Investigating NBC television coverage of Low-Income Housing: A case study of the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2021-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Namibia University of Science and Technology
Abstract
The coverage of low-income housing in television news is a critical area influencing public perception
and policymaking. This thesis examines the television (TV) coverage of low-income housing, focusing
on the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN). Previous research highlights that media,
particularly TV, plays a vital role in shaping social and political discourse. However, there is a
noticeable gap in the representation and accurate reportage of low-income housing issues, which
remains underexplored and often biased towards wealthier narratives. One of the main challenges
identified is the inadequate and sometimes biased media coverage of low-income housing issues,
which leads to misinformed public perception and ineffective policymaking. This lack of accurate
representation fails to address the SDFN's and its constituents' systemic challenges, perpetuating
social and economic inequalities. To address these challenges, the study adopts a qualitative research
methodology involving in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and content analysis. The
research involves participants from the SDFN, TV news reporters from Namibia Broadcasting
Corporation (NBC), and members of low-income communities. The study uses agenda-setting and
framing theories to analyse how television news reports on low-income housing and the impact of
these reports on public perception and policy. The findings reveal that TV news coverage significantly
impacts the livelihoods of the SDFN members by shaping public opinion and policy decisions. The study
uncovers instances of media bias, where the plight of low-income housing is either underreported or
misrepresented. The results highlight the need for more balanced and inclusive reporting practices.
Furthermore, the research identifies strategies to improve TV news reportage, including training
programs for journalists, strategic communications partnerships between government agencies and
media, and fostering collaborative efforts between NGOs and media outlets. The academic impact of
this research lies in its contribution to media studies and housing policy research, particularly in the
context of developing countries like Namibia. Socio-economically, the findings could lead to enhanced
public awareness, better-informed policy decisions, and improved living conditions for low-income
communities. The research calls for immediate action to address media biases and enhance the
representation of low-income housing issues in television news. This will benefit the shack dwellers
and contribute to developing more equitable housing policies and practices.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Shuunyuni, H. (2021). Investigating NBC television coverage of Low-Income Housing: A case study of the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia [Master’s thesis, Namibia University of Science and Technology].