This project examines the extent to which the socia-cultural, political and economic environments In two new democracies (Ghana and Nigeria) influence conceptualization of media freedom in these countries. It also examines the degree to which the norm of media freedom is applicable in each country. The research strives .for triangulation. A total of thirty one elite interviews with relevant media practitioners, policymakers, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were conducted alongside analysis of documents in the media environments in both countries. Using the Walt and Gilson ( 1994) framework of policy analysis, the normative issues that surround policymaking and implementation in regard to media freedom were explored. From the study, it was established that the political and socio-cultural antecedents, and the economic situations in these countries determine how media freedom is conceptualized. Policy formulation, implementation, and the realization of policy goals are also greatly influenced by the local context of each country. It w~ also discovered that media reform initiatives embarked on in these new democracies were influenced by the Western ideology of media freedom imposed on them by donor countries, the Bretton Woods Institutions (International Monetary Fund {IMF} and World Bank), and international organisations like the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in form of loans and media assistance. However, this Western ideology failed to recognise the unique complex political, economic, and socio-cultural factors of both countries, thus affecting the praxis of such policies, as the ideologies of the policies are different from the realities in the media environment. This has hindered the attainment of policy goals and objectives. Therefore, this study attempts to re-theorize the concept of media freedom in Ghana and Nigeria which are characterized by unique political, cultural and economic imbalances. My conclusion will discuss how the lessons learnt from both countries can be applied in other new democracies in the region.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:590433 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Ufuoma, Akpojivi |
| Publisher | University of Leeds |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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