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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