Media Institutions and the Process of Democratization in Nigeria - Perception, Responsibility and Challenges

Abstract This paper critically analyses the perception, responsibility and challenges of the Nigerian media in the process of democratization in Nigeria. Using the analytical approach, the paper posits that the perception of the media in the process of democratisation in Nigeria is generally negative; and that there are lacunas in the manner Nigerian media discharge their responsibility. The paper argues that the scenario is attributable to the various challenges media organizations in the country face in the environment with many consequences for the country’s democratic development. The paper concludes that the media institutions are too important in the process of democratization to be ignored. Hence, the paper suggests interventions by the actors in forms of reorientation, support and planning. Key Words: Democratization, Media, Media Perception, Challenges, Responsibility. JCMRJournal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 4, No. 1, April 2012, 31 – 39 © Delmas Communications Ltd. About the authors *Dr. Umaru A. Pate is Professor and Head, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. **Abdullahi S. Bashir is a Lecturer in the Department of Information Technology, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Full Article Words: 4,819; Pages: 9