,COM3702 Assignment 3 PORTFILIO (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2025 - DUE 2 June 2025; 100%
TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and
explanations.
1. Introduction
This portfolio critically explores key issues in media studies by
engaging with five thematic areas that reveal the complex
relationship between media, society, and power. The themes
addressed include media and race, news representation,
gender in media, media and terrorism, and media markets.
Each section draws on real-world case studies, applying relevant
theoretical frameworks to examine how media narratives are
constructed and the impact they have on public discourse.
The analysis begins with an investigation into a racial incident
aboard a FlySafair flight, using this event to explore how
racial dynamics are mediated and portrayed in South African
media. It then considers the withdrawal of U.S. HIV/AIDS
funding and how news media represent health crises and
international aid, particularly in African contexts. The portfolio
continues with a critique of gender stereotypes in advertising,
reflecting on how media perpetuates or challenges dominant
gender norms. A critical look is then taken at the role of social
media in terrorism discourse, analysing how platforms are
framed as both tools and threats in the context of national
security. Finally, the portfolio discusses media ownership and
concentration in South Africa, evaluating how market
, structures influence media diversity and democratic
engagement.
Throughout, academic theories—including critical political
economy, cultural studies, representation theory, and discourse
analysis—are used to interpret the selected incidents. These
frameworks, combined with journalistic sources, provide a
foundation for understanding how media functions both as an
institution and a cultural force. The portfolio ultimately aims to
demonstrate a nuanced understanding of media's power in
shaping societal perceptions, reinforcing ideologies, and
influencing public policy.
MEDIA AND RACE [25 marks
2.1 The Term "Racism"
Racism refers to the belief that one race is superior to others,
leading to discrimination, prejudice, or antagonism directed
against individuals based on their race or ethnicity. This
ideology manifests in various forms, including overt hate
speech, systemic inequality, and social exclusion. Racism not
only harms individuals but also undermines social cohesion and
equality.
Summary of the Racial Incident
The incident occurred on December 26, 2024, during a FlySafair
flight from Durban to Cape Town. Nobuntu Mkhize, a 43-year-
old brand manager at the South African Broadcasting
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2025 - DUE 2 June 2025; 100%
TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and
explanations.
1. Introduction
This portfolio critically explores key issues in media studies by
engaging with five thematic areas that reveal the complex
relationship between media, society, and power. The themes
addressed include media and race, news representation,
gender in media, media and terrorism, and media markets.
Each section draws on real-world case studies, applying relevant
theoretical frameworks to examine how media narratives are
constructed and the impact they have on public discourse.
The analysis begins with an investigation into a racial incident
aboard a FlySafair flight, using this event to explore how
racial dynamics are mediated and portrayed in South African
media. It then considers the withdrawal of U.S. HIV/AIDS
funding and how news media represent health crises and
international aid, particularly in African contexts. The portfolio
continues with a critique of gender stereotypes in advertising,
reflecting on how media perpetuates or challenges dominant
gender norms. A critical look is then taken at the role of social
media in terrorism discourse, analysing how platforms are
framed as both tools and threats in the context of national
security. Finally, the portfolio discusses media ownership and
concentration in South Africa, evaluating how market
, structures influence media diversity and democratic
engagement.
Throughout, academic theories—including critical political
economy, cultural studies, representation theory, and discourse
analysis—are used to interpret the selected incidents. These
frameworks, combined with journalistic sources, provide a
foundation for understanding how media functions both as an
institution and a cultural force. The portfolio ultimately aims to
demonstrate a nuanced understanding of media's power in
shaping societal perceptions, reinforcing ideologies, and
influencing public policy.
MEDIA AND RACE [25 marks
2.1 The Term "Racism"
Racism refers to the belief that one race is superior to others,
leading to discrimination, prejudice, or antagonism directed
against individuals based on their race or ethnicity. This
ideology manifests in various forms, including overt hate
speech, systemic inequality, and social exclusion. Racism not
only harms individuals but also undermines social cohesion and
equality.
Summary of the Racial Incident
The incident occurred on December 26, 2024, during a FlySafair
flight from Durban to Cape Town. Nobuntu Mkhize, a 43-year-
old brand manager at the South African Broadcasting
