Television news coverage and xenophobic attacks on foreign Africans in South Africa: a content analysis of Youtube videos

Abstract

The issue of xenophobic attacks on foreign Africans in South Africa has generated debate and discuss among media experts, scholars and policy analysts across the globe. The danger and socio-cultural implications of this issue have triggered an increase of reports and commentaries on national and international news television outlets in the international community. This study examines television news coverage of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, using Youtube videos as examples. The method adopted was content analysis and 9 news videos of 3 selected television stations were analyzed; British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and ENCA. Also, four research questions were raised and adequately answered in this study. From the findings of the study, four predominant themes were identified and discussed as it affects current realities. It was recommended that sufficient attention should be given to matters of xenophobic attacks on foreign Africans by the South African press. Furthermore, the television news media should adequately utilize its developmental theory/function for the positive change and development in South Africa.