Media and democracy in Southern Africa

In: Review of African political economy, Volume 25, Issue 78, p. 599-610

Abstract

A southern view of media and democracy can benefit from the insights produced by theories of media and development. These highlight critical political questions on the reach of media, its content, state control, alternative media, journalists and public participation, and ultimately the impact of the media. The same theories can also give insight into the understanding of the media and the 'public sphere' in the South, and their place in southern democracy. In the end, the question of democracy and media in the South also needs to be understood in relation to democracy and media in global terms. (ROAPE/DÜI)