http://hdl.handle.net/10386/2 2026-04-15T21:58:51Z 2026-04-15T21:58:51Z Mabasa, Engetani Lucia http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5410 2026-03-24T01:00:18Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Sustainability of print media in the digital era : a study of selected South African newspapers Mabasa, Engetani Lucia In the digital age, the print media face numerous challenges. The rise of digital media, particularly new internet-based media, has aided to the downfall of print media. Traditional media, especially newspapers, experience both opportunities and threats from digital media. Owing to these challenges and threats to print media, several newspapers have ceased operations, while others have moved to digital formats. The purpose of this study is to determine the sustainability of print newspapers given the ongoing media digitalisation competition. This research focused on several strategies that media companies could employ to remain sustainable.On the other hand, there is a lack of research in South Africa on how print media companies can remain sustainable despite the many digital obstacles they face. Thus, the purpose of this study is to close this knowledge gap. Moreover, by evaluating strategies adopted by print newspapers to maintain the viability of their media companies in the digital age, the study sought to broaden the body of knowledge on the sustainability of print newspapers in the digital age. Furthermore, outlining some best practices and techniques, the study provided suitable approaches that media managers can use to properly handle and manage their media companies in the digital era. This study employed a qualitative methodology, drawing samples from readers, print media experts, and the practitioners of the selected print newspapers through interview processes. It examined various attempts in which newspapers achieve sustainability in the digital era. This was done using semi-structured interviews. It is important to note that media sustainability in the digital age extends beyond financial sustainability. It should consider its institutional and social sustainability. The findings reveal that, for print media companies to survive in the digital era, they should constantly promote subscriptions, interact with readers, and maintain their credibility and trustworthiness.Theoretically, mediamorphosis proved that print and digital media may coexist; the expansion of one does not always mean that the other would be diminished. This study has been able to further knowledge by outlining strategies for print newspapers to become sustainable in the digital age. Thesis (Ph.D. (Media Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Nong, Kgabo Jonas http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5409 2026-03-24T01:00:16Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Ethical broadcasting standards in South African podcasting : an exploratory study Nong, Kgabo Jonas This study explored the ethical standards in South African podcasting. It analysed how podcasts navigate the principles of media ethics such as respect for privacy, harm avoidance, truthfulness, and the prevention of defamation. The study also explored how podcasting’s unregulated nature contributes to the dissemination of controversial content, including misogynistic remarks, derogatory statements about the LGBTQI+ community, and the objectification of women. The theoretical framework entailed two theories, namely; the Diffusion of Innovation and Media Policy Theory. This qualitative study used content analysis and semi-structured interviews for data collection from a total of five (5) radio presenters. The findings of this study indicate the significant gaps in ethical adherence in Podcast and Chill with MacG with content prioritising sensationalism over ethical considerations. The lack of regulation in podcasting is identified as a contributing factor to the perpetuation of harmful narratives impacting societal attitudes and public trust in media. The study concludes by recommending that South African podcasts adopt ethical practices that promote inclusivity, respect, and accountability. Furthermore, it suggests collaboration among regulatory bodies, content creators, and advocacy groups to ensure the sustainable growth of podcasting as a medium that reflects democratic values and fosters positive societal change. Thesis (M. A. (Media Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Kgasago, Kopano http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5406 2026-03-21T01:00:45Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

The role of citizen journalism in disseminating information during COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa Kgasago, Kopano The role of citizen journalism in disseminating information has been identified as a major challenge during the Covid-19 pandemic. The problem lies under the ambiguity of information distributed intentionally or unintentionally to mislead the public during the pandemic. Citizen journalism may have blurred the lines between fact and opinion, leading to the inadvertent spread of misleading information (misinformation and disinformation). Given that citizen journalism encompasses distinct functions, this study aimed to analyse the role of citizen journalism in disseminating information during the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa. The study employed the qualitative approach and conducted interviews on citizen journalists located at the five provinces (Gauteng, Limpopo, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Western Cape) of South Africa. An interview guide was used as a tool to collect data from a sample of ten (10) citizen journalists, two (2) from each province. The study employed the theoretical framework by using two theories, namely: Diffusion of Innovation and Participatory Culture Theory. The Diffusion of Innovation Theory gives better understanding of how citizen journalism as a new way of disseminating information during Covid-19 pandemic is adopted. Participatory culture theory explains a culture of how the public as part of citizen journalism participate in creation, dissemination and exchange of Covid-19 information. To expand on this concept, the study had three objectives. The first objective was to explore the role of citizen journalists. The second objective was to evaluate how citizen journalists contributed to the spread of falsified information. Lastly, the study examined the level of misinformation and disinformation disseminated by citizen journalists during the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa. According to the study’s findings, citizen journalists are aware of the essence of disseminating information during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ultimately, citizen journalism play the role of disseminating information. However, the role it plays influences the spread of falsified information, misinformation and disinformation during the pandemic. They expressed that the production of misleading information is unintentional. However, citizen journalists should be cautious of spreading inaccurate information and only strive to maintain credibility, trust and integrity in reporting. Thesis (M. A.(Media Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Phokwane, Phillip Phaswane http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5403 2026-03-21T01:00:29Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

'Kgomo ya bongaka e hwa e nkga dihlare' : tsinkelo ya bongaka bja setso le botebo bja filosofi ya Sepedi go tswa diemeng Phokwane, Phillip Phaswane Peleng bongaka bo be bo tšewa bjalo ka ditšhila ebile ba bangwe ba be ba no bo tšea bjalo ka boloi. Ke ka moo ge motho e le ngaka a be a tšewa go ba motho yo a se go a hlabologa le gore bongaka bja gagwe bo ka se tšwele motho mohola ge e se go timetša batho. Nyakišišong ye go lekotšwe diema tša Sepedi ga mmogo le mawa a ditaola nepokgolo e le go tsitsinkela ka moo Bapedi ba agago kgopolo ya filosofi ya bongaka ka gona. Se ge se dirwa go be go šomišwa mokgwa boleng gomme go ithekgilwe ka teori ya nyakišišo yeo e bitšwago Afrocenticity Bakgathatema ba nyakišišo ye ke mangaka ao a nago le maitemogelo ao a tseneletšego ka bongaka bja setšo. Mokgwa wo o šomišitšwego wa go kgoboketša tshedimošo ke wa go latela phatadiganong. Tshedimošo ye e tšwago melomong ya bahlaolwa bao le bona e lego bomatwetwe e sekasekilwe ka bogwari go fihlelela dikutollo tša maleba tša filosofi ya polelo ya diema tše tša go amana le bongaka bja ga borena le mawa ao a šomišwago ke dingaka ka bo tšona ka nako ya go phekola balwetši ba bona. Nyakišišo ye e hlapišitše bongaka bja segagešo ka go bontšha ka moo bophelo ka kakaretšo bo itshamilego ka bjona ka gona. Thesis (Ph.D. (Languages and Communication)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025

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