The Media Decides? (CP)

Mar 12, 2011 |

The influence of the media and entertainment on society is unquantifiable even as those sectors endeavour to reflect society. They guide the discussions through what they put out. In Africa, we have often talked of how it is the West that determines the perception of us. This is not totally the case. The power bases on the continent – like South Africa and Nigeria – do so as well through the programming created on and for channels like MTV Base and Channel O. Because these spaces, based in SA, determine what is put out as being representative of Africa, can we comfortably say, this is the full picture?

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Death of Television (CP)

Feb 6, 2011 |

Written September 6th, 2009 I have always sought pastimes that allow me to escape from the trials of reality, albeit temporarily. From books, film to music and games, I’ve been known to shut myself off from the real world for extended periods of time. In fact, a strategy game called Age of Empires nearly killed my marriage in its first year. I would sometimes get home from work and play this PC game from 6pm to 6am. And the first time I bought a Playstation? It was Christmas season and I was home alone for a full ten days, including Christmas Day. I played from 10am to 5am every day, only...

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To Reflect A Nation (7)

Aug 3, 2010 |

South Africa has talent. This is not just in terms of the reality show that is about to go into its second season but also from a television and film production perspective. Some years ago, I used to develop television concepts for various clients (mainly production companies) and was always inspired by the level of creativity at all levels of the production process, from directors and camera people to production managers and editors. The troubles at SABC has created a massive void and put many a creative out of work. I am hoping this situation will improve and that Mzansi Magic will add to...

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