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The role of a political blog: the case of www.commentary.co.za

Kathy Goldfain
University of Johannesburg
Nadia van der Merwe
Northwest University
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The role of a political blog: the case of www.commentary.co.za. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 25(1), 103 124. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v25i1.1731
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  • Submited: October 18, 2022
  • Published: October 20, 2022

Abstract

With the inception of new technologies and the Internet, media users can consult a variety of
diverse sources for their daily news. The latest innovations to have an impact on the traditional
news landscape are weblogs, commonly referred to as blogs. Blogs have become a significant
new way to publish information and engage in conversation about social and political issues. This
paper explores the role of the political blog, www.commentary.co.za, as a news medium as perceived
by selected Johannesburg bloggers. Through qualitative research, the respondents concurred that
while a news blog will probably never replace traditional media, it can be used effectively to promote
the exchange of information and offer new perspectives on issues. In addition to this, they believe
that blogs can be a form of participatory journalism and complement journalism.

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How to Cite
The role of a political blog: the case of www.commentary.co.za. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 25(1), 103 124. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v25i1.1731

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