Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/23543
Title: Media Economics and Nigeria’s Democracy
Authors: Jatula, V
Keywords: Nigeria;journalism;neoliberalism;political economy of communication;democracy
Issue Date: 1-Dec-2020
Publisher: St. Augustine University of Tanzania
Citation: Jatula, V. (2020) 'Media Economics and Nigeria’s Democracy', African Communication Research, 9 (1), pp. 11 - 26 (16).
Abstract: Copyright © 2020, The Author. In Western democracies, the news media is constitutionally free, liberal and independent. As watchdogs, mediators and mediums of idea exchange, they provide information that facilitates transparency, accountable governance and public participation. In authoritarian regimes, information is state controlled. In emerging democracies with a history of authoritarian rule, what is the nature of the press and do they contribute to democratic consolidation? Using political economy of communication as its framework of analysis, this paper investigated the nature and influence, if any, of mainstream news media in Nigeria on the democratic process. Findings indicate that since democratization in 1999, news outlets have transformed into capitalist, neoliberal, ad-driven industrial complex. Although, small portions of the media still embody nationalist sentiments, are adversarial, alternative and politically non–aligned; in general, the media is shaped by market forces to the extent that substantial deficits in investigating corruption, critical reporting and exposing elite privilege have become widespread. While the press provides a platform for broad and robust political discussion as well as a medium for public opinion to fester, they do not adequately survey the political terrain nor act as watchdogs. As a consequence, democracy in Nigeria will continue to lack openness, inclusiveness and transparency.
URI: https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/23543
ISSN: 1821-6544
Appears in Collections:Brunel Law School Research Papers

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
FullText.pdf662.03 kBAdobe PDFView/Open


Items in BURA are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.