MASS MEDIA AND GOVERNMENT RESTRICTION IN THE 21ST CENTURY USING TWITTER BAN
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MASS MEDIA AND GOVERNMENT RESTRICTION IN THE 21ST CENTURY USING TWITTER BAN
Chapter one
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Over the years, mass media has been described as a kind of human connection in which people create, share, and/or exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks.
The growing popularity of mass media platforms has given rise to new digital social networks in which people can engage and share information, news, and ideas at unprecedented speed and simplicity.
As a result, the usage of such technologies looks to have the potential to modify current social configurations and relationships (including the public and civic spheres).
Much emphasis has been placed in the social sciences on conceptualising the role of mass media in modern society (Mossberger, Tolbert, & McNeal, 2008; Trottier, 2012), as well as the interrelationships between online and offline actors, institutions, events, and political and social change (Edwards, Housley, Williams, Sloan, Williams, 2013).
According to Edwards et al. (2013), networked digital technologies are transforming mass public communication in a variety of ways, enabling not only new forms of antagonism and social fragmentation, but also deliberation, debate, civil participation, and other forms of social interaction (of which Twitter is a prime example).
As is commonly known, the press is a component of the mass media. Press organisations are volatile institutions that act as platforms for power contests in the public realm.
They serve as a venue for public debate on current events and have a huge readership. The press remains an important component of democracy and people engagement around the world.
On World Press Freedom Day (2008), President George W. Bush noted that press freedom is based on the first amendment to the United States Constitution, which recognises free expression as a prerequisite for a free society.
Similarly, Nigerian regimes have incorporated journalistic freedom into their constitutions. Section 24 (1) of Nigeria’s 1960 Constitution states that “every person shall have the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to have opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”
Section 39 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution states the right to free expression and the press.
The interplay between the different cultural and ideological aspects influencing press freedom in Nigeria shows the belief that the press plays a vital role in a democratic society (Merrill 1974).
According to Abati (1998), the scope of press freedom in Nigeria is defined by the political structure that exists. Democracy, on the other hand, has provided opportunities for press organisations around the world to survive.
The importance of this stems from the fact that, while nearly every constitution in the world guarantees press freedom, each country’s traditions and requirements have forced it to be interpreted differently.
To put it another way, specialists from Africa, Asia, and South America hold different views on the role of the press and the concept of press freedom. Diego and Ruth (2016), for example, claim that press freedom is an essential component of democratic systems.
According to Freedom House (2015), freedom of information is a pillar of democracy, and threats to media freedom pose a significant danger to democratic values (p.21).
Meanwhile, Bamidele (2013) believes that press freedom is the weapon that truly defends journalists and other media workers from all forms of impunity. Their opposing viewpoints represent the diverse spectrum of perspectives on what press freedom means.
As a result, a high level of press freedom is necessary for the development of inclusive knowledge societies and democracies, as well as the promotion of discourse, peace, and good governance.
A strong press freedom is essential to ensure journalists’ safety, as well as to eradicate impunity and human rights breaches. An informed, active, and involved public cannot exist without press freedom and adequate journalist security (Okunna & Popoola, 2015).
Wolfenson (1999), cited in Ciboh (2014), added that press freedom is not a luxury. Because you can’t enfranchise poor people if they don’t have the right to express themselves, if there isn’t a spotlight shining on corruption and inequitable practices, you can’t establish the public consensus required to effect change” (p.1).
Bamidele (2013) concurred, noting that “press freedom is a cornerstone of human rights, a pillar that guarantees
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