Development Journalism in African Context
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The document discusses development journalism in the African context. It defines development journalism as placing demands on journalists to help countries achieve development goals like modernization, democracy, and independence. However, development journalism is criticized for becoming too aligned with governments and neglecting its watchdog role. Moving forward, the document argues that development journalism should empower ordinary people, promote participatory democracy, and challenge dominant ideas through community-owned media.
![Finally ! In his book Pedagogy of the Oppressed Paulo Freire argues for: A shift from the dominant approach of [development journalism] to a community-based development approach that recognizes grassroots efforts and a radical/revolutionary change for the oppressed and marginalized people to take control of power politics.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/jonasboatengdevelopmentjournalism-100211064045-phpapp01/85/Development-Journalism-in-African-Context-15-320.jpg)
Development Journalism in African Context
- 1. Development Journalism: The African Context Lecturer Kodwo Jonas Anson Boateng Mass Communication Ghana Institute of Journalism
- 2. Focus of Lecture Try to understand the concept of Development and Journalism The Historical setting of Development Journalism Expectations of Development Journalism Current Practice & impeding challenges The Way Forward
- 3. Two Critical Concepts What and how is development conceived/perceived? What is our understanding of journalism?
- 4. Development Development has varied definitions Prominent: Development is there4 defined as “consisting of deliberate efforts aimed at progress on the part of various agencies, including gov’ts, all kinds of organizations and social movements”. (G. Thomas 1989)
- 5. Development The process by which Third World societies could become more like Western developed societies in terms of political system, economic growth and educational levels (Inkeles & Smith 1974). Development equated to political democracy, rising levels of productivity and industrialization, high literacy rates, longer life expectancy.
- 6. Development Considered Also considered as “ a process of enlarging people’s choices” “… . enhancing participatory democratic processes” “… .. the ability of the people to have a say in the decisions that shape their lives” “… .. of providing human beings with the fullest potential” “…… of enabling the poor, women and free independent peasants to organize for themselves…..”
- 7. Role of Journalism Traditionally journalism seen as: Collector of information Distribution & disseminator of information Intermediary between a source & a receiver Journalists are professional agents who collect, collate, process and disseminate a appropriate & relevant information and messages between parties and or entities in a given community.
- 8. Historical Background to Development Journalism Dev’t Journalism born out of idea of dev’t: Devt facilities the process of modernization & westernization Devt equated to liberal demoracy In 1950s & 60s media regarded as essential agent in dev’t process Media products in Africa mainly imported from West or from colonial masters
- 9. 5 Major Principles of Development Journalism Development Journalism places certain demands & expectations on the journalist: Dev’t Journalists should be aware of the processes and contradictions between dev’t & underdev’t Dev’t Journalism should help break dependency on colonialism Dev’t Journalism must help in global struggle against imperialism & global inequalities
- 10. 5 Major Principles of Dev’t Journalism 4. Dev’t Journalism should help new independent states achieve nation-hood 5. Dev’t Journalist should be a Pan-Africanist
- 11. Role of Media Media collaborate with gov’t for socio-economic & cultural dev’t Media as tool for national modernization Media used a nation-builder Create national consciousness & patriotism Political & Social Mobilizer for national cohesion
- 12. Criticisms Too much attachment to gov’t Mouthpiece of gov’t - Political amplifier or loudspeaker. Neglect its ‘ Watchdog ’ role, becomes political & social ‘ Gatekeeper ’. Gov’t Control increases Presents issues of dev’t not impact of dev’t Dev’t Journalism becoming obsolete due to liberal/market oriented media
- 13. Moving Dev’t Journalism Forward Re-examine the idea of DEVELOPMENT Re-examine idea of DEMOCRACY (Participatory/Inclusiveness) Dev’t Journalism must empower the ordinary person/communities not state Deve’t Journalism must report about people not about issues Must promote different forms of life experiences
- 14. Moving Forward Media should be community owned & operated Dev’t Journalism must promote REVOLUTION IN THINKING Challenge traditional/dominant ideas/paradigms.
- 15. Finally ! In his book Pedagogy of the Oppressed Paulo Freire argues for: A shift from the dominant approach of [development journalism] to a community-based development approach that recognizes grassroots efforts and a radical/revolutionary change for the oppressed and marginalized people to take control of power politics.
- 16. Kiitos & Hyva Joulua