COM1514
Assignment 1 PORTFOLIO Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: May 2025
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
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +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
Assignment 1 PORTFOLIO Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: May 2025
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
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +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
