African Journalism

The complexity of political cultures, laws, economic fragilities and infrastructural challenges on the African continent curtails thorough and broad generalization of what is tagged here as “African journalism.” Some impediments on journalism practice from media systems on the continent range from controls of news content through ownership, government control of information, and state policies that are either archaic or administratively restrictive. The state control of legacy media—among other constraints—are enumerated here in subsequent sections. Some specific case studies in recent research show a shift in some journalistic routines and in supporting national development, demanding freedom of expression, advocating for social change, and using alternative forms of information dissemination. Many African journalists are also very active on social media and mobile communication generating public discourse and dialogue with state actors to effect social change.