The media and democratization in Africa: contributions,constraints and concerns of the private press

Abstract

The article argues that the private media in Africa are contributing in significant ways towards democratic governance and accountability on the part of state officials. However, in spite of the remarkable progress made in media proliferation and diversity over the last few years, there still remain troubling concerns. Political space for the unfettered operation of the media continues to be non-existent in many so-called `democratic' countries. It is also contended that the private media themselves cannot be exculpated from the damage that is being done to the fourth estate of the realm as a legitimate and formidable force in the efforts towards democratic progress and consolidation. There has to be some introspection and change in the private media's patterns of operation, if they are not to self-destruct. An informed and responsible citizenry is important for the operation of free media, thereby making it imperative that the media incorporate the hitherto peripheralized elements of society into the democratic discourse.