COM2604/201/1/2020
Tutorial Letter 201/1/2020
Media studies:
Mass communication and media theory
COM2604
Semester 1
Department of Communication Science
This tutorial letter contains important information
about your module.
BARCODE
, CONTENTS
Page
1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 3
2 STUDY UNIT 1 ............................................................................................................................. 3
3 FEEDBACK ON ASSIGNMENT 01 .............................................................................................. 7
4 FEEDBACK ON ASSIGNMENT 02 ............................................................................................ 15
5 EXAMINATION........................................................................................................................... 22
6 CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................ 22
2
, COM2604/201/1/2020
Dear Student
1 INTRODUCTION
We hope that you have enjoyed studying this module thus far. This tutorial letter contains
feedback on the assignments you have submitted during the course of the semester. We also
include our comments on your preparation for the examination in this tutorial letter. You are
welcome to contact the lecturers if you have difficulty understanding any aspect of the module.
Lecturer Telephone Office in WMM E-mail
Ms Martine van der Walt Ehlers 012 429 6332 7-87
Mr Gysbert Kirsten 012 429 6332 7-87
2 STUDY UNIT 1
You will notice that, in the study guide, there is no study unit 1. We have included it in this
tutorial letter to enable you to familiarise yourself with the historical developments of the media
in South Africa and to do the activities afterwards.
STUDY UNIT 1
A SOUTH AFRICAN MEDIA MAP (THE HISTORY OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDIA)
1.1 Introduction
Study unit 1 of this module has not been included in the study guide, as the nature of the
information we provide here is dynamic and constantly changing. Please read the introduction
to the study guide before you start working through the study unit.
The purpose of this study unit is to provide you with the necessary historical background to
enable you to contextualise your study of the media. In the first study unit (chapter 1 in your
prescribed book), we provide you with a brief overview of the history of the South African media
(mainly the press and broadcasting media), followed by a brief overview or media map of what
constitutes the South African media today. This knowledge will equip you to understand exactly
what we mean when we refer to media or the media. Knowledge of what is happening in the
South African media, or in the media of the country of their residence, is a prerequisite to enable
communication students to conduct meaningful media research or to participate in discussions
about the media. It will also be of great value to if you want to pursue a career in the media
industry.
Key questions
The following key questions need to be answered:
• Why is it important to study the history of the media?
• Which periods can be identified in the development of broadcasting in South Africa?
• Which strands can be identified in the history of the press in South Africa?
3
Tutorial Letter 201/1/2020
Media studies:
Mass communication and media theory
COM2604
Semester 1
Department of Communication Science
This tutorial letter contains important information
about your module.
BARCODE
, CONTENTS
Page
1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 3
2 STUDY UNIT 1 ............................................................................................................................. 3
3 FEEDBACK ON ASSIGNMENT 01 .............................................................................................. 7
4 FEEDBACK ON ASSIGNMENT 02 ............................................................................................ 15
5 EXAMINATION........................................................................................................................... 22
6 CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................ 22
2
, COM2604/201/1/2020
Dear Student
1 INTRODUCTION
We hope that you have enjoyed studying this module thus far. This tutorial letter contains
feedback on the assignments you have submitted during the course of the semester. We also
include our comments on your preparation for the examination in this tutorial letter. You are
welcome to contact the lecturers if you have difficulty understanding any aspect of the module.
Lecturer Telephone Office in WMM E-mail
Ms Martine van der Walt Ehlers 012 429 6332 7-87
Mr Gysbert Kirsten 012 429 6332 7-87
2 STUDY UNIT 1
You will notice that, in the study guide, there is no study unit 1. We have included it in this
tutorial letter to enable you to familiarise yourself with the historical developments of the media
in South Africa and to do the activities afterwards.
STUDY UNIT 1
A SOUTH AFRICAN MEDIA MAP (THE HISTORY OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDIA)
1.1 Introduction
Study unit 1 of this module has not been included in the study guide, as the nature of the
information we provide here is dynamic and constantly changing. Please read the introduction
to the study guide before you start working through the study unit.
The purpose of this study unit is to provide you with the necessary historical background to
enable you to contextualise your study of the media. In the first study unit (chapter 1 in your
prescribed book), we provide you with a brief overview of the history of the South African media
(mainly the press and broadcasting media), followed by a brief overview or media map of what
constitutes the South African media today. This knowledge will equip you to understand exactly
what we mean when we refer to media or the media. Knowledge of what is happening in the
South African media, or in the media of the country of their residence, is a prerequisite to enable
communication students to conduct meaningful media research or to participate in discussions
about the media. It will also be of great value to if you want to pursue a career in the media
industry.
Key questions
The following key questions need to be answered:
• Why is it important to study the history of the media?
• Which periods can be identified in the development of broadcasting in South Africa?
• Which strands can be identified in the history of the press in South Africa?
3
