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This paper explores the ongoing relevance of the NWICO debate in light of new media developments and persistent information imbalances.

June 18, 2026

Era of the new media: Any justification for continuing the NWICO debate?

Key Points

This paper explores the ongoing relevance of the NWICO debate in light of new media developments and persistent information imbalances.
Analyzed arguments for and against the continuation of the NWICO debate.
Reviewed various studies and literature on ICT developments.
Examined the role of developed nations in controlling global media.
Despite advancements in ICTs, information flow remains dominated by developed nations.
Developing nations must invest in communication infrastructure to improve their global image.
Effective communication policies are crucial for redirecting information flow and promoting local content.

Abstract

Abstract Despite the evolution in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) that has brought about dramatic changes and relative ease in communication, the old debate around information flow imbalance tagged ‘NWICO’ still persists. In the early seventies, down to the eighties, it was rightly observed by the UNESCO sponsored ‘MacBride Commission’ that there was information imbalance between the North (Developed Nations) and South (Developing Nations) due to the former’s control of communication technology and infrastructure. However, with the advent of the new media which has in a way ‘democratized’ communication, it is a puzzle as to why this debate is still relevant today. This paper dissects arguments for and against continuing the NWICO debate. A variety of studies, literature as well as observations clearly show that in spite of recent developments in ICTs that has led to proliferation of Internet communication platforms and new media technologies, the international media and communication are still being dominated and controlled by countries in the ‘North’(Developed Nations), particularly, the United States and wealthy European nations. Thus, to bridge this gap and reverse the trend, developing nations must invest in the communication sector in order to develop communication facilities that will help launch positive image about them to the world, re-direct the information flow and break the dependency on global media. In addition, well-articulated communication policies should be instituted to help address both national and international communication flow and also encourage local media contents which will be also exportable to the developed nations. Key Words: NWICO, Internet, New Media, Developed Nations, Developing Nations, ICTs JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 14, No. 1, April 2022, pp. 53-61 © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). About the authors * Anthony Iorver Igyuve, Ph.D, is a Professor in the Department of Mass Communication, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. His research interests include trends in Development Studies, Communication Policy and New Media. ** Patrick Monday Agbo, is a Principal Lecturer at Department of Mass Communication, The Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State, Nigeria. His research focuses on Emerging Trends in Information and Communication Technology as well as the New Media. ***Emmanuel Olurotimi Olubodede is a Lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria. His research interests include trends in Advertising and Public Relations in a digital age. Article Citation Igyuve, A.I., Agbo, P.M. & Olubodede, E.O. (2022). Era of the new media: Any justification for continuing the NWICO debate?. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 14 (1): 53 – 61. Full Article Words: 6,309 Pages: 9 To access full article, click on download.

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