DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.182981.1 ISSN: 2046-1402

Effective strategies for managing the impact of ICT advancements on information explosion within the South African digital and print publishing industry

CN Mboweni, AI Molaudzi
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The advancement of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has profoundly transformed the digital and print publishing industry, accelerating information production, dissemination, and accessibility. While these developments have enhanced operational efficiency and expanded audience reach, they have also intensified the challenge of information explosion, placing increased pressure on publishers to manage content quality, relevance, and compliance. The study examines effective strategies for managing the impact of ICT-driven information explosion in the South African publishing industry, employing a qualitative research approach with a case study design focused on Van Schaik Publishers as targeted population. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with publishing professionals and supplemented by document analysis of relevant legislative and policy frameworks, including the Copyright Act, the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA). The data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify strategies used to mitigate information overload. Findings indicate positive outcomes, as publishers adopt integrated strategies that combine digital content management systems, editorial gatekeeping, staff capacity development and compliance with regulatory frameworks, which collectively enhance content control and information quality. These approaches support more efficient management of ICT-driven information growth in digital and print publishing environments. However, the findings also reveal challenges, including increased operational complexity, skills gaps in advanced digital competencies, and the resource-intensive nature of maintaining effective ICT systems and regulatory compliance. The study recommends that South African publishing organisations prioritise targeted capacity development programmes to address skills gaps in advanced digital competencies. Publishers should also streamline and standardise ICT-driven information management processes to reduce operational complexity and improve consistency across digital and print platforms. Furthermore, strategic investment in scalable and cost-effective ICT infrastructure, supported by clear governance and regulatory compliance frameworks, is recommended to mitigate resource constraints and ensure sustainable information quality management in an increasingly digital publishing environment.

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