ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the current status of media practices in southern Africa. First, an introduction summarizes key concepts and debates within international communication, including cultural imperialism, transnationalism, and political economy. The second half of the chapter evaluates existing transnational media in Nigeria, including a rudimentary political economy of “Nollywood” film production and the continental reach of Multichoice Africa Magic. Leading transnational media in Nigeria illustrate current media practices and dominant socio-economic relations that currently claim to represent the voices and interests of communities, indigenous ethnicities, labor, and others. A closing section reports community radio conditions in South Africa and offers examples from Latin America to illustrate how vibrant and democratic social movements are needed to secure citizen access to media production and distribution.
