African Journals Online
Ecquid Novi

Volume 21, Issue 1, 2000
Abstracts

Leipzig : From Tobias Peucer's De Relationi-bus Novellis (1690) to Ecquid Novi (2000) 
De Beer, A.S.Van Ryneveld, L.F.Schreiner, W.N.

Abstract: This article deals with a discussion and analysis of the first English translation of the first doctoral dissertation on journalism, 'De relationibus novellis', presented by Tobias Peucer to the University of Leipzig in 1690. The dissertation, consisting of 29 statements, offers an analysis of news and news flow in general, and presents surprising insights for present-day and future media research. The following issues are discussed inter alia: definition, nature and purpose of news, as well as the relationship between news and history. There is also a short discussion on the title of this journal, 'Ecquid Novi', which was taken from a section of Peucer's dissertation dealing with the 'contemporary thirst for the latest information'.


Bill on demand : South African newspapers fighting the abortion issue in 1995/96
Skjerdal, T.

Abstract: This study seeks to explore the mediated discourse of the South African abortion debate 1995/96. It is limited to the editorials in 13 of the largest newspapers, totalling a number of 24 editorials. Through a discourse analysis approach, the writer attempts to show how words and argumentation were used to associate the new liberal abortion bill with positive values. The argumentation used by the newspapers can be read as a political discourse that illustrates the South African transformation from apartheid to democracy. Most newspapers spent more space on discussing the abortion debate than the abortion issue. Emotive words were used extensively, and so was the act of othering. Most newspapers argued strongly for the new abortion bill.


Public broadcasting in a changing political & regulatory environment : the case of Africa
Eko, L.

Abstract: The end of the Cold War triggered media-political liberalization on the African continent. Private commercial and community radio stations were launched. Divergent voices are being heard and many more people have access to the mass media. Many Western government-owned broadcasters joined in the fray and lined up African affiliates to broadcast or rebroadcast their programming. This intense international and local competition has affected governmental public service broadcasting. Government- owned stations must now decide whether to continue being broadcast media which serve all citizens or just 'niche' broadcasters. The position of this paper is that commercial pressures and competition need not lead African broadcasters to abandon their traditional role of broadcasting non-profitable local cultural programming.


Out-of-home television viewing : a cross-cultural comparative study 
Venter, L.Van Vuuren, D.

Abstract: Television sets have left the living rooms of households and first moved to others rooms, and are now appearing more and more in public places. Such out-of-home viewing has so far received little attention from researchers. The aim of the article is to provide an exploratory comparison between the main functions and processes of out-of-home television use in Europe, the USA and South Africa. A survey conducted in a predominantly white area of Johannesburg and a predominantly black area of Soweto provided data that could be compared with the Krotz & Eastman (1999) study which focused on a German, as well as an American city. The study deals with elements such as location, programme content, channel choices and control. Some theoretical implications are explored, e.g. whether the principles of the uses and gratifications approach are applicable.


'L' plates on the information highway : computer-assisted investigative reporting (CAR) in Australia
Quinn, S.

Abstract: The development of the investigative form of computer-assisted reporting (CAR) in Australia is reported and it is found that the vast majority of Australian journalists do not use this method. It is argued that university journalism programs should take the lead in teaching this form of CAR, while it should alkso become a key part of the curricula. Educators are in a prime position to influence students to become L-drivers on the information highway regarding CAR, and to give them the basic training (provided sufficient instructors can be found). Graduates in turn could influence their peers to use investigative CAR methods when they enter industry.
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