2012 (Volume 2, Number 1)
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Item Theoretical Transformations: Tradition, Postmodernism and Participation(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2012-03) Dzisah, Wilberforce SefakorThe emergence of new technologies has spawned new social movements across the globe, notably in established democracies and countries experimenting with the liberal idea. The fulcrum of this transformation is dictated by the new media's gradual possession of the centre in activating citizens' participation and ensuring publicness in our daily lives. The thrust of this transformation calls for a rethinking and shifts in theoretical arguments and postulation. As we move away from traditional approaches and understanding of political participation in the contemporary public spheres, we must begin to forge new ways of theorising on issues of participation and publicness. This shift could be anchored in what we might term civic participation -actions outside the political realm.Item Television Programming for Development: A Study of the Impact of 'Sunrise', A Developmental Magazine Programme of Channels Television, on the Audience(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2012-03) Popoola, MuyiwaThis research project was carried out to evaluate the level of impact or marked influence of ‘Sunrise’, a developmental magazine programme of Channels Television, Lagos, on viewers. It was also aimed at ascertaining if the content and quality of the programme favourably facilitated the exchange of information to effect positive change in the attitude of people, as one of the many activities directed at using communication to bring about a better quality and quantity of life for individuals. Use study used the survey research method of data gathering and the questionnaire as the data collection instrument, The findings of this study were of the affirmative position that the TV programme under study is indeed favourable to the facilitation of the exchange of information needed to effect positive change. It was also found to have impacted positively on individuals, but was not so positive, though the hypothesis tested, in positively changing attitudes of individuals which has been formed through various experiences. This study concluded on the note for further research into the possible variables or factors that may be responsible for bringing about development, apart from communication, and their respective levels of impact. The study also made recommendations to development agents — individuals, corporate establishments, and the government.Item Impact of Information Centres on Scientific Research: A Case Study of the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2012-03) Nyantakyi-Baah, LydiaInformation centres are of prime concern as far as managing information is concerned. They have become significant in the provision of scientific and technical resources for scientists. Hence there is the need for information centres to process and repackage information in a suitable format that will satisfy and meet users’ information needs. This study looked at the impact of information centres on scientific research with reference to the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana. The impact of any information centre’s services on research or on a parent organization depends on the satisfaction users derive through the services. The study adopted the expectation disconfirmation theory, a customer satisfaction model, and used the survey method, employing the semi-structured questionnaire to collect data from 60 library users and 20 information centre staff. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to present the analysis. Findings from the study show that the Library is used frequently and patronage is very high. The information resources were found to be reliable, current and produced in a timely manner. Users derive a lot of benefits in using the Information Centre and this has increased research output. However, there are areas of dissatisfaction like the poor nature of Internet connectivity, inadequate information resources and limited funding.Item Developing Language Skills for Effective Global Partnerships(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2012-03) Amankwah, Dinah SerwaaThe concept of celebrating differences reached humanity rather late in the stream of human endeavours; yet that notion also probably underscores current efforts to legitimise spaces to rectify past attempts at socio-cultural displacement. Recognising differences as shared phenomena rather than a weapon for patronage might have spared the ancient and modern worlds the unpleasant experience of colonisation. That recognition is yet to be jully grasped even by the contemporary world. Globalisation is a commendable human endeavour and worth attention. All countries are affected by this global phenomenon. Through globalisation, humanity is making strides to bridge hitherto seeming insurmountable gaps, thus ensuring a certain amount of acceptance of others. That language is a unifying factor in these human endeavours cannot be overemphasised. This paper discusses English language from three perspectives: The first section locates language in the centre of past socio-cultural discord among written and oral cultures. The second part discusses the major breakthroughs in human relations due to improved communication channels. The final part considers the crucial need for developing effective language and communications skills within the global relations and how the Ghanaian educational system could aid technical graduates to maximise their marketability through language.Item Between Facts and Fiction: The Relationship between Journalism and Literature(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2012-03) Glover-Meni, NathanielThe study investigated the relationship between literature and journalism, with reference to Ghanaian and, for that matter, African literary ethos, aesthetes and cultural heritage. The study dilated on this relationship between literature and journalism on one hand, and politics on the other, and how the three entities could be utilised in overcoming, or at least, ameliorating the development challenges facing Africa This point is premised on the fact that an earlier use of the three entities helped the struggle against colonialism and later imperialism. Also, the study investigates how literary ournalism can be used to highlight currents of thought with reference to contemporary political, cultural and economic experience in Ghana Overall, the study supports the idea that literary journalism can be used as a veritable communication tool in overcoming some of the social, political and economic difficulties facing the African continent.Item Akosua Cartoons in the Daily Guide: A Discourse Analysis(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2012-03) Rockson, KwekuThis pioneering effort in using discourse analysis to describe editorial cartoons in a national daily explores the ontology of Akosua cartoons in the Daily Guide. Using the interpretive approach from the epistemic standpoint, the qualitative approach is utilied to identify sampling units through strategic sampling to respond to three propositions: 1. 'Akosua* cartoons will reflect the 'ideological standpoint of the publishers*.2. Akosua* cartoons will dwell more on 'political* issues than on other issues. 3. * Akosua* cartoons will be gender blind in the portrayal of issues. The study used two theories, construction of reality and ethnomethodology to provide a context for understanding * Akosua* cartoons. First, the particular ideological standpoint of the publisher is reflected in the content of cartoons. Second, when it comes to the type of issues covered, it was clear that there is an emphasis on political news. For this publisher the overarching ideological and strategic position is the three Ps: pro-democracy, professionalism and profits. The second issue of gender shows that there is no gender policy and the coverage of women is essentially neutral.