Elections and TV News in South Africa: Desperately Seeking Depth

Elections and TV News in South Africa explores how six democratic South African general elections, 1994-2019, were represented on local and international news broadcasts, revealing shifting narratives about South African democracy and challenging political journalism practices.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book takes television news seriously. Over the course of nine chapters, Elections and TV News in South Africa explores how six democratic South African general elections, from 1994 to 2019, were represented on both local and international news broadcasts. It delves into the shifting narratives about South African democracy, coupled with changing and challenging political journalism practices. The book is organized into three parts: the first section provides a historical overview of South African democracy and an examination of the South African media environment. The second part is a visual analysis of the South African elections on television news, exploring portrayals of violence, security, power, and populism and how these align with normative news values and the ruling party's tightening grip on the media. The final section concludes with a call to action and a suggestion for improving political journalistic practice.

Elections and TV News in South Africa is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the role of television news in shaping public perceptions and understanding of democratic elections in South Africa. Through a detailed analysis of six democratic elections from 1994 to 2019, the book sheds light on the evolving narratives about South African democracy and the challenges faced by political journalism in a country with a complex political history.

The book is divided into three parts, each providing a distinct perspective on the topic. The first part offers a historical overview of South African democracy, tracing its roots from the apartheid era to the present day. It provides a valuable context for understanding the political landscape and the challenges that journalists face in covering elections. The second part focuses on a visual analysis of the South African elections on television news. Using a range of analytical tools, the book examines how violence, security, power, and populism are portrayed in news broadcasts and explores how these portrayals align with normative news values and the ruling party's grip on the media. The third part concludes with a call to action and a suggestion for improving political journalistic practice.

One of the key findings of the book is the shifting nature of the narratives about South African democracy. Over the course of the six elections analyzed, there has been a significant change in the way that the media portrays the country's political landscape. While the media initially focused on the transition from apartheid to democracy and the challenges faced by the new government, there has been a growing emphasis on issues such as corruption, inequality, and security. This shift reflects the changing priorities of the South African public and the growing demand for more transparent and accountable governance.

Another important aspect of the book is the challenge faced by political journalism in South Africa. The country has a history of media censorship and restrictions, and journalists often face threats and intimidation from political actors and groups. This makes it difficult for journalists to report on sensitive topics and to hold the government accountable for its actions. The book highlights the need for greater media freedom and independence, as well as the importance of promoting ethical and responsible journalism practices.

In conclusion, Elections and TV News in South Africa is a valuable contribution to the field of media studies and political analysis. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the role of television news in shaping public perceptions and understanding of democratic elections in South Africa. The book's findings are relevant to media professionals and scholars alike, and it offers a valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing political journalism in a complex and evolving political landscape.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030717940
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021