Technologies and Media Production Cultures: A Global South Perspective

This volume delves into the intricate relationship between technology and media production, emphasizing its influence across political, socio-economic, and cultural contexts. By 2010, the integration of computing and automated systems had already begun revolutionizing media production, prompting traditional outlets to embrace a ’digital first’ approach. Concepts like dual-management processes and the fusion of traditional and digital systems have emerged, challenging conventional norms. What sets this transformation apart is the gradual replacement of human decision-making with communicative artificial intelligence and automation. Technology now plays a central role in producing and distributing news and Ads, fundamentally altering the media landscape. However, there has been limited exploration of the broader implications of these advancements, particularly from the perspective of the Global South. This edited volume seeks to address this gap by featuring papers that examine how technology has reshaped newsroom and advertorial processes in countries like Malawi, South Africa, and Nigeria. Through a collection of insightful essays, readers are invited to explore the transformative power of technology in media production, packaging, and distribution systems. From digital innovations to traditional media adaptations, this volume offers a comprehensive understanding of the evolving media landscape in the age of technology.

Albert Sharra is Joint-Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Witwatersrand and University of Edinburgh and is a Visiting Researcher at CAMRI, University of Westminster. He conducts research on digital media, artificial intelligence and digital culture. He is a Mentor of Digital Media Innovators at the International Press Institute (IPI).

Ufuoma Akpojivi is the Policy, Research and Learning Lead at Advocates for International Development, United Kingdom; a Research Associate at the University of South Africa; and a Visiting Scholar at the University of Ghana. Prior to this, he was an Associate Professor and Head of the Media Studies Department at the University of the Witwatersrand and a Visiting Professor at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Nigeria. He is a C2-rated researcher of the National Research Foundation (NRF) South Africa and a recipient of numerous teaching and learning awards.