edition-dw-akademie-in-the-service-of-the-public-functions-and-transformation-of-media-in-developing-countries-pdf

Part III Nigeria: Freedom Radio, an African Private Public Service RadioGeneral Functions I: Political SphereFunctionIs it fulfilled?(Yes/partially/no)To what extent is the function fulfilled/not fulfilled?Information:comprehensive, balanced,objective – and alsoregional news.PartiallyThere are four main news slots a day, at 9 a.m. (Monday to Friday aspart of a ‘live interactive talk show’ 8:30–10 a.m.), at 12:00 (News at Noon,seven days a week), a brief bulletin at 4 p.m. (as part of the Evening Show)and at 7 p.m.. Most bulletins are 15–20 minutes, the 7 p.m. slot is half anhour of Global News and Reports followed by half an hour of Mu LekaMu Gano, with “news of the day, with reports from all parts of the state.”Funds, however, do not allow reporting ‘from the field’ beyond the localarea, therefore mainly reliant on domestic and foreign news agenciesand outlets such as CNN.All political parties havethe opportunity to speakin the program and arepresent in interviews,sound bites, etc.YesThe outlet’s increasing acceptance as a forum for debate has given riseto a lively use of its facilities by the so-called ‘oral army’ – meaning theclass of political party followers who are very vocal in their support fortheir chosen party.Criticism of politicalactors (government,administration, otherpolitical actors)YesAt Freedom Radio voices opposing the government are regularly heard.The outlet’s relationship with state government can at times be volatilebecause of the fact that the studios are available to representatives of allparties. State government itself has come to realize that it is more usefulto work with Freedom Radio.Societal criticism(social actors, individuals,problems in society)YesThe station’s HIV/Aids program – a regular Thursday slot with audienceparticipation for 10 years now – has helped to overcome some of thestigma attached to the disease. No other outlet will tackle the subject.Moderation of debate/democratic facilitationYesIn the elections of 2007, the station was mentioned by EU observers tohave provided more critical coverage than other radio stations. Similarlyin the 2011 polls, the EU observers noted that the privately-owned FreedomRadio offered the most equitable coverage to the political partiesand their candidates. Freedom Radio was the only radio station wherepresidential candidates from opposition parties received more airtimethan the incumbent President.Social/political orientationYesNumerous programs are audience participation and ask civil societyorganizations into the studio to report on social issues such as childand maternal health.Agenda setting/investigative journalismPartiallyInvestigative journalism or in-depth research is completely underdevelopedin Nigeria, but there are cases where Freedom Radio successfullyputs something on the public agenda, e.g., in 2006, Freedom Radio tookon the subject of the Almajiri, street beggars, who are all too often children.After years of campaigning, in December 2013 a law was enactedby state government to get the beggars off the streets – and find alternativesfor some of them.Edition DW Akademie In the Service of the Public 199