The role of Nigerian journalism
Nigeria's press has remained relatively free and open since independence. Have the governments allowed this freedom because of respect for a free press or because the press' lack of power?How does the political role of the Nigerian press compare to the role of journalism in other countries? Do your students know what "Fourth Estate" means?
From a blog, Grandiose Parlor by Imnakoya, who identifies himself as "a full-blooded Nigerian male. Although my origin is the southwestern corner of the country, I now belong to the massive pool of Nigerians in the Diaspora. I live in Minnesota, U.S.A." How does the role he suggests for the press compare to the role played by the press in the US, the UK, Russia, China, Mexico, or Iran?
Nigeria: Watch dog vs. lap dog journalism
"As far as I can remember, the Nigerian news media has always been flushed with editorials and reports on instances of poor leadership, political irresponsibility, graft and fraudulent activities among those in top leadership positions. Even lately, the Press has been insinuating that the presidency, the pinnacle of power in the land, has gone on a long sabbatical holiday.
"But should Nigerians even expect a different outcome from a political class that is a product of a flawed process?
"Beyond merely reporting what is wrong with our political system, how much input is coming from the Press to ensure the system is working as it should regardless of how the elected got into office?
"It doesn’t do anyone much good to just read about the activities and failures of the political class. Rather than being just an information disseminator, the Press should be framing the political and social issues in the country, and it can not do this simply through editorials and news coverage alone.
"What the Press needs to do in accordance with its position as Fourth Estate of the realm is to empower its audience by actively challenging the status quo in the polity...
"The Press is the only apparatus that can speak directly to the people, with its enormous capacity for advocacy and empowerment, it needs to step to the plate promptly, and arouse the political class from its slumber..."
The Fourth Estate
Brief descriptions of 10 prominent Nigerian newspapers
Labels: media, Nigeria, political culture
posted by Ken Wedding @ 5:57 AM
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