Exploring male and female voices in the reporting of gender-based violence in the Namibin media
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Date
2018
Authors
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Considering the efforts to resolve the societal phenomenon of violence against women, universal in all countries, information, awareness-raising and the role of the media are regarded as key targets. According to the European Commission (2010), the media sector is the most important source of information. Consequently, this paper aimed to look at the roles male and female voices play in reporting Gender Based Violence in the media. The media plays a big role not only in creating awareness but also educating the masses on gender-based violence. Mass media communications reach and influence large numbers of people, and they have the potential to play a positive role in the struggle against violence. Print media and broadcast play an important role in the society by creating awareness on all issues and thus agenda-setting of these the voices in the articles is crucial in bringing to the fore issues that society needs to deal with. The study was guided by two variables; the dominant voice and male or female voices. The data for the study was collected through a content analysis of the New Era and The Namibian newspapers, as well as NBC television news clips for a period of three years from 2012 to 2014. The results indicated that ten types of Gender Based Violence were reported during the period of analysis. The articles given the most prominence were on murder, rape and domestic violence while those that occupied the smallest space were on, child abuse, physical violence and emotional abuse. From the findings, there is need for the Namibian journalists to be part of the solutions in the fight against GBV. While news can, and often does, offer in-depth and informative coverage of issues, strategies need to be developed to encourage journalists to incorporate more context and analysis when reporting violence against women.
Description
A research thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Media Studies)
Keywords
Voices, Gender-based violence