Possible further development, Convergence: Ideas
Since in
universities there is usually some kind of access, I would find it interesting
to compare the media use of students at the University of Namibia to the media
use to those of the University of Maastricht, for instance. Maybe it would be
possible to establish acceptability of convergence culture.
And don't
get me wrong: They do have the latest phones with camera and internet, mp3
players, ipods etc..and they do pay much more for it. In the case of phones for
instance they do not get them with a contract, they buy them. So are they
actually more willing to participate in this whole new convergence culture even
if participation is not only more difficult but it literally comes at a higher
price?
Dear Sophie,
The media landscape in developing countries might be completely differently consituted than in the West/ North.
I've never been in Africa, but one of our former students, Sven Eckholdt, did an internship and later a research project in Uganda. He noticed something I'd seen happen in the same way in Nepal, that there was a wide use of mobile phones. Like in earlier years, radio seems to have been far more prominent as a medium than newspapers or television in African countries.
If you would want to proceed with these questions, I'll bring you into contact with Bernike Pasveer. She is momentarily working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but still attached to our faculty and willing to supervise research projects.
Best regards,
Renée van de Vall