Media for Development: News Media Coverage of Women’s Health within the realm of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) in South Africa.
Date
2007-02-16T10:57:30Z
Authors
Davidson, Rochelle Renere
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Development Communication theories suggest that media plays a critical role in the
transformation of societies (Melkote, 2003). In line with this thesis, this research
discusses the extent to which news media can provide a platform for social change for
women’s health issues for the development of South Africa, in the context of the
prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). With approximately 29.5%
of women attending antenatal clinics throughout the country being HIV-positive, PMTCT
is one issue that demonstrates the socio-economic and political complexities of women’s
health in the context of development.
The qualitative methodological approach involves a thematic content analysis of the news
media’s coverage around issues of PMTCT between July 1, 2004 and July 1, 2-005 in
two South African newspapers The Star and The Mail and Guardian. The methods also
involve a thematisation of interview responses from various stakeholders within news
media and the case of PMTCT in South Africa.
Empirical studies associate women’s access to media with better health and fertility
outcomes, irrespective of various income and education levels (“Ch. 10: The Media”,
2002). This research report explores the extent to which a commercially driven news
media can be for development; particularly for HIV-positive pregnant women can voice
their perspectives and make empowered decisions for their health.
Description
Student Number: 0501772G -
MA research report -
School of Social Sciences -
Faculty of Humanities
Keywords
media for development, women in media, women and HIV/AIDS, media and HIV/AIDS