CHAPTER
ONE
1.0
Introduction
1.1
Background to the Study
Mass media play a
crucial role in fostering an environment of good governance and political
awareness in society. As the watchdog and interpreter of public issues and
events, the media has a special role in every society. In information-based
society; the media have a disproportionately visible and influential role says
International Foundation for Election Systems, (2011).
IFES (2011) added
that democracy cannot exist in the absence of the press. This is because
democracy is based on popular will and popular opinion depends on the public’s
awareness and knowledge. It is the mass media that bridges up, promotes and
propagates public awareness.
Fischer, (2002) says
the main responsibility of the press is to provide comprehensive, analytical
and factual news and opinion to the people on everyday issues and events of
popular concern. To fulfill its duty and responsibility, the press must work
according to the fundamental principles of professional ethics, as well as
norms and values of journalism.
Goodman, N. (2010)
opines that democracy can neither be sustainable nor strong without a free
press. On the other hand, press freedom will not be possible without democracy.
Therefore, the mass media and journalists must be committed to democracy. For
this, the press must be perpetually involved in the establishment and promotion
of a democratic culture.
The press must remain
ever vigilant to protect and enforce people’s freedom of thought and expression
and citizens’ right to all information relating to the various aspects of their
life and future.
Held, D. (2006) also
observes the fact that access to information is a citizen’s right and must be
taken to heart, and information must be presented in a simple and palatable
manner. Right to information is inherent in democratic functioning and a
pre-condition for good governance and the realization of all other human
rights, including education and health care. The main objectives should be the
promotion of transparency and accountability in governance so as to minimize
corruption and inefficiency in public office and to ensure the public’s
participation in governance and decision making.
Media must be
credible and trustworthy. Trust is the most valuable asset for any media. Once
lost, it cannot be earned back. It is for this reason that all media must
uphold their principles to provide accurate and factual news and other
programmes.
Jones, D. W. (2001).
Press must understand the difference between
politics in general and party
politics. Media should not be a vehicle, or used as an advocate for any
political party or ideology.
Public and political
issues should be clearly understood, analyzed and presented in an impartial
manner.
During
elections/political campaigns, equal time slots or opportunity must be
allocated to each of the legitimate political parties and candidates.
In the course of
elections, messages that encourage goodwill and harmony among all the ethnic
groups, religions, genders, cultures, languages, regions and communities should
be broadcast.
Media
plays the role of watch-dog in reporting corruption, complacency and
negligence. In a changing, competitive landscape, compliance to good governance
has never been taken so seriously, as people demand more transparency from both
the government and private sectors. Responsible practices from government,
universal principles on human rights and the fight against corruption have
assumed great importance.
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