Submitted by: Submitted by ebbynature
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Category: Societal Issues
Date Submitted: 07/14/2010 10:31 PM
AFRICA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
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NAME: MWENDE, EBEN-EZER E.
ID NO: 07S-CS414
UNIT TITLE: ENGLISH II
UNIT CODE: UCC 102 C
LECTURER: Mrs. MUCHAI
DATE DUE: 31st JANUARY 2008
TOPIC: MEDIA HOUSES DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD TO MY COUNTRY.
An argumentative essay in partial fulfillment of the Bachelor degree in Computer science course requirements.
Media houses play a very crucial role to any country’s economy growth, cultural changes and development, international relations and recognition. The media affect everyone’s culture, buying habits, politics and all other aspects of human life. Mjengwa M. (23rd Jan 2008) calls the media ‘The fourth pillar of the government.’
The functions of the mass media are, first derived from the definition as “any medium used to transmit mass communication.” (Retrieved on 29th Jan 2008) These include; the Internet, books, newspapers, magazines, recordings, radio, movies and televisions. The other function as explained by Berry D. (2005) is to bridge the gap between events and audiences, and therefore to mediate experience. (pg. 28) Gration G. et al (1992) sum that the role of the media should be ‘the desire to fulfill the public the public’s need for information; to influence the country’s governance; to disseminate the country’s culture; to offer entertainment; and to provide an outlet for artistic expression.’ (pg. 241)
Ever since the late 1980s, Tanzania has witnessed the mushrooming of privately run mass-media publications and outlets, be it newspapers, magazines, television and radio channels or Internet websites. Media houses in Tanzania include all mentioned above only that their degrees of popularity and rates of influence to the society differ. It is in their influence to the society (both positive and negative) which I will discuss in this essay through different perspectives of life; historically, socially, politically,...