‘Wiring’ African Newsrooms: The Internet and Mainstream Print Journalism Practice in Zimbabwe

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Author(s): Hayes Mawindi Mabweazara (University College Falmouth, UK)
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 19
Source title: Cultural Identity and New Communication Technologies: Political, Ethnic and Ideological Implications
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): D. Ndirangu Wachanga (University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-591-9.ch008

Keywords: Human Aspects of Technology / Information Science Reference / Social Sciences & Humanities

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Abstract

This chapter uses a qualitative case study approach to critically examine the appropriations of the Internet by Zimbabwean mainstream print media journalists. It draws on social constructivist approaches to technology and the sociology of journalism to highlight the impact of the Internet on practices and professionalism. The chapter argues that the deployment of the Internet by Zimbabwean journalists (and indeed in Africa at large) is relative and contingent upon the ‘internal’ newsroom context(s) and the wider socio-political and economic circumstances in which the journalists operate. Among other functions, the technology shapes the mainstream press’ news agenda as well as avails information often censored by government. However, as the chapter shall demonstrate, the use of the Internet is replete with ethical and professional implications.

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‘Wiring’ African Newsrooms: The Internet and Mainstream Print Journalism Practice in Zimbabwe

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