, COM3716 EXAM PORTFOLIO
DUE DATE: 27 OCTOBER 2026
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The media industry has undergone significant changes as a result of technological
development, globalisation and the rapid growth of digital communication. Traditional forms
of media, such as newspapers, magazines, radio and television, now operate alongside
websites, social media platforms, podcasts and other digital channels. These developments
have created new opportunities for media organisations to reach audiences quickly and
across geographical boundaries. At the same time, they have introduced challenges
relating to declining print readership, financial sustainability, unequal access to technology,
misinformation and ethical journalism (Fuchs, 2010).
In South Africa and across the African continent, these changes have affected the way
news is produced, distributed and consumed. Newspapers that previously depended
heavily on physical sales and advertising have increasingly had to develop digital platforms.
Community media organisations have also had to adapt to changing audience expectations
while continuing to represent local communities. Globalisation has further increased
competition because audiences can now access international news organisations and
social media platforms alongside local sources.
The transformation of the media industry therefore cannot be understood only as a
technological development. It also involves questions about access, representation,
ownership, democracy, culture and professional responsibility. This discussion examines
technological transformation in the media industry, alternative media, globalisation, fake
news and media ethics. These areas demonstrate how changes in communication
technologies have created both opportunities and serious challenges for contemporary
media organisations and audiences.
1.2 TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE MEDIA INDUSTRY
1.2.1 Selected Print Media: City Press
DUE DATE: 27 OCTOBER 2026
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The media industry has undergone significant changes as a result of technological
development, globalisation and the rapid growth of digital communication. Traditional forms
of media, such as newspapers, magazines, radio and television, now operate alongside
websites, social media platforms, podcasts and other digital channels. These developments
have created new opportunities for media organisations to reach audiences quickly and
across geographical boundaries. At the same time, they have introduced challenges
relating to declining print readership, financial sustainability, unequal access to technology,
misinformation and ethical journalism (Fuchs, 2010).
In South Africa and across the African continent, these changes have affected the way
news is produced, distributed and consumed. Newspapers that previously depended
heavily on physical sales and advertising have increasingly had to develop digital platforms.
Community media organisations have also had to adapt to changing audience expectations
while continuing to represent local communities. Globalisation has further increased
competition because audiences can now access international news organisations and
social media platforms alongside local sources.
The transformation of the media industry therefore cannot be understood only as a
technological development. It also involves questions about access, representation,
ownership, democracy, culture and professional responsibility. This discussion examines
technological transformation in the media industry, alternative media, globalisation, fake
news and media ethics. These areas demonstrate how changes in communication
technologies have created both opportunities and serious challenges for contemporary
media organisations and audiences.
1.2 TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE MEDIA INDUSTRY
1.2.1 Selected Print Media: City Press
