Media Practices and Trends in West Africa
Abstract
The author examined the current practices and trends in West African media. A case study analysis
of the main print and electronic media of Ghana and Nigeria served as a focal point. The analysis
was performed within the context of present global telecommunications industries and their
corresponding transnational media corporations (TMCs). A general historic overview that
highlights main transitions of the development of mass media in West Africa from colonial to post
colonial eras was included. The main print and electronic media of Ghana and Nigeria was
identified and the political, social and cultural issues embedded in these media’s content were
examined. Further, the discussions of media forms and contents in West Africa considered how the
international press and electronic media interact with the media of Ghana and Nigeria. Evolving
media relationships that emerged during the case study suggested a new era of global
communication controlled by TMCs affiliated with local government officials and media industries
whose primary interests are commercial.
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