2015-2017
Master of Arts in Development Studies (Specialization:: Democracy, Governance and Development), Mekelle University
Master-Arbeit: "A Critical Analysis of Good Governance Coverage and Its Challenges in Ethiopia" (Note "Excellent")

2014-2017
Manager bei Print and Broadcast Media Outlets, Faculty of Journalism and Communikation, Mekelle University

2012-2014
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communikation

New Media and Conflict in Contemporary Ethiopia

My PhD research is centred on critically examining the relationship between new media and conflicts in contemporary Ethiopia. I aim to investigate how digital platforms influence information dissemination and mobilization within this complex socio-political landscape. To achieve this, I'm employing a mixed research methodology, combining qualitative interviews with key stakeholders and quantitative analysis of extensive datasets using big data techniques. My objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of how new media shapes conflicts in Ethiopia and to explore potential strategies for conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The findings of this research are expected to have practical implications for policymakers, media practitioners, civil society organizations, and new media technology companies, both within Ethiopia and in other contexts facing similar challenges.

• Media, Society, Politics, and Conflict
• New Media. Digital Disinformation, Propaganda, Social Networking, and Media Literacy
• Political Communication and Crisis Communication
• Media Consumption Patterns
• Media Ethics, Policies, and Regulations

• Fundamentals of Journalism - Module code JOCO-M1011
• Communication - Module code JOCO-M1021
• Media Language and Translation - Module code JOCO-M2031
• Media Law, Ethics and Management - Module code JOCO-M2051
• Print and Web Journalism - Module code JOCO-M2061

Media for good governance in Ethiopia. The case of private newspaper, in: Mekelle University Journal of Political Science and Strategic Studies (MU – JPSSS), Vol. 1(No. 2), 2019, URL: http://www.mu.edu.et/jpsss/index.php/jpsss/article/view/35/7.

Politics of remembrance. Revolutionary dynamics and national identity in the post-World War I era, in: L. Zidella (Hg.): Protest. Uprising. Revolution, 2023, S. 14-29, URL: https://www.deutsche-gesellschaft-ev.de/images/veranstaltungen/bildungsangebote/2023/2023_Europa/2023_BStA_Sommerakademie/DG_Online-Summer_School.pdf. 

The role of media in development and governance, in: Mekelle University Journal of Political Science and Strategic Studies (1/2), 2019, URL: http://www.mu.edu.et/jpsss/index.php/jpsss/article/view/34/8.

"Press Freedom in Contemporary Ethiopia", 14.09.2023, Workshop vom Institut für Publizistik- und Kommunikationswissenschaft der Freien Universität Berlin & Netzwerk Medienstrukturen 2023 in Berlin.

"Strategic and Non-Strategic Use of Media Messages in the Tigray Conflict", 20.10.-21.10.2022, First Annual Meeting of the German-Ethiopian Fellowship Initiative, Gotha, Germany.