Paper long abstract:

Various paradigms have been developed over the years to explain how media can contribute to development (Sparks, 2007). From a preference for participatory forms of communication, attention have been directed at the potential of new media technologies to contribute to development in Africa and increase citizen participation (e.g. De Beer, 2004; Melkote & Steeves, 2004; Eribo, 2004). However, due to various factors, including infrastructure and access, ‘older’ forms of media, such as radio and newspapers, remain important in African societies. These media are often very popular, both in the sense of style and content (‘popular media’) and in audience figures. One such example is the case of new tabloid newspapers in South Africa. Despite have been derided for similar reasons as tabloids elsewhere (sensationalism, sexual content, not being ‘objective’), these tabloids have enjoyed unprecedented success. But do they also contribute to the development of citizenship in a new democracy? Can they encourage reader participation in the process of mediation? Can their attention to the lived experience of their readers, which includes struggling with the lingering effects of ‘underdevelopment’ under apartheid, also contribute to political action, or do they construct their readers as apolitical consumers? This paper will explore these questions by drawing on focus group interviews conducted with tabloid readers in various parts of South Africa during 2007.

References:

De Beer, A.S. 2004. The Internet in Africa: Leapfrogging to a Global Future. In: Okigbo, C.C. & F.Eribo (eds.) <em>Development and Communication in Africa.</em> Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield. Pp 157 - 164

Eribo, F. 2004. African Development and Innovation of Communication. In: Okigbo, C.C. & F.Eribo (eds.) <em>Development and Communication in Africa.</em> Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield. Pp. 175-186.

Melkote, S.R. & H. L. Steeves. 2004. Information and Communication Technologies for Rural Development. In: Okigbo, C.C. & F.Eribo (eds.) <em>Development and Communication in Africa.</em> Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield. Pp. 165-174.

Sparks, Colin. 2007. <em>Globalization, Development and the Mass Media.</em> London: Sage