{"title":"Upheaval: Disrupted Lives in Journalism","authors":"G. Daniels","doi":"10.1080/02500167.2021.1987285","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02500167.2021.1987285","url":null,"abstract":"In South Africa, there was active unionisation of media workers in general, and journalists in particular, in the 1980s and 1990s, but thereafter, this disintegrated, as shown in Daniels’ (2020) book, Power and Loss in South African Journalism: News in the Age of Social Media (hereafter Power and Loss). One of the more noteworthy findings in South Africa was that 72% of the 158 journalists who participated in the research for Power and Loss said they had no union and journalist association support during their retrenchment process, while the majority of over 90%, said there was no employer funded career support either.","PeriodicalId":44378,"journal":{"name":"Communicatio-South African Journal for Communication Theory and Research","volume":"47 1","pages":"141 - 144"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48463849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Gatekeeping, Gatewatching and the Art of Crowdsourcing in African Media Systems: A Case of Zambian Newsrooms","authors":"Gregory Gondwe","doi":"10.1080/02500167.2021.1966817","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02500167.2021.1966817","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This article reports on a study that contributes to the literature on gatekeeping, gatewatching and crowdsourcing in African contexts. It does so by significantly expanding the scope, and theoretically incorporating the value of information and message content, through which the study revealed how citizen journalists only participate in the already existing media agenda. Citizen journalists are not professional journalists, instead they transmit information using social media platforms. By analysing a total of 2 418 stories from social media users and conducting surveys among 314 journalists, the study was able to demonstrate that journalists and the political elites are the main creators of news media agenda. The findings also suggest that journalists do not crowdsource to obtain a diversity of opinions, but rather to validate their already made agenda. These findings, although consistent with the extant literature, present an important topic to the so far understudied area of Africa.","PeriodicalId":44378,"journal":{"name":"Communicatio-South African Journal for Communication Theory and Research","volume":" ","pages":"1 - 19"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43949246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cula Mzansi: Towards Strategic Transformation of Operatic Culture in Post-Apartheid South Africa","authors":"M. J. Nomcweya, O. Seda, N. Mugovhani","doi":"10.1080/02500167.2021.1959364","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02500167.2021.1959364","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This article outlines a critical analysis of two of a series of three operas that were produced by Gauteng Opera, South Africa, and presented at the Soweto Theatre in 2016 under the generic title of Cula Mzansi (which means “Sing South Africa”). The three operas were Bongani Ndodana-Breen's Hani, Peter Klatzow's Words from a Broken String, and Martin Watt's Tronkvoël, with the first two being the subject of the current analysis. The authors argue that the inclusion of indigenous themes and elements in these operas may be read as a strategic ploy that was meant to transform the operatic form and give it local cultural relevance and appeal. The purpose of the analysis was to assist current and future generations of South African theatregoers to experience some of the possible ways in which the operatic form can be transformed. This transformation is deemed necessary in order to make opera more appealing to the majority of previously disadvantaged black South Africans, notwithstanding the genre's negative historical baggage in many parts of the world where it is largely viewed as an elite form. The authors argue that the inclusion of decidedly indigenous South African cultural elements in these operas in terms of music, costume and setting allowed for the depiction of stories that could more easily relate to the majority of previously marginalised South African communities. They further argue that this strategy had the potential to localise and decolonise this cultural art form in ways deliberately meant to reach a much wider appeal in post- apartheid South Africa.","PeriodicalId":44378,"journal":{"name":"Communicatio-South African Journal for Communication Theory and Research","volume":"47 1","pages":"61 - 78"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42152149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"“My Birth Control Makes Me Emotionally Psycho”: Online Female Narratives about Contraceptives","authors":"Karabo Sitto, E. Lubinga","doi":"10.1080/02500167.2021.1987945","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02500167.2021.1987945","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Digital communication tools have become increasingly pivotal to facilitating the engagement and management of difficult health-related conversations. Peer conversations about individual women's experiences relating to the side effects of contraceptive use are not often held outside of medical contexts. To provoke conversations about birth control, on 9 January 2018, the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition (SRJC) tweeted the results of a study about the severe side effects of using Depo-Provera (a contraceptive injection), triggering diverse discussions. This article reports on a study that analysed online narratives of tweets based on female experiences of effects suffered from contraceptive use and adopted a qualitative netnography design. Three theoretical perspectives, namely, the spiral of silence theory, the critical modernism theory, and the patient-centred model of health care, were relevant to the study. The results provided oft-unheard narratives of South African female voices on personal experiences and agency about contraceptive use. Within health communication, policymakers, as well as campaign designers, need to have a holistic understanding of the factors which may influence women's decisions to (dis)continue a contraceptive method. Such information is critical to designing interventions and programmes which will enable the achievement of important birth control goals and inform the design of effective policies or health campaign messaging. Online patient empowerment on various social media platforms needs to be monitored to avoid misinformation.","PeriodicalId":44378,"journal":{"name":"Communicatio-South African Journal for Communication Theory and Research","volume":"47 1","pages":"96 - 121"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43676724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Visual Framing of the Cameroon Anglophone Crisis in Newspapers","authors":"Dominic E. Forcha","doi":"10.1080/02500167.2020.1857808","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02500167.2020.1857808","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The use of still and motion pictures in reporting on a crisis actually frames the news in particular ways for better understanding. The current study of visual framing of the Cameroon Anglophone crisis in 2016 revealed that the press paid considerable attention to the crisis by making use of images. Of the 216 articles identified in the study, 174 images were used to bring out the conflict and thereby create different perspectives of understanding through frames. The study identified two general frame systems in the coverage of the crisis, namely, the pro- and anti-government perspectives. A further 11 salient frames were identified under these two general frame systems. A comparative analysis of private and public press use of visual frames revealed that the private press made more use of photographs to bring out salient issues in the crisis, such as conflict, lives lost, as well as political actors. The public press on its part paid minimal attention to the crisis and made use of photographs depicting peace/unity, government appeasement, and return to normalcy.","PeriodicalId":44378,"journal":{"name":"Communicatio-South African Journal for Communication Theory and Research","volume":"47 1","pages":"20 - 43"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02500167.2020.1857808","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42695910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Media Accountability in Africa: A Study of Policies and Practices at Two Newsrooms in Kenya","authors":"Jared Obuya","doi":"10.1080/02500167.2020.1857809","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02500167.2020.1857809","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Media accountability has attracted the interest of journalism scholars, media managers and policy makers as the debate grows on how to ensure a free and accountable media. However, media accountability is rarely studied beyond the theoretical and academic debate, especially in many parts of Africa. This article presents the findings of an investigation into media accountability policies and practices at two newsrooms in Kenya. Data came from document analysis and face-to-face interviews with various cadres of journalists and media managers of the newspapers. A range of policies and practices for media accountability guide the journalism at the newsrooms. The editorial policy and other ad hoc policies, routine gate-keeping processes, internal editorial evaluations and capacity-building processes are used to ensure quality and professionalism. The newsrooms also have various practices designed for dialogue and interaction with members of the public. However, media accountability is hampered by a weak professional culture; the dominance of commercial values; and deep ethnic and political fissures in the country. The management of the newsrooms should be encouraged to invest in media accountability as a moral obligation to society and to justify their quest for autonomy and independence from political and economic pressures.","PeriodicalId":44378,"journal":{"name":"Communicatio-South African Journal for Communication Theory and Research","volume":"47 1","pages":"42 - 59"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02500167.2020.1857809","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44477207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Print Media Framing of Definitions and Causes of, and Solutions to, Work-Life Balance Issues in Kenya","authors":"Gladys Muasya","doi":"10.1080/02500167.2020.1854806","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02500167.2020.1854806","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Work-life balance (WLB) issues are taking centre stage in the work and family policies in Kenya. This is due to the diversity of the current workforce that includes high proportions of working women. This article reports on a study that sought to find out how the print media frames the definitions and causes of, and solutions to, WLB issues in Kenya. The study found that the media frames WLB as a middle-and upper-class families’ women’s issue. Thus, WLB is depicted as unattainable and women’s work is framed as their choice made for selfish ambition. This framing places working mothers at a disadvantage. Women are perceived as primary caregivers with roles that cannot be delegated. There is also less support from their spouses and employers and more reliance on domestic workers. The study found the following solutions to WLB challenges: (1) reframe women’s role to be inclusive of work; (2) include nurturing roles to expand the role of fathers and husbands; (3) improve women’s relationship with their domestic workers; (4) encourage women to pace life accordingly; and (5) advise women to plan and have better time management. Policy implications are also discussed in detail in the article.","PeriodicalId":44378,"journal":{"name":"Communicatio-South African Journal for Communication Theory and Research","volume":"47 1","pages":"60 - 75"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02500167.2020.1854806","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42256942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Magical Mothers: The Representation of Witches and Motherhood in Contemporary Fantasy Cinema","authors":"J. Engelbrecht","doi":"10.1080/02500167.2021.1876122","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02500167.2021.1876122","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Over the past decade, powerful mothers in cinema have reappeared in the fantasy genre in the form of “witches”. Some witches’ stories, such as that of Maleficent (the wicked witch from the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty), have even been rewritten to place greater emphasis on maternal values, while simultaneously having feminist undertones and subverting the ways in which witches’ stories have been told previously. In contrast to the widely regarded belief that only evil witches (who are often also read as femme fatales) are considered to be “feminist”, the author argues that recently, witches that are both good and feminist have started to come to the fore. Significantly, the source of these witches’ power is their display of motherhood, which is an issue that many feminists (especially those who deny gender difference) have been grappling with for some time, as motherhood and feminism seem to be on two opposite ends of the spectrum. Thus, the author argues that, as is displayed in science fiction heroines from the 1980s and 1990s who are often discussed in feminist circles, these witches’ maternal values do not undermine their transgressive potential, as it is conventionally assumed, but rather become the source of their empowerment.","PeriodicalId":44378,"journal":{"name":"Communicatio-South African Journal for Communication Theory and Research","volume":"47 1","pages":"20 - 41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02500167.2021.1876122","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43324804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Students’ Perceptions of the Adoption and Use of Social Media in Academic Libraries: A UTAUT Study","authors":"Marion Williams, I. Saunderson, A. Dhoest","doi":"10.1080/02500167.2021.1876123","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02500167.2021.1876123","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This article reports on a study for which the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) served as a theoretical framework. The purpose of the qualitative exploration was to gain an understanding of students’ perceptions of the adoption of social media, namely Facebook and Twitter, in an academic library setting. The study applied the constructs as described by the UTAUT, namely, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions, to explore students’ perceived behavioural intentions to use social media. A sample of 30 students were selected from two universities, one in Belgium (University of Antwerp) and one in South Africa (University of Limpopo), to gain better insight of the students’ perceptions regarding the adoption and use of social media, in particular Facebook and Twitter, by the academic libraries at these two universities. The study showed that the adoption of social media is positively influenced by effort expectancy, performance expectancy and social influence. A major challenge reported by most respondents at the University of Limpopo was poor internet access and the non-adoption of Facebook and Twitter, whilst respondents at the University of Antwerp had mixed feelings about the adoption of Facebook and Twitter for scholarly communication.","PeriodicalId":44378,"journal":{"name":"Communicatio-South African Journal for Communication Theory and Research","volume":"47 1","pages":"76 - 94"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02500167.2021.1876123","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43187879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Post-Apartheid Same-Sex Sexualities: Restless Identities in Literary and Visual Culture","authors":"R. du Plessis","doi":"10.1080/02500167.2021.1910528","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02500167.2021.1910528","url":null,"abstract":"The cornerstone of Post-Apartheid Same-Sex Sexualities: Restless Identities in Literary and Visual Culture by Andy Carolin (2021) is a resolute declaration for South African same-sex literary and visual texts to be interpreted by mapping local and transnational flows, as well as historical and contemporary connections. Carolin refers to the idea of “restlessness” as a means to encapsulate the dynamism and ethos of such a reading, and he is to be lauded for delivering a meticulously researched and innovative study that is immensely thought-provoking.","PeriodicalId":44378,"journal":{"name":"Communicatio-South African Journal for Communication Theory and Research","volume":"47 1","pages":"143 - 147"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02500167.2021.1910528","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48196328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}