Practices, policies and regulation in African journalism: mapping a research agenda

Sampaio-Dias, S., Mawindi Mabweazara, H. , Townend, J. and Osman, I. (2019) Practices, policies and regulation in African journalism: mapping a research agenda. African Journalism Studies, 40(3), pp. 1-9. (doi: 10.1080/23743670.2019.1750197)

Abstract

This special issue examines the intricacies of journalism practices, policies and media regulation in contemporary Africa. The studies carried in the issue collectively offer three broad contributions to (African) journalism studies. First, they demonstrate how law and regulation are used to control and, in some cases, stifle the practice of journalism. Second, studies examine the challenges presented by new digital technologies to both the practice of journalism as well as the law and regulation by which it is governed. In particular, the studies highlight how digital technologies blur the definition of journalism, how they provide an opportunity for journalists to overcome state censorship and surveillance, and also how online platforms can offer an arena for nationalistic discourses, divisions and hate. Finally, the special issue bolsters the relevance of investigating media practices and regulation policy for radio broadcasting in Africa, while also signalling the prospering significance of empirical research into new media and their relationship with law and policy.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mabweazara, Dr Hayes
• Authors: Sampaio-Dias, S., Mawindi Mabweazara, H., Townend, J., and Osman, I.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
• Journal Name: African Journalism Studies
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 2374-3670
• ISSN (Online): 2374-3689
• Published Online: 13 May 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 iMasa
• First Published: First published in African Journalism Studies 40(3):1-9
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher