Digital Commons Network^™

The Rise Of Influencer Marketing And Its Implications On Kenyan Legacy Media Houses' Revenues, Stephen Onjwaya Mbego

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The growth of social media influencers popularity has substantially disrupted traditional media and advertising landscapes, redefining audience engagement, brand marketing strategies, and revenue streams for legacy media houses. This study investigates the implications of influencer marketing on Kenyan legacy media, exploring shifts in audience preferences, financial impacts, and factors influencing advertisers toward influencer marketing. Building on the disruptive innovation theory and qualitative data from interviews with media professionals, influencers, advertisers, and audiences, the study reveals a fundamental shift in content consumption and advertising dynamics. Findings show that social media influencers thrive in direct audience engagement, authenticity, and niche targeting, catering …

Investigating Media Relations Strategies Used By Ugandan Universities To Enhance Corporate Image: A Study Of Four Higher Education Institutions, Walter Wekongo Washika

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

A strong corporate image is crucial for organization's to thrive in a competitive market. Discrepancies between corporate image and corporate identity can lead to confusion among stakeholders, potentially resulting in crises that harm the institution's brand. Effective media relations strategies are essential for shaping stakeholder perceptions and strengthening corporate image. This study aimed to investigate how four universities (two public and two private universities) in Uganda use media relations to enhance their corporate image, focusing on the media relations strategies used, their effectiveness, and the challenges faced. Using Grunig's Excellence Theory from 1985, it employed a qualitative approach with in-depth …

An Analysis Of The Ugandan Media Coverage Of Climate Change Stories: A Case Of Daily Monitor Newspaper And Vision, Joseph Elunya

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The study analyzed how the Ugandan media covers climate change, focusing on the case of The New Vision and the Daily Monitor newspapers. Climate change remains one of the most global challenges of our time. Around the world, the environmental consequences of climate change are leading to more intense droughts in some regions while causing flooding in others. As mitigation efforts are being spearheaded at the international stage, the media is playing a very instrumental role in awareness creation. Despite the critical role of the mass media in shaping public opinion and driving policy, the Ugandan media suffers from the …

The Coverage, Framing And Audience Interaction With Climate Change Reporting: A Case Study Of Nation.Africa’S Stories, Lilys Wangari Njeru

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study investigated the coverage, framing, and audience interaction with climate change stories published on Nation.Africa, a leading digital news platform in Kenya. The research was motivated by the increasing importance of climate change communication in driving public awareness and action, alongside the observed gaps in audience engagement with such content. The study aimed to analyse how Nation.Africa covered climate change stories, the framing styles used, and the nature of audience interactions with these stories during the period from August 2023 to January 2024. Guided by agenda-setting and framing theories, the study employed quantitative content analysis to evaluate 150 stories …

An Examination Of The Phenomenon Of Celebrity Journalism In The Digital Era, Edwin Mutugi Kuria

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

An outcome of the Internet is the widespread use of social media, which has been instrumental in creating a new breed of journalists who can bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach audiences directly. The era of social media has provided celebrity journalists with additional platforms to reach audiences besides traditional mainstream media outlets. Therefore, the study sought to examine the phenomenon of celebrity journalism in the digital era. The specific objectives were to assess celebrity journalism in the content of modern journalistic practices, examine how it manifests itself, and determine how celebrity journalism affects public interest remit of the media. A …

Media Framing Of Climate Change In Kenyan Print Media, Eddie Kiptanui Tallam

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study investigated how Kenyan print media frames climate change, focusing on The Standard and The Nation newspapers, and examines the implications of these frames on public perception and engagement. Given the substantial climate threats facing Kenya, media plays a critical role in shaping public attitudes through its framing of climate-related issues. This research employed an explanatory mixed methods approach, with a content analysis of 224 (94 form The Standard and 131 from The Nation Media Group newspapers) articles from the two newspapers over a six-month period (between 1st June 2024 and 31st November 2024) to identify framing techniques, primary …

Media Coverage Of The Closure Of The Rwanda-Uganda Border In The Period 2019-2022., Irigoga Charlotte

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The media plays an important role in shaping diplomatic relations and influencing state actions. However, there is limited understanding of media coverage of the closures of the Rwanda-Uganda border. This study sought to investigate media coverage of the closure of the Rwanda-Uganda border closure in the period 2019-2022. It applied Critical Discourse Analysis and Framing Theory as its theoretical framework. Through content analysis of the media coverage from this period and in-depth interviews with journalists from the Daily Monitor in Uganda and the New Times in Rwanda, the study investigated how each newspaper created narratives. The study found that while …

Growing Audiences Through The Free Subscription Model, Charity Nyambura

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

Media mainstreams play a significant role in the contemporary media landscape in the provision of free content to high number audiences. This study investigates how media organization grow audiences through the free subscription model while using the Kenya Report news website. The study is guided by three objectives 1). To examine the audience’s perception of digital content on the free subscription model in the Kenyan Report News Website. 2) To examine subscribers' experiences with the free subscription model for the Kenyan Report News Website. 3) To examine strategies employed by the Kenyan Report News Website to grow subscribers. The study …

Examining Ethics In New Media, Anthony Irungu Mwangi

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

Podcasting has become a popular form of new media in Kenya, providing a platform for sharing diverse topics. However, the minimal regulatory oversight in podcasting and the involvement of individuals with limited journalistic training have raised ethical concerns. This study, guided by Social Responsibility Theory, explores ethical awareness among Kenyan podcasters, the relationship between ethical practices and audience engagement, and the prevalence of ethical breaches in podcast content. A quantitative research design, specifically descriptive design, was adopted. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, and podcast episodes were examined online. Only podcasters who are journalists and have worked or currently …

Exploring News Consumption Habits Of Female Audiences And Impact On Media Sustainability., Anne Njeri Kanina

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study sought to advance research in understanding audiences by exploring the news consumption and avoidance habits of male and female audiences and their impact on media sustainability in Kenya. The study used a mixed-method approach for data collection. The study collected primary data from 81 employees working at the University of Nairobi-Main Campus in the teaching, non-teaching, and support departments who completed an online survey questionnaire through the Google Docs platform. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program and Microsoft Excel were used in the data analysis. The study also conducted in-depth interviews at the Nation …

The Role Of Drama Series In Attracting And Retaining Audiences For Bukedde Television., Akanyijuka Roggers

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study investigates the role of drama series in attracting and retaining audiences for Bukedde Television. The research was guided by three specific objectives: (1) analysing why audiences prefer watching drama series on Bukedde TV, (2) determining preferences between local and non-local drama series, and (3) examining factors influencing the choice of drama series aired. Using a mixed research approach and a case study design, the study collected data through surveys and in-depth interviews from a sample of 255 audience members selected using probability sampling and three Bukedde TV executive committee staff chosen through purposive sampling. Findings reveal a strong …

Exploring The Link Between Digital Literacy And Safety Among Kenyan Children, Collins Orono Etyang

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

Digital literacy is widely viewed as a key component in safeguarding online safety among children. For children to be safe online, they ought to be aware of the dangers and opportunities existing in the digital space. Therefore, they ought to possess the ability to make critical decisions about the kind of content that they encounter online. The objectives of this study were to examine the type and level of digital literacy among Kenyan children, to determine the link between digital literacy and digital safety among Kenyan children, and to identify barriers to effective digital literacy training among children in Kenya. …

An Analysis Of Factors Contributing To Women Leaving Newsrooms In Uganda, Abalo Irene Otto

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study analyses the factors contributing to women leaving newsrooms in Uganda from June 2019 to June 2024. The study adopted a phenomenological qualitative methodology to explore the lived experiences of fifteen women who exited the profession. In-depth interviews were conducted to analyse themes including systemic gender discrimination, work-life imbalances, and organisational cultures hostile to female employees in newsrooms. Chapter One contextualizes the study by framing the problem, objectives, and scope, showing the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within Ugandan media. Chapter Two delves into feminist theory and organisational culture models, placing the research within broader debates on …

Individual Determinants Of Premium Content Subscription Decisions In Kenya: A Case Of Nation Media Group, Lisa Wagethi Kamau

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The transformation in the media industry from traditional platforms of TV, radio and print to digital media platforms had necessitated a shift in business models. Traditionally, media organizations depended on circulation and advertising to generate revenues and fund their journalism, however, the revenues from these models have been dwindling, leading to massive layoffs and company closures. Many media organizations are now adopting the subscription model as a possible revenue earner, but this move has been difficult to implement. The main challenge facing the news subscription business model is that audiences have become used to free news content on the internet …

An Analysis Of The Star Newspaper Online Subscribers’ Willingness To Pay For Content, Lordrick Oswald Mayabi

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

Newspaper publishers in Kenya continue to amass and grow numbers of online consumers having migrated to social media in the wake of the digital disruption. Despite the huge following online, newspapers continue to give out most of their content for free. But with the continued loss of advertising and sales revenue for the newspapers, some have started to seek ways of supplementing the lost revenue through charges on some of the content on their platforms. The objectives of this study were a) To analyse and understand The Star Newspapers online consumers, b) To establish the pay structure that is most …

The Influence Of Artificial Intelligence On Journalism: Exploring Ethical Considerations For Kenyan Newsrooms, Manny Grace Anyango

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The 21st century is defined by rapid technological advancements, among which artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a transformative force. AI's integration into journalism has redefined traditional workflows, offering unprecedented automation, efficiency, and audience engagement opportunities. However, these advancements raise significant ethical concerns, including biases, transparency, accountability, and privacy. This study examines AI's integration into journalism, focusing on Kenyan newsrooms Tuko News, Nation Media Group, and BBC to explore its impact on journalistic practices and ethics. Employing a qualitative approach, the research captures insights from journalists, editors, and technical staff, examining the specific AI tools in use, their impact, ethical challenges, …

The Uptake Of Digital Communication Tools In Corporate Communications Functions At Safaricom Plc, Melline Norleah Myendo

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

Digital communication tools have revolutionized corporate communications. These digital communication tools have come to enhance communication efficiency, but the reality for corporates in Kenya reveals a complex web of challenges not just in uptake but also in how these tools have made corporates leverage the digital platform to tell their own stories without the gatekeeping rigors of legacy media. The primary objective of this study was to explore how corporate communication functions have optimized the uptake of digital communication tools. The specific objectives of the study were to explore the uptake of digital communication tools in corporate organisations’ marketing communications, …

Factors Informing The Transition From Journalism To Corporate Communications, Muyanja Robert

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study investigated the shift of journalists to corporate communications, motivated by economic instability, professional obstacles, and the changing dynamics of the media sector. The study sought to evaluate the present work conditions of journalists, investigate the challenges encountered during their move to corporate communications, and analyse the motivations behind this career change. Decreasing earnings, unstable job security, and escalating workloads in conventional journalism have driven numerous journalists to pursue stability, professional advancement, and improved work-life balance in corporate positions. This transition presented problems, such as adapting to new professional standards, inter-role conflicts, and substantial emotional and identity upheavals. The …

Content Monetization Strategies In The Digital Age: The Case Of Vision Media Group And Nation Media Group In Uganda, Namata Violet

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study sought to examine the strategies employed by media organizations in Uganda to generate revenue from their content within the digital landscape. The specific objectives were: (i) To establish the criteria media houses use to select content for publication in the digital era., (ii) to examine monetization strategies that mainstream media have instituted in the disrupted media environment, (iii) to assess the viability of monetization strategies that mainstream media have instituted in the disrupted media environment. The study used the qualitative approach and adopted the case study research design. It focused on two media organizations, Vision Media Group and …

Navigating Media Freedom Amidst Safety Concerns On Digital Platforms: An Analysis Of The Experiences Of New Vision Journalists In Uganda, Namirimu Esther Robinah

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study examined the interplay between media freedom and journalists’ safety on digital platforms in Uganda, mainly focusing on Vision Group Media between 2019 and 2024. It explored the compounded challenges faced by journalists on their digital platforms, including physical assaults, legal harassment, cyber threats and psychological intimidation, within a restrictive media environment exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 elections that exposed these journalists to digital threats. The study was mainly based on the New Media Theory, which enabled a more transparent analysis of the risks faced by journalists and in order to understand digital journalists’ perspectives thoroughly, …

The Influence Of Social Media Usage On Traditional News Consumption In Uganda: A Case Study Of Vision Group Uganda, Owor Daniel

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study investigated the influence of social media usage on traditional news consumption in Uganda focusing mainly on Vision Group Uganda. The study was guided by the Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) and the Theory of Consumption Value (TCV) the research explored how motivations perceived value and social media engagement affected the reliance on traditional media for news. The goals included studying platform choice, evaluating the influence of interaction on news habits, and investigating the connection between social media usage frequency and conventional news consumption. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study included interviews with 18 Vision Group employees in addition …

Being And Becoming Third-Space Professionals: A Case Study From Low-And-Middle Income Countries, Azra Naseem, Jannat Karim Khan, Tashmin Khamis, Jane Rarieya

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

This case study explores the authors’ experiences of establishing the identity of third-space professionals at a multi-country university with campuses on three continents. In particular, it draws on their identities and experiences as female leaders in educational development. Using autoethnography, the authors reflect on their experiences to identify issues, strategies, and areas for further development regarding third-space professionals’ identities, particularly with regard to women. As the concept of third-space professionals is relatively new in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) where the university is located, this journey of becoming and being third-space professionals was fraught with challenges that question traditional norms …

Sacrosanct Or Sacred: Creating A Theological Framework To Undergird Church Design, Aaron Farmer

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

This paper aims to ascertain whether a Theology of Architecture—a theological framework for planning and constructing church buildings—can be identified within the Biblical narrative or through the historical practices of ecclesial design. The research begins with an examination of the biblical architecture of the Old Testament, primarily described in narratives rather than corroborated by archaeological evidence. A review of historical periods of ecclesial design follows, aiming to identify phases where ecclesial design exhibited patterns analogous to those found in the Old Testament. The study uncovers a consistent pattern in both testaments wherein architecture represents divine work within specific timeframes and …

2025-2026 Graduate Catalog, Harrisburg University

HU Catalogs and Handbooks

No abstract provided.

2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog, Harrisburg University

HU Catalogs and Handbooks

No abstract provided.

The Dangers Of Denying Prosecutorial Independence: Wrongful Convictions, Official Misconduct, And Public Corruption, Meagan R. Hurley

Articles

In recent years, desires to limit prosecutorial discretion have become the focus of a national dialogue on the authority of the elected officials, allegations of their misconduct, and the need for stronger accountability measures. Legislatures across the country have considered a slew of bills aimed at diminishing prosecutorial power by prohibiting “progressive” office policies, creating oversight commissions, and promulgating simplified processes to recall or remove prosecutors entirely. In various jurisdictions, those proposals are now coming to fruition. While heightened scrutiny for some of the legal system’s most powerful leaders may seem attractive, an analysis of national trends aimed at curtailing …

The Constitutional Bind: How Americans Came To Idolize A Document That Fails Them (Book Review), Jesse Williams

Other Publications

No abstract provided.

The Threshold Of Experience: Critiquing The Self And Society Through Domestic Exploration, Janessa Douds

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This thesis body of artwork investigates theories of “home,” the phenomenology of space, and the uncanny, exploring where the familiar becomes unfamiliar and the ordinary transforms into an enigmatic realm. Through depictions of domestic environments, these paintings challenge conventional perceptions of space and confront the eerie in the everyday to reflect on how those spaces shape our emotional and psychological experiences.

Shaping Future Leaders: Empowering Youth Through Experiential Learning, Beatrix L. Alerte

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

During my spring break, I participated in the UCF Alternative Break Program, where I worked with Junior Achievement of Memphis to help educate students on financial literacy and career readiness. Junior Achievement provides hands-on learning experiences, allowing students to take on real-world roles in a simulated city. My role focused on mentoring students in the media radio station, where I guided them in creating advertisements, managing radio segments, and understanding media business operations.

Through this experience, I learned the power of experiential learning in preparing students for future careers. I also developed my ability to adapt my communication style to …

Accessible Extracurriculars Without Teacher Exploitation, Makenzie Wrightstone

West Chester University Master’s Theses

The research explores how extracurricular activities support holistic development and address barriers, especially for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds or with disabilities, using social reproduction theory and educational philosophies. It highlights how extracurriculars foster cognitive, social, and emotional growth but are often inaccessible due to financial, logistical, and instructional challenges. The study also examines teacher burnout and dehumanization, providing a historical view of extracurriculars in American schools, analyzing current policies, and considering how technology impacts student engagement. It proposes a transformative framework combining adventure, place-based, and transformative learning, advocating for integrating activities into school hours to enhance access, equity, and …