The role of mass media of communication in the perspective of a colonial society

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

In preparing this dissertation, I have made use of the more conventional sources, among which are Namibian press and individual publications on mass media as well as various books on mass communication theory in general. My own work as a journalist in Namibia provided me with many opportunities for participant observation and informational interviews on the subject at hand

In these chapters it is argued that, to the extent that the media are fulfilling their role they would tend to act as watchdogs and vehicles of social and political liberation, and to the extent that they are failing [to live] up to their role, they act as propaganda tools for colonial government and instruments of power and control. Their failure, it is argued, is reflected in patterns of unfavourable audience attention and attitudes to them, while the relative success of the alternative media is reflected in the popularity which they have managed to capture among the mass of the population, despite the repressive circumstances under which they try to fulfil their role

The mass media dealt with in this dissertation are mainly the press, radio and television. Another form of communication which has surfaced as an essential tool of colonialism is psychological warfare and this, too, is dealt with here