,COM3705 PORTFOLIO SEMESTER 2 ANSWERS - DUE DATE: 30 OCTOBER 2026
1. Introduction
Netflix’s expansion into African film and television reflects the growing influence of global
streaming platforms on international communication and the distribution of cultural content.
Through productions such as Queen Sono and Blood & Water, Netflix has created
opportunities for African stories to reach international audiences. However, this expansion
also raises questions about who controls cultural production, how African stories are
represented and whether local industries benefit equally from global streaming platforms
(Lobato, 2018; Afilipoaie, Iordache & Raats, 2021). This discussion draws primarily on
globalisation theory and cultural imperialism, while considering the political economy of
streaming platforms. It will examine Netflix’s contribution to African content production, the
opportunities and challenges facing South African and Nigerian industries, and whether its
promotion of cultural diversity genuinely empowers local creators or mainly serves its
commercial interests (Bradfield, 2023; Simon, 2021; Thuillas & Wiart, 2023).
2. Theoretical Framework
2.1 Theoretical Overview
Cultural imperialism refers to a situation in which powerful countries or media organisations
spread their cultural products and values across the world, potentially weakening the
influence of local cultures. In international communication, this theory highlights how
dominant media industries can influence what audiences watch and how cultures are
represented. Global streaming platforms such as Netflix can distribute African stories
internationally, but they also have considerable influence over which productions receive
funding, visibility and international distribution.
Dependency theory explains how less economically powerful countries depend on stronger
economies for investment, technology, markets and other resources. This relationship can
1. Introduction
Netflix’s expansion into African film and television reflects the growing influence of global
streaming platforms on international communication and the distribution of cultural content.
Through productions such as Queen Sono and Blood & Water, Netflix has created
opportunities for African stories to reach international audiences. However, this expansion
also raises questions about who controls cultural production, how African stories are
represented and whether local industries benefit equally from global streaming platforms
(Lobato, 2018; Afilipoaie, Iordache & Raats, 2021). This discussion draws primarily on
globalisation theory and cultural imperialism, while considering the political economy of
streaming platforms. It will examine Netflix’s contribution to African content production, the
opportunities and challenges facing South African and Nigerian industries, and whether its
promotion of cultural diversity genuinely empowers local creators or mainly serves its
commercial interests (Bradfield, 2023; Simon, 2021; Thuillas & Wiart, 2023).
2. Theoretical Framework
2.1 Theoretical Overview
Cultural imperialism refers to a situation in which powerful countries or media organisations
spread their cultural products and values across the world, potentially weakening the
influence of local cultures. In international communication, this theory highlights how
dominant media industries can influence what audiences watch and how cultures are
represented. Global streaming platforms such as Netflix can distribute African stories
internationally, but they also have considerable influence over which productions receive
funding, visibility and international distribution.
Dependency theory explains how less economically powerful countries depend on stronger
economies for investment, technology, markets and other resources. This relationship can
