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Full-Text Articles in Mass Communication

Social Media And Journalism: A Study Of Whatsapp Use In Newsroom Convergence At Nation Media Group In Kenya, Bernard Mwinzi Feb 2023

Social Media And Journalism: A Study Of Whatsapp Use In Newsroom Convergence At Nation Media Group In Kenya, Bernard Mwinzi

Theses & Dissertations

This study seeks to investigate how news organisations can tap into the interactivity, convenience and fast speeds of the social, multi-media networking site WhatsApp to aid in both news gathering and processing, as well as convergence. It is prompted by the fact that Kenyan media are at a crossroads. As they transition from analogue technologies, they are faced with the dilemma of choosing which new habits and processes to adopt. To make matters worse, even before they settle on the right technology, they are being forced to adopt the concept of convergence, where the various print, audio, and visual platforms …


Television Coverage Of Women Politicians In The Run-Up To The 2022 General Elections In Kenya, Ivey Seleon Koin Feb 2023

Television Coverage Of Women Politicians In The Run-Up To The 2022 General Elections In Kenya, Ivey Seleon Koin

Theses & Dissertations

Media visibility is a crucial component for people seeking political mileage or people vying for electoral seats. To win the hearts of voters, a politician must embrace the media and the visibility that comes with it since the electorate tends to believe what the media highlights which in turn influences the decisions they make. Women leadership and women in politics are highly contested phenomena in Kenya and with it comes challenges especially considering the patriarchal nature of Kenyan politics. Using directed content analysis, this study sought to analyse media coverage of women politicians, the framing of women politicians and issued …


Transmedia Journalism And Financial Sustainability In Uganda’S Legacy Media, Yonah Ahabwe Nkirirehi Feb 2023

Transmedia Journalism And Financial Sustainability In Uganda’S Legacy Media, Yonah Ahabwe Nkirirehi

Theses & Dissertations

The media world over continues to ponder over the most viable business models to sustain their business considering the effect disruption has had on their revenues as a media, but most importantly maintain their relevancy as a profession. As a result, media houses continue to make management moves in response to the disruption, and part of those is transmedia journalism. This study is set to analyse the adoption of transmedia journalism by Ugandan legacy media houses in the effect to address revenue challenges, the quality of journalistic content produced by these media houses, and their financial viability. Using a survey …


A Study To Investigate The Uptake Of Digital Technology In Ruben Fm Radio Station, Nahashon Shisia Wasilwa Feb 2023

A Study To Investigate The Uptake Of Digital Technology In Ruben Fm Radio Station, Nahashon Shisia Wasilwa

Theses & Dissertations

Having realized the potential of digital technologies, radio stations in Kenya have embraced technology to improve “interactivity with their listeners”. However, the extent to which digital technologies are used at radio stations and existing challenges and opportunities in uptake is yet to be established. The research's primary goal was to investigate technology uptake in Ruben FM radio stations. Specifically, the study sought to examine the extent of use of the existing digital technologies in Ruben FM radio station, explore other digital technology opportunities for uptake in Ruben FM radio station and establish challenges facing digital technology uptake in Ruben FM …


How Climate Change Advocacy By Ngos In Kenya Is Covered By The Media, Victor Anyura Oluoch Feb 2023

How Climate Change Advocacy By Ngos In Kenya Is Covered By The Media, Victor Anyura Oluoch

Theses & Dissertations

The world is dealing with the effects of climate change, and the threats appear more menacing in developing countries like Kenya. The case for dealing with the effects of climate change is made more significant because Kenya’s economy largely depends on natural resources such as agriculture, tourism and energy to support its growing population. These challenges require the concerted efforts of various stakeholders to bring about meaningful solutions. With its power to set and influence agendas, the media is crucial, and so are environmental NGOs working with various communities to develop solutions. In this environment, NGOs and the news media …


Implementation Of New Vision’S Digital Strategy: Analysis Of The Website, E-Paper, And Social Media Platforms, Obonyo Frank Nyanjeye Feb 2023

Implementation Of New Vision’S Digital Strategy: Analysis Of The Website, E-Paper, And Social Media Platforms, Obonyo Frank Nyanjeye

Theses & Dissertations

There is an increased shift from traditional to digital media operations in Africa. The general objective of this study was to analyse the adoption and implementation of the digital strategy of the New Vision with a focus on the challenges and opportunities to help understand the shift from traditional to digital media. This study investigated the implementation of New Vision’s digital strategy, focusing on the website, e-paper and social media platforms. The study employed an in-depth interview guide for data collection: The collected data was transcribed and organized following the research questions. The data was reviewed and explored deductively, then …


An Analysis Of Newspaper Coverage Of Far-Flung Counties In Kenya, Galgallo Duba Fayo Feb 2023

An Analysis Of Newspaper Coverage Of Far-Flung Counties In Kenya, Galgallo Duba Fayo

Theses & Dissertations

This study explored how the Kenyan Print Media covers far-flung counties, with a case study of Marsabit, Turkana and Mandera counties. The following research objectives guided the study: (i) To analyse the prominence of Marsabit, Turkana and Mandera Counties issues by the Daily Nation and The Standard (ii) To determine the frames that the Daily Nation used and The Standard in coverage of issues from far-flung counties and (iii) To analyse the extent to which stories from the three counties published by the publications draw from local sources and realities. The two newspapers were selected from the population of 44 …


The Acquisition Of Knowledge And Practical Skills By Freelance Media Practitioners In The Digital Era, Loyce Achieng’ Odhiambo Feb 2023

The Acquisition Of Knowledge And Practical Skills By Freelance Media Practitioners In The Digital Era, Loyce Achieng’ Odhiambo

Theses & Dissertations

This study sought to understand how freelance media practitioners are acquiring knowledge and practical skills for the different newsrooms they produce content for in the current digital world, a time when there are dynamic technological trends and an audience that is not only changing but also creating news and media content. The study was based on the Skill Acquisition Theory, which describes how people progress in learning a variety of skills, from beginner to advanced proficiency. The study employed quantitative and qualitative methods by use of questionnaires and interview guides. Data emanating from the questionnaires were analysed using SPSS and …


Uses And Gratifications Of Sensationalised Content On The Digital Native News Websites In Kenya, Lynet Igadwah Feb 2023

Uses And Gratifications Of Sensationalised Content On The Digital Native News Websites In Kenya, Lynet Igadwah

Theses & Dissertations

The changing media landscape in a digital era has led to increased competition between legacy and new media as the clamour for audience attention takes centre stage. As more people move to access their news online, online-only journalistic brands, otherwise known as digital native news websites, are giving mainstream media a run for their money. These sites are tapping more on internet penetration and digital technologies to drive traffic to their sites particularly using social media as a window. These digital native sites are typically big on photos, bear flashy and bold headlines and are more entertainment-focused, emphasising attracting eyeballs …


The Changing Ecology Of News: The Impact Of Social Networking Sites On The Production Of News And The Gatekeeping Role Of Legacy Media Editors, Derrick Oluoch Feb 2023

The Changing Ecology Of News: The Impact Of Social Networking Sites On The Production Of News And The Gatekeeping Role Of Legacy Media Editors, Derrick Oluoch

Theses & Dissertations

The media landscape is changing, especially as more and more media audiences embrace social networking sites and consume their news content from social networking sites. Even as media organizations grapple with declining operations due to their traditional models of operation, media editors face a myriad of challenges, including competing with citizen journalism as they push to maintain and retain their journalistic duty of gatekeeping. In the face of the changing ecology of news, this study sought to establish the impact of social networking sites on the production of news and on the gatekeeping role of legacy media editors. The objectives …


Print Media Coverage Of Politicians With Active Economic Crime Cases In Kenya: A Case Of Daily Nation And The Standard Newspapers, Donald Magomere Nyonje Feb 2023

Print Media Coverage Of Politicians With Active Economic Crime Cases In Kenya: A Case Of Daily Nation And The Standard Newspapers, Donald Magomere Nyonje

Theses & Dissertations

In the run-up to the 2022 general elections in Kenya, there was a general concern about political candidates vying for elective seats with active economic crimes cases. This study set to establish print media’s coverage of politicians with active economic crimes, analyse the framing of political candidates with active economic crime cases and identify factors that influence the framing of these political candidates during the electioneering period. Anchored on the framing theory, the first and second phases of the project entail content analysis, during which the data gathered was coded, analysed, and presented using tables. The third phase incorporated in-depth …


Ruben Fm And Its Involvement In Socio-Economic Challenges Of Mukuru Kwa Ruben Slums Of Nairobi, Henix Obuchunju Feb 2023

Ruben Fm And Its Involvement In Socio-Economic Challenges Of Mukuru Kwa Ruben Slums Of Nairobi, Henix Obuchunju

Theses & Dissertations

vii ABSTRACT Slums are a reflection of underdeveloped and marginalisation. It is so yet the traditional watchdog genre of journalism and the commercial press are both as old as the slums themselves. Past studies show that community radios are struggling with feedback. As such they are yet to assess their value to the world. This study sought to assess the impact of the Mukuru kwa Ruben-based Ruben FM in addressing the socio- economic needs of its listeners; and whether it is advancing the tenets of Solutions Journalism practice. That is; coverage of solutions rather than the problems. The study relied …


Moi’S Legacy – Remembrance Or Mis-Remembrance? Four Kenyan Dailies’ Coverage Of Late President Moi Following His Demise On February 4, 2020, Dennis Oduor Ogongo Feb 2023

Moi’S Legacy – Remembrance Or Mis-Remembrance? Four Kenyan Dailies’ Coverage Of Late President Moi Following His Demise On February 4, 2020, Dennis Oduor Ogongo

Theses & Dissertations

When Kenya’s second and longest-serving President died on February 4, 2020, four local dailies Daily Nation, The Standard, People Daily and The Star were dominated by stories around his legacy. This was because Moi was the longest-serving President in Kenya, having been in power for 24 years, unprecedented. His tenure in power was marred with various controversial events, including an attempted coup, a single-party state, amongst many other events that have had a significant impact in Kenya’s history, making his death an event of interest to reevaluate his legacy. This study aimed to analyze the dominant thematic narratives in the …


Analysis Of Kenya’S Print Media Framing Of The Dusit D2 Terror Suspects, Ibrahim Galgalo Bocha Feb 2023

Analysis Of Kenya’S Print Media Framing Of The Dusit D2 Terror Suspects, Ibrahim Galgalo Bocha

Theses & Dissertations

The reporting of Terror Incidents (TIs) by the media in Kenya started when the first case was reported under the reign of President Jomo Kenyatta (1963-1978), with the first incident reported in 1980, when Palestinian militants staged an attack at Norfolk Hotel on New Year’s eve. Whereas the media has had to balance covering TIs in a timely, factual and objective manner, journalists also need to frame their narratives to reflect the event's social, economic and psychological dimensions. They strive to avoid sensationalism, bias and a presentation of facts that could be seen to fan militants’ propaganda. This study aimed …


Evaluating The Impact Of Defamation Judgments On Coverage Of Corruption By Kenyan Media: A Case Study Of Standard Group Plc And Nation Media Group, John Kamau Muthoni Feb 2023

Evaluating The Impact Of Defamation Judgments On Coverage Of Corruption By Kenyan Media: A Case Study Of Standard Group Plc And Nation Media Group, John Kamau Muthoni

Theses & Dissertations

The media in Kenya has been under much pressure to remodel the news business to attract revenue amidst technology disruption, tough regulations and defamation cases. This study set out to evaluate the impact of defamation judgments in the coverage of corruption in Kenya. It employed questionnaires and oral interviews as ways or tools of gathering data. Data was collected at two levels: interviews with editors, and questionnaires administered to journalists. Purposive sampling was used to select Nation Media Group (NMG) and Standard Group (SG) in Nairobi as the study locations and a sample of 10 editors. In addition, 242 journalists …


The Influence Of Cyberspace Regulations On The Practice Of Online Journalism In Uganda, Patience Ndinawe Feb 2023

The Influence Of Cyberspace Regulations On The Practice Of Online Journalism In Uganda, Patience Ndinawe

Theses & Dissertations

The study assessed how cyberspace regulations have influenced the practice of online journalism in Uganda. The study's specific objectives were: to find out journalists’ and regulators’ understanding of cyberspace regulations in Uganda, to explore ways used to regulate online journalism in Uganda, and to examine how the implementation of cyberspace regulation in Uganda has affected online journalism practice. The study used a qualitative research method and an explorative research design that involved an in-depth and extensive investigation of a specific instance. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach, with interviews and document reviews. Findings reveal that most online journalists …


Coverage Of Environmental Issues By The Kenyan Media. A Case Study Of Citizen Television, Scarlet Chebet Chemarum Feb 2023

Coverage Of Environmental Issues By The Kenyan Media. A Case Study Of Citizen Television, Scarlet Chebet Chemarum

Theses & Dissertations

Media worldwide has always been a strong instrument for disseminating, promoting awareness and establishing of social, economic and political agendas. There is no denying that environmental issues such as climate change are indeed on the rise worldwide, and while the media covers these environment and climate change calamities, events and news-making stories, that is as far as the story goes. That said the need for a well-informed public on environmental issues has increasingly become very crucial, especially with the growing concerns over environmental issues worldwide. Environmental issues have thus fast become an area of much interest and debate. Developed nations …


Gatekeeping Processes In Content Produced By Kenyan News Content Creators On Youtube, Judith Vereso Mwanga Feb 2023

Gatekeeping Processes In Content Produced By Kenyan News Content Creators On Youtube, Judith Vereso Mwanga

Theses & Dissertations

Gatekeeping is a crucial process in journalistic content production and especially news. This is because the information collected from various sources must be subjected to journalistic practices such as verification to establish authenticity before dissemination to audiences. The growing popularity of online media content and the desire to attract more followers means news content creators on YouTube could be conflicted on the key reason they are producing content for the platform. The study aimed to establish the gatekeeping process employed by Kenyan news content creators producing content on YouTube and whether decisions are in the public’s interest or lack thereof. …


The Effects Of Social Media On Newspaper Content Distribution: A Case Study Of The Star Newspaper, Mercy Gakii Kiunga Feb 2023

The Effects Of Social Media On Newspaper Content Distribution: A Case Study Of The Star Newspaper, Mercy Gakii Kiunga

Theses & Dissertations

The Star newspaper is arguably the epitome of bold experimentation in the newspaper industry in Kenya. Over time, Star has evolved from a social features newspaper to a political newspaper, growing from a weekly tabloid to a daily circulation newspaper. It is now at the forefront of distributing content on social media channels, print circulation, and digital platforms. This research explored the influence of social media channels on content distribution in Star newspaper. As people use social media platforms to consume news, an increasing number of newspaper channels are turning to social media to catch users' attention. The use of …


Monetisation Of Digital Media, Its Impact On News And Journalism, Irine Julia Majale Feb 2023

Monetisation Of Digital Media, Its Impact On News And Journalism, Irine Julia Majale

Theses & Dissertations

This study sought to investigate the implications monetization strategies of the digital native media houses operating in Kenya have on the quality of the journalism produced in digital newsrooms. This is prompted by the challenges experienced by media houses in generating revenue and the tremendous disruption in the media industry occasioned by technology. Digital native media houses largely depend on revenue streams built on programmatic channels and social media platforms. New entrants of tech giants have also drastically changed the media landscape as they eat into the revenue initially taken by the media players, which has posed a threat to …


The Inclusion Of Medical And Health Experts In The Coverage Of Covid-19 In Print Media In Kenya, Sarah Okuoro Feb 2022

The Inclusion Of Medical And Health Experts In The Coverage Of Covid-19 In Print Media In Kenya, Sarah Okuoro

Theses & Dissertations

When the first cases of coronavirus infection emerged in Kenya, the focus of print media moved to cover COVID-19 pandemic stories. This study aimed to analyze the extent to which medical experts were included in the reporting since patient zero was diagnosed in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to identify the sourcing methods adopted by mainstream print media, analyse the incorporation of health and medical experts and examine the nature of information given by health and medical experts in the coverage of COVID-19 stories in the first one year since the diagnosis of patient zero in Kenya. The study adopted …


Digital Native Media: Growing Online Audiences And Challenges Of Monetization, Martin Wachira Njoroge Feb 2022

Digital Native Media: Growing Online Audiences And Challenges Of Monetization, Martin Wachira Njoroge

Theses & Dissertations

Digital native media platforms have grown and amassed massive audiences and readership online. Despite the audience growth, they have been experiencing challenges in monetizing and generating revenues. The objectives of the study were: (a) to establish monetization opportunities for digital native media houses, given their growing online audience numbers, (b) to determine strategies deployed by digital native media to help them monetize online content given the high numbers on the digital platforms, and (c) to establish challenges digital native media are facing in leveraging the online audiences and monetizing the content. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and employed …


The Adoption Of Artificial Intelligence In Newsrooms In Kenya: A Multi-Case Study, Peter Mwangangi Kioko Feb 2022

The Adoption Of Artificial Intelligence In Newsrooms In Kenya: A Multi-Case Study, Peter Mwangangi Kioko

Theses & Dissertations

Deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in newsrooms is gaining prominence across the world, with the technology being used to enhance the processes of news gathering, packaging, and distribution. The objectives of this study were to: explore the extent of use of AI in newsrooms in Kenya, determine the factors driving the adoption of AI or lack of it, and identify the challenges and opportunities presented by the adoption of AI in newsrooms in Kenya. The study was guided by the theory of disruptive innovation, the technology acceptance model, and the domestication of technology theory. Qualitative research approach and the exploratory …


News Consumption Habits On Social Media: A Study Of Unemployed Kenyan Millennials At National Employment Authority In Kasarani Sub-County, Teresia Wambui Ndonye Feb 2022

News Consumption Habits On Social Media: A Study Of Unemployed Kenyan Millennials At National Employment Authority In Kasarani Sub-County, Teresia Wambui Ndonye

Theses & Dissertations

Social media started as a social meeting point where users met to socialize, network and connect. The earliest users of social media applications were millennials and with time they became addicts and spent a lot of time online. The study aimed to identify the social media applications Kenyan Millennials use to consume news, what motivates them to use the applications, the gratification they get and amount of time they spend on news on social media. The study was carried out at the National Employment Authority headquarters in Kasarani Sub-County. The study targeted all walk-ins to the office for a period …


Online Audiences And Gatekeeping: User Comments And Their Influence On Editorial Processes In Newsrooms In Kenya, Beryl Anyango Oywer Feb 2022

Online Audiences And Gatekeeping: User Comments And Their Influence On Editorial Processes In Newsrooms In Kenya, Beryl Anyango Oywer

Theses & Dissertations

There has been an ongoing debate in Kenyan newsrooms on whether or not to retain the comment section on news websites in the wake of Social Media Networks which allow the media to still get user feedback devoid of any liability of unregulated third-party comments. This study set to establish the role and influence user comments have on editorial processes as well as explain what value media houses that have retained the comment section are receiving. Using methodological triangulation, this study analysed the nature of user comments, how comments influence editorial processes and the value the three media houses with …


Sharing The News: The Role Of Social Media In News Diffusion And Audience Building In Media Houses In Kenya, Isaac Swila Feb 2022

Sharing The News: The Role Of Social Media In News Diffusion And Audience Building In Media Houses In Kenya, Isaac Swila

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of the study is to assess how media houses in Kenya are using social media to diffuse their news content and build loyal audiences in a competitive media environment. It uses two media houses, the Nation Media Group and Royal Media Services as case studies. The study aimed at attaining four specific objectives: to examine how social media platforms, facilitate diffusion of news content in media houses in Kenya; to examine whether sharing of news on social media lead to growth of digital audiences; to examine the strategies legacy media stations in Kenya, use to disseminate news content …


News Processes, Opportunities And Challenges In Converged Kenyan Newsrooms: A Case Study Of Standard Group Plc, Agnes Aineah Feb 2022

News Processes, Opportunities And Challenges In Converged Kenyan Newsrooms: A Case Study Of Standard Group Plc, Agnes Aineah

Theses & Dissertations

Convergence is not a new concept in Kenya’s media industry. Legacy media organizations in Kenya have relaunched several times in an attempt to integrate their newsroom operations and to create digitally fronted newsrooms. This study explores the news processes that converged newsrooms have put in place to support the integration of previously distinct media operations and the opportunities and challenges inherent in converged newsrooms in Kenya. It is a case study of Standard Group PLC which fully converged its newsroom operations in April 2021 after having undergone several convergence attempts “with little success” (Vaseling, 2021). This study was guided by …


Monetising Digital Content: Lessons From Nation Media Group, Augustine Kipkosgei Sang Feb 2022

Monetising Digital Content: Lessons From Nation Media Group, Augustine Kipkosgei Sang

Theses & Dissertations

The advent of digital media has seen legacy news organisations record a decline in revenue as audiences shifted online, where access to information was relatively cheaper and more convenient. Newspaper circulation plummeted, and so did their revenue as advertisers followed the audiences online, where the media were abundant and could pay less. Media houses switched focus to digital after traditional models were disrupted, the intention being to use digital to plug the losses in legacy platforms. Within this tenet, this study sought to determine the lessons learned by legacy media in Kenya and identify the critical success factors in the …


Exploring The Effects Of Digital Disruption On Radio Revenues Among Urban Radio Stations In Kenya, Baron Khamadi Shitemi May 2021

Exploring The Effects Of Digital Disruption On Radio Revenues Among Urban Radio Stations In Kenya, Baron Khamadi Shitemi

Theses & Dissertations

This study sought to investigate the effects of digital disruption on radio revenues among urban radio stations in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were: (i) to explore the trends in radio revenues in a competitive media environment in Kenya; (ii) to examine how radio revenues have been affected by digital disruption; and (iii) to establish new revenue generation strategies adopted by radio stations in Kenya today. The study adopted qualitative approach and employed exploratory research design. Four radio stations in the country were the sample size; Capital FM, Radio Citizen, KBC Radio and Spice FM, where editors, station …


Viability Of Digital Subscription In Uganda: An Analysis Of Chimpreports’ Paywall, Alex Taremwa Mr May 2021

Viability Of Digital Subscription In Uganda: An Analysis Of Chimpreports’ Paywall, Alex Taremwa Mr

Theses & Dissertations

Digital Media in Uganda is experimenting with subscription-based models as an alternative to the traditional advertising model and as a recovery plan from the effects of COVID-19. The objectives for this study were: to identify critical success factors for subscription-based models in digital media platforms, to analyse audience consumption habits vis-a-vis payment for digital content on ChimpsReports, to establish the effect of paywalls on the financial bottom-line of ChimpReports, and to establish the barriers to subscription uptake among digital media in Uganda. The theoretical framework adopted the political economy of the media and the disruption of innovations theories to investigate …