, COM3715 EXAM PORTFOLIO
DUE DATE: OCTOBER 2026
SECTION A:
THE NATURE OF GLOBAL COMMUNICATION FROM AN AFRICAN AND
DECOLONIAL PERSPECTIVE
1.1 Introduction
Global communication refers to the movement of information, ideas, news and cultural
messages between different countries and societies. Media organisations play an important
role in this process because they decide what information is produced, shared and made
available to audiences. However, communication between countries has not always been
equal. African countries have historically depended heavily on media and communication
systems developed outside the continent. This has raised concerns about whose
knowledge, culture and ideas are given more attention in global communication (Willems,
2014).
A decolonial approach questions the idea that Western knowledge and communication
systems should always be treated as the main or most important sources of knowledge. It
encourages African scholars and media organisations to recognise African experiences,
languages, cultures and ways of communicating (Moyo, 2020). Therefore, understanding
global communication from an African perspective requires attention to both the historical
influence of colonialism and the growing ability of African people to produce and share their
own information.
1.2 Information Flows Through International Media Organisations
International media organisations have a major influence on the way information moves
across countries. Large news organisations can reach audiences in many parts of the world
and can influence which international events receive attention. Historically, African
countries have often depended on international news agencies based in powerful Western
countries for news about international events. This created a situation where information
could mainly flow from the Global North to the Global South rather than equally in both
directions (Meyer, 1989).
DUE DATE: OCTOBER 2026
SECTION A:
THE NATURE OF GLOBAL COMMUNICATION FROM AN AFRICAN AND
DECOLONIAL PERSPECTIVE
1.1 Introduction
Global communication refers to the movement of information, ideas, news and cultural
messages between different countries and societies. Media organisations play an important
role in this process because they decide what information is produced, shared and made
available to audiences. However, communication between countries has not always been
equal. African countries have historically depended heavily on media and communication
systems developed outside the continent. This has raised concerns about whose
knowledge, culture and ideas are given more attention in global communication (Willems,
2014).
A decolonial approach questions the idea that Western knowledge and communication
systems should always be treated as the main or most important sources of knowledge. It
encourages African scholars and media organisations to recognise African experiences,
languages, cultures and ways of communicating (Moyo, 2020). Therefore, understanding
global communication from an African perspective requires attention to both the historical
influence of colonialism and the growing ability of African people to produce and share their
own information.
1.2 Information Flows Through International Media Organisations
International media organisations have a major influence on the way information moves
across countries. Large news organisations can reach audiences in many parts of the world
and can influence which international events receive attention. Historically, African
countries have often depended on international news agencies based in powerful Western
countries for news about international events. This created a situation where information
could mainly flow from the Global North to the Global South rather than equally in both
directions (Meyer, 1989).
