The Role Of Community Newspapers In A Transformed South African Media Landscape
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Elanie Steyn, PhD
Assistant Professor: Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication
University of Oklahoma
395 W Lindsey Street, Norman, Oklahoma, 73072
Telephone: 405 325 8219
Email: elanie@ou.edu
Paper read at the Media Management and Economics Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) Midwinter Conference, February 29 – March 1, 2008, Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Introduction
With media transformation in the new South African democracy established in 1994, media that focused on the needs and interests of specific communities (often considered less important in the past) [Howley, 2005:13]) became an ideal instrument to facilitate greater, more diverse media access, and consequently diverse voices in the media (Steenveld, 2002:10). Amidst globalization and a growing transnational media, the specific sector of the media commonly known as local or community media remains the best source of local information (Mfundisi, 2002:22). It plays a significant role in community development in the unique South African media landscape (cf. Diederichs & De Beer, 1998:91-92; cf. Howley, 2005:16). It responds to local communities’ needs for information that is relevant to their everyday lives (Grobler, 2007; Howley, 2005:2; Altschull 1996:166), promotes civic participation and socio-economic rights, and enhances community relations (Lauterer, 2006:19; cf. Brown, 2006:xiv; Howley, 2005:10; Harvey, 2002:29; cf. Charnley, 1975:7). Moreover, it plays a significant role in exposing injustices (Harvey, 2002:29), e.g. pension money fraud, and exorbitant spending by local authorities.
The South African local/community newspaper market is thriving,...
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