Events That Matter: Specific Incidents, Media Coverage, and Agenda-Setting in a Ghanaian Context

Abstract: Traditional agenda-setting research has convincingly demonstrated that the media's agenda influences the public's agenda in a somewhat linear fashion. Following from that, agenda-setting researchers are now investigating the attributes of culturally specific agendas. Their studies provide insight into what appears to be a complex process that may be affected by factors beyond those already documented. This paper similarly examines the intricate connections between media, specific events, and agenda-setting in Ghana. In this context it considers two specific events with significant sociocultural implications - events that were framed by the media to produce agenda-setting effects. The paper argues that the media's framing of those events provided their audience with certain ready-made patterns of cognition, thereby enhancing the possibility of agenda-setting. Résumé : La recherche traditionnelle sur la fonction d'agenda (« agenda setting ») a démontré de manière convaincante que les priorités des médias ont une influence sur les priorités du public de manière quelque peu linéaire. Dével-oppant leur approche, les chercheurs sur la fonction d'agenda sont en train d'étudier celle-ci par rapport à son impact culturel. Leurs études révèlent ce qui paraît être un processus complexe que peuvent influencer des facteurs peu documentés à ce jour. À l'instar de cette approche culturelle, cet article examine les rapports complexes entre la fonction d'agenda, les médias et des événements particuliers au Ghana. Dans ce contexte, il considère deux événements spécifiques dont les conséquences socioculturelles ont été significatives - des événements présentés par les médias de manière à produire des effets de type « fonction d'agenda ». Cet article soutient que la manière de présenter ces événements, étant congruente avec les manières de percevoir du public, augmente la possibilité que la fonction d'agenda produise un effet dans ces cas-ci

The appeal of qualitative methods to traditional agenda-setting research: an example from West Africa

Abstract not available

Marketing effectiveness in the health sector: a case study

Abstract not available

Telling stories: the epistemological value of anecdotes in Ghanaian communication research

Telling stories and/or anecdotes is a normal part of everyday life and communication in Ghana. Consequently, using anecdotes narrated by participants in research on people's attitude towards the environment and the role of the media in encouraging environmental awareness, this article argues that anecdotes can be used as epistemological tools which can inform ways of knowing and doing communication research in Ghana. In particular, it is noted that telling stories or anecdotes has important implications for those telling them, other participants in the discussion, in the case of focus groups, and also the communication researcher. The ultimate value lies in the fact that through documenting and analysing anecdotes, the accumulated experiences of people can serve as evidence that can inform and positively influence policy-makers. In the context of media studies, it will also enrich the literature on the relationship between media, public opinion and environmental issues

The impact of new communication technologies on organisational communication and culture in Ghana

Abstract not available

Reality bytes! The technological realities of public relations practitioners in Ghana

In developed countries, the rate of technological development and dissemination over the past two decades has been breathtaking, to say the least. These developments have affected all facets of life and work. As a result, it is a generally accepted notion that new communication technologies have had, and will continue to have a significant impact on how organisations communicate, including the way public relations is practised. A growing body of literature on new technologies and public relations practice supports this widely held notion. However, despite this emergent body of literature, there is hardly any knowledge about what the situation is in developing countries in terms of the rate of technological adoption by public relations practitioners and the impact of these technologies on their work. This paper is an initial attempt to deal with some of what is missing from the literature in this burgeoning area---a developing world perspective. The paper is based on research carried out in Ghana during January and February 2004. The findings indicate that while Ghanaian public relations practitioners are optimistic about the impact new technologies will have on their practice, the reality of their technological situation shows that there is a wide gap between the experience of practitioners in Ghana and those in the developed world

Interpersonal networks and the dissemination of the mass media's environmental agenda in Ghana

Abstract not available

Environmentalism and cultural change: the role of the mass media

Abstract not available

Excitement in the field

The field of communication and media has never been more exciting, and the vigorous activity in this area over the past three decades bears testimony to this. The excitement is due to a number of developments in the vast and sometimes very different areas that fall under the common rubric of communication and media studies. This book seeks to interrogate a number of concerns and issues in communications and media research. This volume documents some of the current trends and developments, challenges, and future prospects of communication and media research. In doing so it presents a broad basis for understanding the issues, technologies, theories, applications, opportunities, and challenges faced by communication researchers and scholars in the new media environment of the 21st century