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Mass Media and Democratic Governance in Nigeria

Didia, Sofunichi, Enyindah Owabie, PhD, Okorowuche, Obedi Temple

Abstract

This study examines the role of mass media in democratic governance. Specifically, mass media are generally assumed to play an important role in democracies, but how effective are they in performing this function within specific states, hence this study. The study posed two research questions which are; to what extent can mass media bring about sustainable democratic governance? What are the obstacles to effective mass media role in a democratic governance? And two objectives which are; to find out if mass media can bring about sustainable democratic governance and to identify the obstacles to effective mass media role in a democracy governance. The theory adopted for the research is communication theory. The research used content analysis as its method of data analysis. The study recommends that, the impact of mass media in sustaining democracy in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized, therefore, mass media must look for avenues to improve on the quality of information they disseminate in order to sustain Nigeria’s flagging democracy and Since democracy is about popular government and participation, the media institutions must play the role of providing strong link between those in government and the electorates by inculcating, articulating and constructively criticizing the policies and goals of the former and communicating the views and opinion of the latter

References

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