Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Examining Audience Perceptions And Role Of Cookies In Select News Websites In Kenya: A Case Of Nation Africa And The Standard, Isabel Mwendwa Radoli

Theses & Dissertations

This thesis investigates the audience perceptions and the role of cookies in the user experience of selected news websites in Kenya. In an era dominated by digital media consumption, understanding how users interact with online news platforms is crucial for media practitioners and technology developers. The study focuses on the Kenyan context, exploring the unique dynamics that shape user engagement with news content and the impact of cookies on their online experience. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining a quantitative survey focused on audience perceptions of cookies and interactions with cookie consent notices and in-depth interviews with commercial website …

An Investigation On Gender Perceptions In Credibility Of Male And Female News Anchors In Kenya., Ngumbau Maluti Musau

Theses & Dissertations

The success and survival of media houses is based on viewership as informed on audience loyalty that is pegged on perceived credibility of the news items, news anchors and media houses. But, extent of credibility perception as influenced by gender under the gender disparity concept has not been assessed within the Kenyan media space; which forms the focus of this study. The main objective was to investigate gender perceptions in the credibility of male and female news anchors in Kenya. Specifically, the study assessed the perceived credibility of male news anchors in presenting hard news items in Kenya and examined …

Changing The Communication For A Changing Climate: Effects Of Climate Change Communication On Identity, Emotions, And Mobilization, Liam Schwartz

Departmental Honors Projects

What are the most constructive emotions to evoke in climate change communication for diverse groups of people in a way that encourages pro-environmental behavior? A specific communication style and subsequent emotional response may best mobilize people interested in efforts to address climate change compared to people who are less invested in the issue. In this study, 927 valid participants surveyed were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a “fear” condition, a “hope” condition, and a control condition. All participants were asked a series of questions about their demographics, identities, perceptions, values, and environmental attitudes. Following these experimental tasks, they …

Journalism In The Digital Era: Making The Case For Media Research Department., Yvonne Okwara

Theses & Dissertations

In a world with social media outlets that are quick on the mark when it comes to breaking news, it is no longer the journalist’s job to be the first or the fastest to break news. That has been disrupted already. What audiences need now more than ever before is confirmation, understanding and analysis of what the news means to them, and how it will affect their lives. What they are looking for is an understanding of the genesis of an event, its progression up until the point the story broke, and why it should matter to them. The study …

An Analysis Of The Contribution Of Industrial Attachment In Journalism Training In Kenya: Challenges And Opportunities For An Effective Framework, Yusuf Ali Lakicha

Theses & Dissertations

In Journalism Schools, industrial attachment is an integral part of media education, offering students valuable opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and gain practical skills necessary for successful careers in the media industry. It is an essential part of an academic programme where students augment the practical skills learnt in school in an actual work environment. This study examined the contribution of industrial attachment in journalism, with a focus on arguably Kenya’s leading media organization, Royal Media Services, which has three television stations and 12 radio stations. The objective of the study was to assess the structure of …

Digital Transformation In A Legacy Media House: A Case Study Of Nation Media Group’S Tag Brand Studio, Sheila Adam

Theses & Dissertations

Media organizations in Kenya face significant obstacles, with the major ones being financial limitations and technological disruptions. Consequently, these challenges have necessitated the adoption of digital transformation as a means for media houses to sustain their operations and maintain their relevance in the eyes of their audience. Organizations around the world have opted to establish in-house brand studios or agencies to provide creative services and support their branding and marketing efforts by carrying out tasks typically handled by external agencies. Nation Media Group established Tag Brand Studio, an in-house digital marketing agency that develops and implements long-term digital marketing strategies …

Analysis Of Media Convergence At Vision Group Uganda, Semei Wessaali

Theses & Dissertations

This research delves into the phenomenon of media convergence within Vision Group, concentrating on key factors influencing its implementation. Employing a cross-sectional approach, the study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data from Vision Group staff and audiences. The primary objectives include assessing staff perceptions of content quality post-convergence, examining the organizational response to convergence, and scrutinizing audience consumption patterns. The results demonstrate a notable enhancement in content quality, with journalists in a converged system exhibiting improved output. Positive outcomes are also attributed to organizational and cultural changes that support convergence, including staff training, promotion of collaborations, and …

Exploring The Viability Of A Hybrid E-Commerce Portal As An Alternative Revenue Model For Nation Media Group Uganda, Samuel Kanyaihe Barata

Theses & Dissertations

The global media industry, shaped by technological advancements, is facing existential challenges and Nation Media Group Uganda, like its industry counterparts, continues to grapple with declining circulation, viewership, and advertising revenues. These hardships test NMGU's sustainability, pushing the exploration of new digital revenue streams. Paywalls, initially slow globally, prompting a quest for alternative models, notably a hybrid e-commerce portal, prompting this research. To evaluate NMGU's potential hybrid e-commerce venture, the researcher gauged public interest and vendor/service provider willingness using quantitative methods. Out of 102 distributed questionnaires, an 83% response rate yielded 85 valuable insights, forming the primary dataset for analysis. …

The Viability Of Online Niche Market Programming By Radio Stations In Uganda: An Analysis Of Cbs Fm., Samson Bill Nyatia

Theses & Dissertations

This study about niche marketing for a radio operator in Uganda, CBS FM, is set in the context of an altered media landscape in which shifting fortunes and emergent opportunities present the need for new product development, spurred in part by the pressures of balancing the interests of a multiplicity of stakeholders, whose needs outpace the station’s broadcasting and revenue-generating capacity. Faced with intense competition, a disruptive set of new media operations, as well as an aggressive buyer’s market, CBS FM must now consider tapping into the capabilities availed by technology, to serve its clientele better. The first chapter explores …

Examining The Role Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Transforming Print Journalism In Uganda., Robert Mukasa

Theses & Dissertations

This study provides an analysis of the current state of artificial intelligence adoption in two privately funded print media houses in Uganda: The Observer and Daily Monitor." The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into journalism has been touted as a transformative force with several advantages and disadvantages, including improvements in workflow efficiency, content accuracy, and audience engagement. Despite this potential, the adoption of AI in Ugandan print journalism has been slow, due to challenges such as limited access to technological resources and a lack of AI literacy among journalists. Using the Technology Acceptance Model as a guiding framework, the study …

Hyperlocal Digital Content Profits: Strategizing Revenue Generation For New Vision Podcasts, Athman Raziah

Theses & Dissertations

This capstone project explores how traditional media houses can generate revenue from hyperlocal digital content, focusing specifically on podcasts. As consumer habits and advertising trends shift towards digital platforms; traditional media outlets face the challenge of reaching niche audiences and convincing advertisers to invest in digital advertising, particularly in the realm of podcasts. With the decline in physical newspaper readership, the digital wave has gained significant momentum, leading to a transition from traditional media to more accessible and fragmented platforms. This project aims to design a sustainable revenue-generating strategy for New Vision podcasts, addressing the unfamiliarity of producers, media executives, …

Employing Data Visualization For Effective Health Communication In Nairobi, Kenya: A Study Of Select Media Houses., Rabudi Charles Mark

Theses & Dissertations

This capstone project analyzes how journalists use data visualization to communicate health information. With the advent of evidence-based practice in medical communication, it is necessary to provide health information in a way that raises public health awareness and changes individual behaviour for beneficial health outcomes. The use of data visualization tools such as charts, graphs, and maps aids in the presentation of data patterns and insights, improving knowledge, engagement, and decision-making in the field of health communication. The study seeks to identify the types of health data visualization commonly employed by journalists in Kenya; assess the level of training and …

Revolutionizing Vernacular Radio To Embrace The Youth: A Case Of Muuga Fm., Muroria Grace Mukiri

Theses & Dissertations

Radio has been a powerful tool for mass communication and entertainment for over a century. In many developing countries, vernacular radio, which broadcasts in local languages, has been very popular and it serves as a platform for promoting local cultures, traditions and events. However, with the advent of modern technology, young people are increasingly turning away from radio as a source of entertainment and information. This trend threatens the future of vernacular radio stations, which must find new ways to engage and attract younger audiences. This project used a case of Muuga FM. Muuga FM is a vernacular radio station …

Local Content Monetization Strategies For Revenue Generation Employed By Independent Tv Producers On Ott Platforms In Kenya., Misiko Andere

Theses & Dissertations

The rapid growth of over-the-top (OTT) platforms has revolutionized the way video content is marketed and consumed and provided a unique opportunity for Kenyan content creators to showcase their creative storytelling work to a global audience. However, the lack of bankable/effective monetization strategies poses significant hurdles for local producers; this is largely due to the various ways in which the content is consumed and the variations of the same content on internet-enabled platforms that are linked to the OTT platforms such as mobile and online platforms linked to the streaming services. Accordingly, the objective of this capstone project is to …

Elevating Inclusion: Understanding The Employee Experience Of Latinx Immigrants In The Technology Industry, Angelica Coronel

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

In a time characterized by an increasingly diverse U.S. labor force, immigrants have emerged as a vital yet often overlooked segment. As the workforce landscape evolves and employers seek to expand their Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) initiatives, understanding the unique challenges and perspectives of immigrant employees becomes crucial for fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. The existing literature reveals a significant gap on workplace experiences of immigrant employees, particularly Latinx immigrants employed in the technology industry. Grounded in social identity theory, systems theory, and equity theory, this study adopts a phenomenological approach to understand how Latinx immigrant employees …

So Sorry Your Grandma Died. Get That Paper In.”: Graduate Teaching Assistants' Experiences Of Student Grief In The Communication Classroom, Jessica Cherry, Carly Densmore

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) are faced with managing how to respond to student disclosures of grief in the classroom but often lack grief training from their universities when these instances occur. Good and Mad grief, and Critical Grief Pedagogy (CGP) are the frameworks for which this study is positioned. Through interviews with GTAs in the United States, we explore their experiences when engaging with student grief disclosures and revealed three main themes: regulations and boundaries, transactional exchanges in institutions, and the classroom being a human space. We also discuss how GTAs use CGP to manage these interactions. We further suggest …

Post-Truth's Effect On The Brain And The Future Self: A Critical Communication Pedagogy Response, David H. Kahl Jr.

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

The university was created for the critical examination of ideas to seek truth. However, the proliferation of post-truth messages has made this goal more difficult to reach, creating an important communication pedagogy problem. Hegemonic forces create post-truth messages to mislead people and play to their existing beliefs in order to maintain and advance power. Post-truth messages are particularly effective because they cause cognitive overload and temporal discounting. Critical communication pedagogy (CCP) is a means by which instructors and students can evaluate post-truth messages. CCP allows for dialogue to reduce the cognitive issues that post-truth messages cause and allow for the …

Maintaining The Complex Personal And Professional Elements Of Our Lives In Academe, Sydney E. Brammer, Ryan J. Martinez, Narissra M. Punyanunt-Carter

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

This reflective essay offers several practical suggestions for scholars and professionals who are looking for ways to sustain abundant personal and professional lives in a discipline that encourages workaholic tendencies and requires many to engage in hybrid working arrangements. We discuss the tensions experienced by many communication teacher-scholars in academe and how various types of boundaries can aid in the maintenance of rest and work.

#Politicalcommunicationsowhite: A Call For Considering Race In The Undergraduate Political Communication Course, Ant Woodall, Lindsey Meeks

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

The field of communication has been working to reconcile its historic omission of race from research and pedagogy. The subfield of political communication has begun this process in its research but has yet to consider the implications of race missing from pedagogy. This essay offers an argument for including race in the political communication course, in the form of more focus on race in course content and more work by scholars of color. We offer reasons for these inclusions, ways for instructors to begin this incorporation, and what considerations instructors must be mindful of throughout the process.

Beyond Translation: A Critical Comparison Between English Renditions Of The Holy Qur’An, Mohamad Eisa

Senior Projects Spring 2024

Senior Project submitted to The Division of Social Studies of Bard College

3rd Nature, Heather Diane Phelps-Lipton

Senior Projects Spring 2024

My work is rooted in critical thought and centered by photographic imagery. Created as a mechanism of societal metamorphosis via the language of the familiar (capitalism, media and public policy), it is always an experiment. The realized form varies, but my working hypothesis is consistent: with intentional practice, human energies and activities can be (re)directed into an existence of non-destructive curiosity, wonder, and gratitude.

Be it a video poster, street fashion concept or a design for a future-forward food system, my work is best activated beyond the walls of the gallery or museum. I’m interested in creating works in collaboration …

Language-Related Misunderstanding At Work: What It Is, Why It Occurs And What Organizations Can Do About It, John Fiset, Devasheesh P. Bhave

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Language is the foundation of human interaction. It plays a central role in facilitating effective communication by allowing people to express their thoughts, share essential information and establish connections with one another.

Doing The Impossible: Dealing With False Beliefs, Yuliya Filippovska

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Fighting false information, propaganda, open lies, rumors, misinformation, and disinformation by attacking it directly and challenging it is the dominant strategy for dealing with false beliefs (Lazer et al., 2018; Maseri et al., 2020; Van Bavel et al., 2021), and it is an important one. Refuting falsity is crucial. At the same time, there are instances when fighting false information does not work (Ardèvol-Abreu et al., 2020; McIntyre, 2018; Van Bavel et al., 2021). One of the reasons is that it denies another’s worldview, belief systems, and, as a result, their identity and even right to exist. Searching for alternative …

Pediatric Dentists’ Considerations Concerning Obesity-Related Education For Parents Of Young Children: Who Should Educate About What, How And When?, Arianne Swanson Dds, Ms, James R. Boynton Dds, Ms, Larry B. Salzmann Dds, Yu-Ju Yang Dds, Marita R. Inglehart Dipl. Psych., Dr. Phil., Dr. Phil. Habil

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This study aimed to explore pediatric dentists' perspectives on obesity-related interventions for parents of young children. A web-based survey was administered to 210 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry members. Findings revealed that respondents considered it important for various healthcare professionals, especially pediatricians and nurse practitioners, to engage in obesity-related parent education. Strong consensus existed on educating parents about the link between early childhood caries and diet, soft drink and fruit juice consumption, and healthy snacking. The study also found positive attitudes correlated with increased engagement in objective weight determination, data collection, and diet/nutrition counseling.

Towards An Efficient Management Of Fake News In The Digital Media Era Newsrooms. A Case Study Of Citizen Digital, Royal Media Services., Francis Gachuri

Theses & Dissertations

The challenge of fake news in the media is a persistent struggle and dents the credibility of journalism as a source of accurate and verifiable content. With the vast penetration of the internet and growth in social media, the legacy media (mainstream media) has to contend with the spread of fake content and safeguard itself from losing its face as the source of truth. Media houses have to rethink, re-strategize and invest in tools, skills, equipment and processes that will identify, isolate and debunk fake news, and stop its dissemination for consumption by the masses. The main objective of this …

Exploring The Challenges And Opportunities Of Digital Transformation In Media Organizations: A Case Of Nation Media Group Uganda., Emmanuel Waiswa

Theses & Dissertations

This study explores Nation Media Group Uganda’s digital transformation and revenue diversification efforts in response to challenges in the evolving media market. Employing a mixed methods approach, including in-depth interviews with 7 key stakeholders, an online questionnaire distributed to 43 respondents, and document analysis, the study offers nuanced insights into NMGU's digital landscape. The key focus areas of this study are first - organizational culture, technology, and digital competencies. NMGU faces resistance to innovation rooted in a focus on traditional revenue streams, creating bureaucratic hurdles and a generational gap. Addressing these challenges requires a proactive approach to technology integration and …

Role Of The Public Editor In Enhancing Trust In Legacy Media: Case Study Of Daily Monitor Newspaper In Uganda., Eriasa Mukiibi

Theses & Dissertations

The study critically examines the pivotal role of the Public Editor (PE) at the Daily Monitor Newspaper in Uganda, focusing on comprehending reader trust levels, assessing petitioner satisfaction, and exploring Editorial Team perceptions. Against the backdrop of Uganda's evolving media landscape that is shaped by digital news, government influence, and media ownership, this research emphasizes the indispensable function of PEs in preserving public trust. Through a multifaceted analysis encompassing reader sentiments, petitioner satisfaction, and Editorial Team perspectives, the study unveils insights into trust, satisfaction, and editorial processes within the newspaper. Study Findings revealed a predominantly male readership (76%) within the …

Content Monetization: Non-Fungible Tokens As A New Revenue Stream For The Media Sector In Kenya., Geoffrey Macharia Wamugo

Theses & Dissertations

Non–Fungible Tokens, also known as NFTs, are a unique digital asset that is a representation of an object in the real world like a piece of art, photo, or video. The use of NFTs is on the rise and several companies as well as individuals are using them to make money. With the changes being experienced in the sector, Media houses like the US Time Magazine who already used its stockpile of historical images to create NFTs are tapping this digital territory to get more revenue. Recently, marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge earned $37,351 after auctioning two videos of his career …

Universities As Innovation Hubs For Television Stations In Uganda., Imokola John Baptist

Theses & Dissertations

Television in Uganda continues to struggle to deal with changes in the industry, which has ultimately led to the closure or restructuring of many organizations. Many of those that remain are also struggling to survive in the market. For them to remain successful and viable, they need to constantly innovate to deal with these changes, as well as satisfy the needs of their audience. Innovation, however, is expensive in terms of time, finances and human resources. This study set out to examine the possibilities of using journalism schools in universities as innovation hubs for the television industry. The study was …

Harnessing The Potential Of Digital Media For Business Growth Of Legacy Media In Kenya., Lilian Odera

Theses & Dissertations

In today’s digital era, businesses in Kenya have a unique opportunity to leverage digital technology to drive growth, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer experiences. By embracing digital transformation, the media industry can expand its market reach, streamline operations, foster innovation, and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving business landscape. However, this transition is not without challenges, including cybersecurity risks, skills gaps, and ethical considerations. This study provides an analysis of the digital technology for business growth of the legacy media in Kenya. To conduct this research, a descriptive research design was employed, and the researcher collected primary data from …