COM1514
Assignment 3 PORTFOLIO Semester 1 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: May 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 3
2 MEDIA ARTEFACTS............................................................................................. 3
2.1 The Five Functions of Mass Media Communication ....................................... 3
2.2. Uses and Gratifications Theory ...................................................................... 4
2.2.1 Briefly Discuss the Uses and Gratifications Theory .................................. 4
2.2.2 Diversion ................................................................................................... 5
2.2.3 Personal Relations .................................................................................... 5
2.2.4 Personal Identity ....................................................................................... 5
2.2.5 Surveillance .............................................................................................. 6
3 MEDIA, DEVELOPMENT AND DEMOCRACY ..................................................... 6
3.1. Decolonising African Media and Communication Studies in the Global South6
3.2 Civilians’ Watchdog Role on the Internet and Social Media Networks ............ 7
3.3 Media-State Relations in the African Context .................................................. 8
4. MEDIA INSTITUTIONS ........................................................................................ 9
4.1.1 Differentiation between a Media Institution and a Media Institution with an
Agency ............................................................................................................... 9
4.1.2 Examples of Media Institutions vs Media Institutions with an Agency ....... 9
4.2 Types of media intuitions .............................................................................. 10
4.2.1 Explanation of Types of Media Institutions ............................................. 10
4.2.2 Functioning of Media Institutions ............................................................ 10
4.3 Five Elements of the Circuit of Culture .......................................................... 11
CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 11
REFERENCE ......................................................................................................... 12
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 3 PORTFOLIO Semester 1 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: May 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 3
2 MEDIA ARTEFACTS............................................................................................. 3
2.1 The Five Functions of Mass Media Communication ....................................... 3
2.2. Uses and Gratifications Theory ...................................................................... 4
2.2.1 Briefly Discuss the Uses and Gratifications Theory .................................. 4
2.2.2 Diversion ................................................................................................... 5
2.2.3 Personal Relations .................................................................................... 5
2.2.4 Personal Identity ....................................................................................... 5
2.2.5 Surveillance .............................................................................................. 6
3 MEDIA, DEVELOPMENT AND DEMOCRACY ..................................................... 6
3.1. Decolonising African Media and Communication Studies in the Global South6
3.2 Civilians’ Watchdog Role on the Internet and Social Media Networks ............ 7
3.3 Media-State Relations in the African Context .................................................. 8
4. MEDIA INSTITUTIONS ........................................................................................ 9
4.1.1 Differentiation between a Media Institution and a Media Institution with an
Agency ............................................................................................................... 9
4.1.2 Examples of Media Institutions vs Media Institutions with an Agency ....... 9
4.2 Types of media intuitions .............................................................................. 10
4.2.1 Explanation of Types of Media Institutions ............................................. 10
4.2.2 Functioning of Media Institutions ............................................................ 10
4.3 Five Elements of the Circuit of Culture .......................................................... 11
CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 11
REFERENCE ......................................................................................................... 12
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372