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Jmc 108: Media History And Issues In Kenya Question Paper
Jmc 108: Media History And Issues In Kenya
Course:Bachelor Of Journalism And Mass Communication
Institution: Masinde Muliro University Of Science And Technology question papers
Exam Year:2009
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MASINDE MULIRO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY(MMUST)
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS
2008/2009 ACADEMIC YEAR
FIRST YEAR SECOND SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS
FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION
COURSE CODE: JMC 108
COURSE TITLE: MEDIA HISTORY AND ISSUES IN KENYA
DATE: 28th April 2009 TIME: 2.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Answer question one and any other three (3) questions.
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1. a) Read the attached folktale and answer the following questions:
i) Give a title to this narrative. (1 mark)
ii) Explain the moral message of this narrative and apply it to the current sociopolitical
situation in Kenya. (15 marks)
iii) What do you think makes this story a form of folk media in the traditional setting?
(4 marks)
iv) List any other five categories of folk media that equally informed, entertained and
educated pre-literate societies. (5 marks)
2. a) Name five African press between 1920 and 1963 and explain how they contributed
to the African nationalism. (10 marks)
b) How did the colononial government react to the African press in question 2 (a)
above? (5 marks)
3. a) Give a brief history of the rural newspapers between 1975 and 1983. (5 marks)
b) What hindered the development of the rural newspapers? (10 marks)
4. a) Define the following media categories:
i) public service broadcasting (psb).
ii) private media.
(6 marks)
b) What are the positive impacts brought about by the liberalization of the airwaves in
Kenya? (9 marks)
5. What are the major media issues in Kenya today? (15 marks)
6. Give the history of the development of broadcast media in Kenya from 1927 to 1990.
7. Explain the impact of New Media to the practice of Journalism no Kenya. (15 marks)
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READ THIS FABLE AND ANSWER QUESTION 1 (a) i to iv:
Once upon a time, Mr. Tortoise and Birds were best of friends. Unlike the birds, however, Mr. Tortoise could neither fly nor sing beautiful songs; but he was the philosopher king, a repository of wisdom. Thus, every time birds found him bend down in deep thoughts, they joked that he was legislating laws. Mr. Tortoise was often called upon to mediate in any conflict affecting the Birds’ kingdom. He was therefore the undisputed peace maker and adviser. Birds could not do anything remarkable without first consulting Mr. Tortoise.
One day, it was a surprise for Mr. Tortoise to learn that the Birds were planning to visit their relative in the sky without seeking his counsel. He later on discovered that they could not take him along since he cannot fly. As a man endowed with unlimited capabilities he devised a quick fix. Hey, Ladies and Gentlemen, he told them, if each of you could donate a feather to me, I will be able to fly like a king bird. The birds responded in unison, Oh yees! Within no time, Mr. Tortoise was adorned in a multicoloured coat of Birds’ feathers. Mr. Tortoise was very conspicuous and even more attractive than the Birds themselves. This is what friends are for, he intoned. The delighted Tortoise could not wait. He really enjoyed floating in the air.
On their way to the sky Mr. Tortoise gave an advice; each of us must have a name just like human beings. After a short pause, one Bird asked, but we are not human beings, why…….. But before he could finish, the Tortoise interjected, it is very important my friend. Otherwise how shall we introduce ourselves when we reach up there? As usual when the Tortoise spoke, the debate was over. In no time each Bird had a name like, Tietie, Swiswi, Likolove, Ng’oli, Endegeyo, Khoro, Kiyundi, Kwesule, Simbikhilia, Lisasi, etc. Mr. Tortoise named himself, Voosi (All of you).
The entourage was well received in the sky by the host. Mr. Tortoise however won the most
adoration. He quickly suggested to the host that, before anything, an introduction first. The Birds simply marveled at his wisdom.
The first meal to be served was Sifuluko (mashed beans) and milk. Before the host could welcome the guests to the table, Mr. Tortoise interposed; whose food is this? To which the host replied, it is for Voosi (All of you). The Tortoise looked around the room, and each Bird seemed to in total agreement that the food was meant for Mr. Tortoise and theirs would be served later. The host was equally unmistaken; given the size and beauty of the Tortoise, it was assumed that he was the king. Therefore, the Birds could only eat after him. The Tortoise repeated the same trick for all the three days of their stay in the sky. The Birds yawned and yawned throughout and grew emaciated from hunger.
On the day of their return, the Birds conspired against the Tortoise. We want our feathers back! They demanded menacingly. You think you are the Clever Dick? that was the only time that the host came to realize the injustice of the king against the subjects. Mr. Tortoise sought the intervention of the host who simply replied, every body for himself, God for us all. Every body cursed the Tortoise. As the Birds plucked off the feathers from the tortoise, he made a wish which they granted him.
Since he could no longer fly back home, he requested; when you reach down there, tell my peopleto put out all the soft things so that I could jump onto them safely.
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Once on earth, the Birds passed the message to the Tortoise’s family. Our king was killed by some envious people who have sworn to eliminate you too. The mesmerized family asked, what do we do then? The Birds offered the following advice. Simple, put out all sharp objects such as spears, machetes, hoes, swords and any other weapon that you could be having in the house. The convinced family did just that. When the all-knowing Mr. Tortoise peeped from the sky and saw a heap of glittering items below, he said to himself, otamba makesi walia (you can only go hungry if you are a fool). I wasn’t born to bend. I have got guts. I have got character. He encouraged himself. Off down, he let go!
Mr. Tortoise had a near fatal crash that no words could describe. His cracked and hardened shell is a living testimony to this day.
May the narrative be stunted, as I prosper.
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