http://hdl.handle.net/10386/30 2026-04-12T13:35:09Z 2026-04-12T13:35:09Z Mabasa, Engetani Lucia http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5410 2026-03-24T01:00:18Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Sustainability of print media in the digital era : a study of selected South African newspapers Mabasa, Engetani Lucia In the digital age, the print media face numerous challenges. The rise of digital media, particularly new internet-based media, has aided to the downfall of print media. Traditional media, especially newspapers, experience both opportunities and threats from digital media. Owing to these challenges and threats to print media, several newspapers have ceased operations, while others have moved to digital formats. The purpose of this study is to determine the sustainability of print newspapers given the ongoing media digitalisation competition. This research focused on several strategies that media companies could employ to remain sustainable.On the other hand, there is a lack of research in South Africa on how print media companies can remain sustainable despite the many digital obstacles they face. Thus, the purpose of this study is to close this knowledge gap. Moreover, by evaluating strategies adopted by print newspapers to maintain the viability of their media companies in the digital age, the study sought to broaden the body of knowledge on the sustainability of print newspapers in the digital age. Furthermore, outlining some best practices and techniques, the study provided suitable approaches that media managers can use to properly handle and manage their media companies in the digital era. This study employed a qualitative methodology, drawing samples from readers, print media experts, and the practitioners of the selected print newspapers through interview processes. It examined various attempts in which newspapers achieve sustainability in the digital era. This was done using semi-structured interviews. It is important to note that media sustainability in the digital age extends beyond financial sustainability. It should consider its institutional and social sustainability. The findings reveal that, for print media companies to survive in the digital era, they should constantly promote subscriptions, interact with readers, and maintain their credibility and trustworthiness.Theoretically, mediamorphosis proved that print and digital media may coexist; the expansion of one does not always mean that the other would be diminished. This study has been able to further knowledge by outlining strategies for print newspapers to become sustainable in the digital age. Thesis (Ph.D. (Media Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Nong, Kgabo Jonas http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5409 2026-03-24T01:00:16Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Ethical broadcasting standards in South African podcasting : an exploratory study Nong, Kgabo Jonas This study explored the ethical standards in South African podcasting. It analysed how podcasts navigate the principles of media ethics such as respect for privacy, harm avoidance, truthfulness, and the prevention of defamation. The study also explored how podcasting’s unregulated nature contributes to the dissemination of controversial content, including misogynistic remarks, derogatory statements about the LGBTQI+ community, and the objectification of women. The theoretical framework entailed two theories, namely; the Diffusion of Innovation and Media Policy Theory. This qualitative study used content analysis and semi-structured interviews for data collection from a total of five (5) radio presenters. The findings of this study indicate the significant gaps in ethical adherence in Podcast and Chill with MacG with content prioritising sensationalism over ethical considerations. The lack of regulation in podcasting is identified as a contributing factor to the perpetuation of harmful narratives impacting societal attitudes and public trust in media. The study concludes by recommending that South African podcasts adopt ethical practices that promote inclusivity, respect, and accountability. Furthermore, it suggests collaboration among regulatory bodies, content creators, and advocacy groups to ensure the sustainable growth of podcasting as a medium that reflects democratic values and fosters positive societal change. Thesis (M. A. (Media Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Kgasago, Kopano http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5406 2026-03-21T01:00:45Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

The role of citizen journalism in disseminating information during COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa Kgasago, Kopano The role of citizen journalism in disseminating information has been identified as a major challenge during the Covid-19 pandemic. The problem lies under the ambiguity of information distributed intentionally or unintentionally to mislead the public during the pandemic. Citizen journalism may have blurred the lines between fact and opinion, leading to the inadvertent spread of misleading information (misinformation and disinformation). Given that citizen journalism encompasses distinct functions, this study aimed to analyse the role of citizen journalism in disseminating information during the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa. The study employed the qualitative approach and conducted interviews on citizen journalists located at the five provinces (Gauteng, Limpopo, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Western Cape) of South Africa. An interview guide was used as a tool to collect data from a sample of ten (10) citizen journalists, two (2) from each province. The study employed the theoretical framework by using two theories, namely: Diffusion of Innovation and Participatory Culture Theory. The Diffusion of Innovation Theory gives better understanding of how citizen journalism as a new way of disseminating information during Covid-19 pandemic is adopted. Participatory culture theory explains a culture of how the public as part of citizen journalism participate in creation, dissemination and exchange of Covid-19 information. To expand on this concept, the study had three objectives. The first objective was to explore the role of citizen journalists. The second objective was to evaluate how citizen journalists contributed to the spread of falsified information. Lastly, the study examined the level of misinformation and disinformation disseminated by citizen journalists during the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa. According to the study’s findings, citizen journalists are aware of the essence of disseminating information during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ultimately, citizen journalism play the role of disseminating information. However, the role it plays influences the spread of falsified information, misinformation and disinformation during the pandemic. They expressed that the production of misleading information is unintentional. However, citizen journalists should be cautious of spreading inaccurate information and only strive to maintain credibility, trust and integrity in reporting. Thesis (M. A.(Media Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Manaka, Mokgadi Beauty http://hdl.handle.net/10386/4986 2025-05-29T01:00:13Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Stereotyping of black women in south african television advertisements in post-1994 South Africa Manaka, Mokgadi Beauty This is an exploratory study conducted to assess the way in which South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) television advertisements are used to construct stereotypes of black women in post-1994 South Africa. This study focused on SABC1, 2 and 3 since they are public channels where most advertisements of black women appear and most South Africans with television watch channels free of charge. This study examines the stereotypical roles that black women are associated with in SABC television advertisements in post-1994 South Africa. Because black women prior 1994 were underrepresented in the television advertisements and portrayed with negative stereotypes by the SABC. This study further examines how the underlying latent and manifest meaning of SABC television advertisements are used to construct stereotypes about black women. The guiding theories for this study was feminism, blackness, and social semiotics. These theories were used to assess the portrayal of black women stereotypes in SABC television advertisements, as well as the roles that black women are associated with in the SABC television advertisements in post-1994 South Africa. The study undertook a qualitative research methodology approach and employed content analysis of advertisements derived from SABC1, 2 and 3 The overarching result of the study proved that black women stereotypes are still constructed as being somewhat negative and inferior in SABC television advertisements. For SABC to deconstruct stereotypes of black women, it should portray them in all advertisement products not only those that appear in traditional settings such as house and home products. Thesis (M.A. (Media Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z