Mabweazara, Hayes (2011) ‘New’ technologies and journalism practice in Africa: Towards a critical sociological approach. In: Citizen Journalism and Alternative Avenues of Communication. Juta & Co., Capetown: S. Africa. (Submitted)

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Abstract/Description

This chapter suggests a critical sociological approach in terms of which we can closely examine the use of ‘new’ technologies by journalists in Africa. It argues that to understand the impact of ‘new’ technologies on journalism practice in Africa, ‘new’ technologies must be seen as continuous with and embedded in existing social, cultural, political and economic networks in which journalism practice is entrenched. We therefore need to examine the multidimensional factors – in everyday work practices and wider social contexts – which structure and constrain the deployment of ‘new’ technologies by journalists. This approach finds root in social constructivist approaches to technology and the sociology of journalism which respectively provide enduring insights into the impact of ‘new’ technologies on society and the working practices of journalists.

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