The Role Of The Media In African Politics

 In recent years, the media in Africa has turned into a praise singing platform. And one would think of one of those churches in uncompleted buildings and kiosks on the roadside.

Has the African media lost its mission as The Fourth Estate of The Realm? Unfortunately, yes.

African media has become a platform where politicians make their empty promises. No more accountability, no more critical questions. Every journalist wants to be on the good side of the politician.

But are there good journalists in Africa? Yes, there are. However, the corrupt journalists outnumber the good ones.

Newspapers and magazines publish articles praising the "good works" of political officials. These "good works" are public funds embezzled and hidden for generations unborn. These are all in a bid to generate revenue for the organization.

Although, it is not surprising that the media in Africa has degenerated to this stage. Many of the media houses in Africa are owned and controlled by politicians. These politicians have successfully infiltrated the media sector and caused chaos. A few who has chosen to remain righteous are either poor or lacking in their places of responsibility.

The media in Africa has forgotten its ideal mission which is playing the role of the watchdog in the activities of the government. It oversees the function and the activities of the government and holds them accountable whenever they fail their responsibilities.

In my novel, Shattered Dreams,a young journalist publishes an article,"Weighing Alasamba On A Sodom and Gomorrah Scale". This article provoked the government because of the perceived "secrets" shared in the article. It was also an eye-opener for the general public because it revealed the evils of the government. Most importantly,it contributed to the protagonist, Chikadibia's struggle for the freedom of the people of Umuaga.

As media professionals,we need to go back to the days when our articles caused an uprising. We need to go back to the back to the days when our articles caused a steer in the general public.

As journalists,we need to be mindful of our roles as the the heartbeats of the society. We have to understand that we are the source and technically, the generators of information. And whatever we choose to do,we have to bear the interest of the general public in mind.

Thank you for coming to my Ted talk 💙 


Yours sincerely,

Chidera Onuoha.

Nsukka, Nigeria.

 

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