Media in the Fight against Corruption: Examining the Responsibilities of the Media in Building Strong Institutions in Nigeria
Abstract
The study is on the media fight against corruption with a focus on their responsibilities in building strong institutions in Nigeria. Media are critical stakeholders as they remain strategically positioned to lead efforts aimed at bringing sanctity to the society through public institutions. Media also invest in the building of strong institutions for the purpose of eradicating corruption. This study leveraged on existing literature to examine the responsibility of the media in the fight against corruption through building strong anti-corruption institutions. Findings showed that media are deliberate in the fight. That the main challenge is that of the weakened institutions; anti-corruption agencies as well as critical arms of government such as the legislature is also part of the findings. The media in Nigeria have the capacity to inform and educate the people about the negative impact of corruption on nation building. Its negative impact on the economic development and growth of the country can also be emphasised. With their position as gatekeepers and agenda setters, the media can frame discussions around the promotion of anti-corruption campaigns of agencies of government. Other avenues for this may be news analysis, advocacy, and commentary at news time to sensitise the people on the dangers posed by corruption to the collective progress of the people. The researchers concluded that through their influence on public opinion, the media draw attention to corruption and, therefore, trigger a good fight. Among others, it is recommended that the media should fight corruption through reorientation of the public.
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