Journal article
Producing communities and commodities: Safaricom and commercial nationalism in Kenya
Global media and communication, Vol.13(1), pp.21-39
04/2017
DOI: 10.1177/1742766517694471
Abstract
This research analyses Safaricom, one of the most established mobile operators in Kenya. Alongside the provision of mobile services, Safaricom has closely engaged with the government of Kenya, even getting involved in the nation’s politics. This study examines Safaricom’s advertisements from 2010-2014 to explore its use of national sentiment in its marketing. We argue that the ads reflect a commitment to promoting the country and its products through discourses of ‘commercial nationalism’, which present Safaricom as a driver of economic growth and development in Kenya. These discourses link Kenyan identity and distinctiveness to consumerism, commercial and economic success, profit and upward social mobility.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Producing communities and commodities: Safaricom and commercial nationalism in Kenya
- Creators
- David Tuwei - The University of Iowa, USAMelissa Tully - The University of Iowa, USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Global media and communication, Vol.13(1), pp.21-39
- DOI
- 10.1177/1742766517694471
- ISSN
- 1742-7665
- eISSN
- 1742-7673
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 04/2017
- Academic Unit
- Center for Social Science Innovation; Injury Prevention Research Center; Public Policy Center (Archive); School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Record Identifier
- 9984083857302771
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