Censorship in the digital age: assessing the effects of internet shutdown on journalism practice during Uganda’s 2021 general elections - a case of the daily monitor

Abstract

This study provides insights into the Internet shutdowns and journalism practice by exploring the effects of the Internet shutdowns on journalism practice during Uganda’s 2021 general elections using the case study of Daily Monitor. Based on the authoritarian and libertarian theories of the press as well as securitization theory as a framework of analysis and interpretation, the study conducted in-depth interviews with 15 staff of Daily Monitor as a data collection method. The findings revealed that the news organisation used the Internet as an extension of journalism practice to gather, produce and disseminate news. In news gathering, the Internet was used to generate news content, monitor news consumption trends, optimise content, and pick news tips for follow-up. The Internet was also used in news gathering for quality control and fact-checking or verification of information. In news production, the Internet was important for doing analytical stories that required data visualization, analysis, and presentation often within limited time frames. In news dissemination, the Internet was used to publish and distribute news on news organizations’ online platforms, such as websites, blogs and social media. The effects of Internet shutdowns on journalism practice during elections were related to news gathering, production and dissemination, as well as digital censorship by limiting media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information. News organizations could deal with the growing trend of Internet shutdowns in the future through prior planning, strong advocacy, putting in place content management systems, and civic education. During elections, there is a need for news organizations to plan in advance by carrying out research early to build resources on election-related story background and backup information. This study adds to the nexus between censorship, internet shutdowns and journalism practice in Uganda and contributes to the body of knowledge on this under-studied area. The findings generated from this study can be utilized by policy makers, scholars and media practitioners to improve journalism practice and censorship during election periods as well as support further research.