Communication Technology and New Media Commons^™

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 …

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, …

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, …

Perceived Stakeholder Engagement In Corporate Data Responsibility (Cdr) Communication And Its Relationship With Trust In Generative Ai Systems: The Mediating Role Of Algorithmic And Institutional Responsibility., Joon Soo Lim, Chunsik Lee, Donghee Shin, Junga Kim, Jun Zhang

Media Studies - All Scholarship

Proposing corporate data responsibility (CDR) as an emerging dimension ofcorporate social responsibility (CSR), this study examines how consumersperceive their generative AI (GenAI) company’s communication about dataresponsibility, and how these communications influence perceived CDR andtrust in the service. Using data from a national survey of 819 U.S. GenAI users,the findings demonstrate that stakeholder engagement in CDR communica-tion positively influences consumer perceptions of both algorithmic andinstitutional responsibility. Notably, institutional responsibility playsa significant role in enhancing trust in GenAI systems, serving asa cognitive heuristic for evaluating technical algorithmic responsibility. Itsuggests that institutional responsibility bridges the gap between technicalalgorithmic accountability and consumer trust. These …

Is It Real Enough? A Mixed-Methods Study Of Realism, Engagement And Counterargument In Transmedia Edutainment For Sustainable Behaviors, Aya Shata, Michelle Selig

Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies Faculty Research

Advancements in technology have driven media convergence, paving the way for innovative storytelling formats like Transmedia Edutainment (TE-E), a new promising strategy for advocating prosocial behaviors. However, there is limited research on narrative processing and the persuasive outcomes of TE-E, particularly in environmental contexts. Therefore, this paper examines TE-E as a new communication strategy that leverages storytelling across multiple platforms to promote pro-environmental messaging. Drawing on entertainment-education literature and narrative persuasion theories, specifically the narrative engagement model and perceived realism as theoretical frameworks in this study, to help understand the role and influence of TE-E. Using a mixed-method design, five …

40 Years Passing By In (A) “Heartbeat”, Christopher Janney

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

This article outlines the forty-year history go Christopher Janney’s iconic performance work “HeartBeat.” Trained as an architect and jazz musician, Janney combines these two disciplines to create large interactive light/sound installations and performances. On the one hand, he attempts to make architecture more like music, more “alive” using real-time sensing devices as on his “Harmonic Convergence” installation on the Miami International Airport. On the other hand, he attempts to make music more like architecture, more physical more visual. In his “HeartBeat” performance, a dancer wears a heartbeat device that amplifies his/her heartbeat in “real time.” Over this pulse, live musicians …

Yoga Sūtra Book Four And The Yogabindu, Christopher Key Chapple

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Four themes from the fourth pāda of Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra are examined here: karma (IV:2-13), individuality (IV:16), humility (IV:20-22), and freedom (IV:29-34). Affirmations and variant interpretations of these four are provided from Haribhadra Virahāṅka’s Yogabindu, most likely composed a century or two later.

Collective Karma: From The Yogasūtra To Taylor Swift, Zoë Slatoff

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

The Indian knowledge traditions speak at length about karma, which is divided into three categories—accumulated (saṃcita), ripe (prārabdha), and future (kriyamāṇa). While much is said about our individual karma and how it affects our repeated reincarnation in cyclic existence, how does this affect others and how do others affect us? In other words, as this paper explores, what is our reciprocal and collective karma?

Painting Liberation: A Visual Ontology Of The Interplay Of Mind And Consciousness In Book Four Of The Yoga Sūtras, Melissa Townsend

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

This presentation explores how artistic practice can illuminate philosophical questions about the nature of mind, consciousness, and liberation as articulated in Book Four of the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali. Through a series of paintings that visually translate these sūtras, I propose that art offers a unique, experiential means of engaging with the complex relationship between citta (mind) and puruṣa (consciousness).

The paintings function as a form of “visual ontology,” inviting viewers to engage with abstract philosophical concepts in a sensory, tangible way. By depicting the interplay between the mutable processes of the mind and the unchanging awareness of consciousness, these …