The Role Of The Nigerian Press In The Society

In today’s world, the media is the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that’s power because they control the minds of the masses. The backbone of any democracy is an independent, professional and responsible press- (Nigerian press). To an extent, it serves as an intermediary between the government and the governed with the roles to inform, analyze and stimulate debate. A press that fulfills these stated terms indeed is a good press and indeed, the Nigerian press can be a blessing and a curse at the same time as what they distribute lives in the hearts of the receivers.

For the Nigerian press to be credible, it has to take responsibility for getting its facts right.  That means digging deep, talking to a range of people to get the different sides of the story, and checking their facts rigorously. It should not hesitate to root out and expose lies, hypocrisy, and corruption, all in the name of getting the scoop, but has to be sure of its facts before doing so. Credibility also means avoiding exaggeration or scare-mongering just to sell more newspapers. Stories based on rumors or sourced from someone with an axe to grind are what form the opinions that you can’t believe anything you read in the papers or see on TV in the minds of people. Being responsible not only means telling the truth, but also abiding by the ethics of the profession and being honest in the way a journalist gathers information. If the Nigerian press drifts into ethics and codes breaching, then it loses the respect of its readers and the nation.
It is the responsibility and role of the press in a democratic society such as Nigeria to explain government activities to the public and to solvent the cooperation of her citizen with the government and their participation in the political life of the country. The Nigerian press is that bridge on which the government climbs in order to get information and their intention across to its people. This doesn’t stop at the government as far as celebrities, etc from Politics to Entertainment, Lifestyle, just mention it, the press is still that bridge.
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Another role of the Nigerian press is that they serve as the watchdog of the government, celebrities, and every other newsmaker, criticizing the excesses of the government and ensuring public accountability for the good operation of the machinery of government. The word watchdog is one of the befitting names of the press as they are always alert and ready to jump on any and everything that comes out of the government.
The Nigerian press also plays a constructive role in society by raising awareness on issues. Presently, there are many examples of social issues like gender discrimination, etc. that have been raised by the press and its various forms. When the press presents and unveils such issues, the public becomes aware and the necessary steps are taken for resolving the issues. The Nigerian press also helps reach the voice of the masses to the concerned authorities.
The press in Nigeria allows for the free flow of information for with them there is no obstacle.
The purpose of a press is to give information about current news, gossips, Fashion, and the latest gadgets in the marketplace of the people. The role of the Nigerian press has to be one-way trading and marketing of products, and prejudices.
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The Nigerian press claims to be governed by righteousness and equity for the common man to the rich man.
The press ignites awareness in us by providing information and knowledge. It does not enforce its own opinion on us, but provides facts, figures, and news to us so that we can analyze the information and can understand, what is wrong and what is right?
Any live event happening right now can be watched anywhere. For example, the FIFA World Cup, a political address by a PM, live coverage of areas affected by flooding, or just any other incident, the Nigerian press plays the role of helping us see the true picture by providing the LIVE or recorded telecast for almost all important events.
In conclusion, to a very large extent, the Nigerian press plays a very vital role in society today amidst all the above mentioned. The Nigerian press literarily serves as a mirror and a voice for the people and the society at large.Photo Credit: Getty
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