Journalism and social media in the African context

How far does Twitter deepen democracy through public engagement?: An analysis of journalists’ use of Twitter in the Johannesburg newsroom

“…putting the digital product ahead of traditional media, which includes the incorporation of the social media strategy -has already happened (2013: 17). In Johannesburg while this transition is in process, the data in this research reinforce the theories of the networked society (Mudhai 2011;Paterson 2013), as mainstream media tap into a space as a way of creating an impression about close links with citizenry to call this public engagement (Moyo 2009). This article attempts to seek insights into the contribution that journalists make to the deepening of democracy through ostensibly increasing public engagement via Twitter.…”

“…The vast and expanding literature around Twitter and journalism (Paterson 2013;Vis 2013;Lasorsa et al 2011;Stassen 2010) does not deal with Johannesburg's newsrooms as a specific location. However, a recent article by Verweij and Van Noort (2014) -Journalists' Twitter Networks, Public Debates and Relationships in South Africa -touches on this issue.…”

Social Media and Community Radio Journalism in South Africa

“…The SMS is widely used by journalists to keep in touch with their sources and audience members. While not a social media, in the African context Paterson (2013) has argued that SMS is the dominant facilitator of new modes of participatory journalism, as it is perhaps more social than internet-based technologies which have little impact in a context where internet access is inconsistent. While SMS was often used to communicate with sources SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNITY RADIO JOURNALISM that did not have smartphones, journalists used instant messaging services to communicate with each other, and with their friends and families.…”

Media and Communications*

“…Meanwhile, digital media infrastructures have enabled the growth of new forms of citizen-created media for the production of public knowledge. In many African contexts where legacy media like newspapers and radio stations are owned and controlled by the state, digital media platforms have served as alternative outlets for the dissemination of news, political debate, and critique (Paterson 2013). In Zimbabwe, Facebook has provided users with more freedom to engage in political satire and offer alternative accounts of political developments (Mare 2014).…”