> 
> Research on Local Media in South Africa
> 
> The Eastern Cape Communication Forum (ECCF) in partnership with Walter Sisulu
> University (WSU) offers the opportunity for a student to conduct media related
> research in the Eastern Cape. ECCF is a registered non-profit organisation
> (NPO) which aims at strengthening and professionalising local independent
> media in the Eastern Cape, primarily grassroots newspapers and radio stations,
> to ensure adequate citizen participation in the democratic processes of the
> country. It furthermore tries to combine theoretical teaching of WSU
> journalism students with practical interventions in the media sector. ECCF
> provides training, workshops, and other forms of support to grassroots media
> and journalism students. It also includes a ŒStudent News Agency¹ (SNA) and
> catalyzes debates with students and media. ECCF is actively involved in the
> exchange of information and sharing of resources for the development of
> community media. Contacts have been established with local, national and
> international media support organisations. The German Gesellschaft für
> Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is the core funder of the ECCF.
> 
> Research
> 
> Are you interested in grassroots media and its challenges? Are you studying
> media or a related field that asks questions about media and development? Are
> you learning about theories on the characteristics of different media systems?
> Then use the ECCF as a gateway to study local media in the Eastern Cape in
> South Africa.
> 
> Research Assistance
> 
> ECCF and WSU will be able to assist in facilitating contact with
> representatives from local independent media organisations for interview
> opportunities and conducting surveys. It will further assist in providing
> contacts with all spheres of government, civil society organisations and
> relevant media support organisations. You will be able to liaise directly with
> journalism students and other departments of WSU. ECCF and WSU will assist in
> identifying relevant themes for postgraduate and any other studies, if
> necessary. It is hoped that any research conducted would produce valuable
> information for ECCF and WSU to further develop their programmes of media
> support. ECCF and WSU will not be able to avail any financial contribution to
> the study opportunity.
> 
> Research Facilities
> 
> ECCF and WSU offer a working space (office) within the facilities of the media
> hub. The media hub comprises of a training venue, offices and a resource
> centre. The resource centre accommodates a collection of local independent
> publications from the Eastern Cape as well as some relevant material with
> regards to media and strengthening civil society and local democracy.
> 
> For More Information
> 
> Contact Aniela Batschari  Lecturer in Media Studies and Communication Advisor
> E [log in to unmask]
> I www.eccf.org.za <http://www.eccf.org.za/>
> T 0027 43 703 8591
> C 0027 82 546 4261
> 
>