50 Years of TV in South Africa

This edited volume, 50 Years of Television in South Africa, seeks to explore the evolution, impact, and future of television in South Africa. The unique contribution of the volume lies in its interdisciplinary approach, bringing together scholars, media practitioners, policymakers, and cultural commentators to offer diverse perspectives on television's role in South African society. Television's introduction in South Africa was not just a technological event; it was deeply intertwined with the country's political and social landscape. The apartheid regime's concerns about the potential influence of television highlight its significance as a tool for communication and cultural dissemination. Documenting this historical context provides insights into how media and technology intersect with political regimes and societal norms. Further, because television has played an important role in shaping South African society over the past five decades, its impact as a platform for cultural expression, education, entertainment, and political discourse is essential for appreciating the dynamics of social change within the country. While the contents will be based on developments in South Africa, the volume has global relevance because it offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between media, politics, culture, language and society in a postcolonial contexts in the global south. By examining the medium's past and present, the volume is well placed to anticipate the diverse needs and challenges of television audiences worldwide, identify strategies and best practices that may inform the future development of television in other contexts and forecast ways of leveraging digital technologies to enhance content delivery, audience engagement, and revenue generation in the future