The Prospect of Mobile Journalism and Social Media for African Citizens: A Comparative Study About Participation in Public Debate in Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa, Almuth Schellpeper

In sub-Saharan Africa, mobile technology has developed at a rapid pace and the numbers of mobile users have increased faster than those in the rest of the world. The underlying question of how mobile journalism and social media may support African citizens and contribute to social change forms the basis of this book. A qualitative content analysis provides the methodological framework to interpret the interviews with professional and citizen journalists and media experts. The results suggest that mobile and social media contribute to the plurality of journalism in Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa. Mobile and social media reporters are aware of ethical questions and journalistic standards; at the same time, they connect with local communities and adopt an advocative and subjective approach.