Meaning of Mass Media

Government S.S.S 2 First Term

WEEK 6

Meaning of Mass Media

Performance Objectives

Students should be able to:

 1. Explain the meaning of mass media

 2. Discuss the roles of maas media in day to day running of government

 3. State the impact of mass media in Nigeria politics

Content

Mass Media

i. Meaning

ii. Roles

iii. Impart

2. WatchDog

Mass Media

This is the means of communication within a society, state, etc such as television, film production, radio, newspaper, magazine and internet.

Roles of Mass Media

1. It disseminates information

2. Education to the people

3. It enlighten the people on the activities

4. It reports social responsibility development

5. It serves as a two-way channel of communication between the

     government and the people.

Impact of Maas Media in Nigeria Politics

1. Choice of political parties is always made possible through mass media

2. Mass Media popularise political parties

3. Mass Media increases people's interest for popular political participation

     in government

4. Political education is made through mass media

5. Mass media speaks the mind of the people or be their mouthpiece

6. Mass media awakens people's feelings.

WatchDog

The press working as a watchdog has been one of the fundamental components of a democratic society.

Working as a guardian and protector is what watchdog journalists have to do. In this regard, journalists have to gather information about the wrongdoings of people in power and deliver it to the public, so the public can understand what happens in society and stop wrongdoings. To do their job, maintaining a certain distance from people in power is necessary for watchdog journalists. This is because they have to challenge people in power's action. It is different from propagandist journalists who serve the interests of people in authority and elite. Due to watchdog journalism's unique features, it also often works as the fourth estate. The general issues, topics, or scandals that watchdog journalists cover are political corruption and any wrongdoings of people in power such as government officials or corporate executive. One of the important things that watchdog journalists have to do is finding illegally hidden evidence about wrongdoings.