China's Media in Africa
Today I attended a research lecture by Herman Wasserman from Cape Town University, which explored how China is influencing media in South Africa. The talk covered many areas in depth: significance, geopolitics of communication, expansion (Chinese initiatives), perceptions (implications/debates) and reception (impact on journalism/audiences). The talk was insightful and understandable, exposing me to a side of media that I had never before considered.
I often get caught up focusing on Western media, as that is what I am regularly exposed to, however, this lecture made me consider how Western media portrays Africa, how African media works, and also how China’s influence is changing Africa’s media and global portrayal. The lecture encouraged me to look into other cultures’ media, such as Xinhua News Agency, CCTV or CRI and to be critical of the wider media landscape.
As I am going to South Africa this summer, this lecture has encouraged me to look at the media I’m exposed to whilst I’m there and question China’s influence. This will allow me to see first-hand another culture’s media, critically analyse it and understand it better.
If you want to research this topic more these are some useful sites:
www.sachinamedia.info/
www.cfms.uct.ac.za
If you are interested in further exploration of the lecture itself then comment below and I can either write a detailed blog about everything discussed or write about it on the website.