COM1514 Assignment 1 Semester 1 | Due March 2025

COM1514 Assignment 1 Semester 1 | Due March 2025. All questions answered. 1 INTRODUCTION [2,5] 2 MEDIA ARTEFACTS [30] 2.1 Critically discuss the concept of mediation in the context of the media content (5) 2.2 In what ways are audiences part of the mediation process? Provide examples of how you interact with media content daily (TV, radio, press, social media, etc.) (5) 2.3 What are the implications of the advent of social/digital media concerning our understanding of media content? (5) 2.4 The advent of technology has made consumers to be active participants. With this in mind, write a blog detailing how you use social media texts/platforms as an active user (10). Select a minimum of two media platforms. 2.5 Discuss the concept of ‘digital divide’ as a barrier to accessing information in the context of a developing world/Global South (5)3 MEDIA, DEVELOPMENT AND DEMOCRACY [30] 3.1 Read two online newspaper articles about illegal mining in Stilfontein and correlate them with “otherness” as expounded in the study material. “Otherness” results from a discursive process by which a dominant in-group (‘us,’ ‘the self’) constructs one or many dominant out-groups (them/other) by stigmatising a difference. Critically explain the implications of the words randomly used in newspaper articles such as “Zama Zamas”, “Foreigners”, “Illegal miners”, “Volunteers” and “Illegal migrants” towards the public perception of the “other” in the media context. (10) NB: You must attach the two online articles that you select. Do not include hyperlinks. Cut and paste or screengrab the text. No marks will be awarded if the newspaper articles are not included. 3.2 A defence of media freedom often rests on the liberal democracy notion of the watchdog role. Today the watchdogs are no longer the media fraternity alone, civil society and civilians have taken on this role on the internet and on social media networks. With relevant examples, please elaborate on this statement based on media and democracy in Africa. (10) 3.3 Discuss the role of podcasting in public participation in South Africa. Please use two South African podcasts (e.g., Podcast and Chill with MacG, SMWX podcast) to strengthen your argument. (10) 4 MEDIA INSTITUTIONS [30] Write an essay on media institutions by answering the following questions: 4.1 Define media institutions and give examples thereof. (5) 4.2 Illustrate your understanding of critical political economy (CPE) theory and its influence on media institutions. (15) 4.3 Evaluate the cultural, historical, political and social context in which media functions within South African societies. (10) 5 CONCLUSION GENERAL TECHNICAL PRESENTATION (declaration, table of contents, in-text referencing, sources consulted and language) (5) TOTAL [100]