The impact of the Internet on media in Namibia

Abstract

Abstract provided by author

In this era of technological revolution that has taken place, development such as those of the new information and communication technologies have happened; of more significance to the field of mass media is the introduction of the Internet (i.e. the new media), which is basically a continuation of traditional media such as radio, newspapers and television. A contributing factor in the success of the Internet is the fact of how everyone (i.e.Governments, schools, organizations) wants to get involved, as it is the driving force behind globalization. The Internet has various and contradictory influences in global media as in terms of newspapers it may intensify the competition within markets for mature newspapers, as well as being an additional means of reinforcing competitiveness for newspaper publishers

The shift from print to Internet distribution has resulted in the creation of new information providers as information seekers are increasing everyday. The research aimed to investigate the extent to which the Internet has impacted on Namibian media through understanding the various changes that electronic and print media experience as a result of the development of this new medium.The investigation included media practitioners (i.e. journalists), IT specialists and Media managers and Newspaper, Magazine and Television news editors, in order to discover whether the Internet has led to the improvement of traditional media or the eradication of it