Africans strongly endorse the media’s role in holding governments accountable

By Omar Bah

The Afrobarometer Pan-Africa Profile, a reputable and extensive study, has revealed that most Africans strongly support the media’s vital role in ensuring government accountability and combating corruption. This resounding endorsement highlights the belief that the press should report without government intervention, a value highly esteemed by most Africans. However, it also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the differing perspectives on media freedom across various countries.

The findings also reveal the persistence of inequities in media access across various demographics. While radio remains the most accessible medium, digital use is on the rise. However, despite these advancements, inequities in access across gender, education, age, urban/rural, and income lines persist and, in some cases, have even grown larger. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for more inclusive strategies in media distribution.

The report has unveiled some significant findings. According to it, 72% of Africans believe that the media should consistently investigate and report on government mistakes and corruption, while only 25% think that too much adverse reporting harms the country. Additionally, the report highlights that 65% of people endorse the idea that the media should be free to publish any views and opinions without government control. This support for media freedom is prevalent across 35 of the 39 countries surveyed, with over three-quarters of the population in Seychelles, Mauritius, Gabon, and Congo-Brazzaville supporting the notion.

According to the report, Mali, Mozambique, Morocco, and Sudan are the exceptions, with only 43%, 45%, 46%, and 47%, respectively, favoring free media. Most Africans, 57%, claim that their country’s media is completely or somewhat free from government interference. Tanzanians, Gambians, Tunisians, and Mauritanians believe their media is essentially free, with 82%, 79%, 77%, and 76%, respectively. On the other hand, Gabon, Congo-Brazzaville, and Eswatini are the most dramatic examples of countries where only a minority see the media as free, with 14%, 21%, and 26%.

According to the report, most citizens gather news from various sources. Approximately two-thirds (65%) reported accessing radio news at least a few times a week, with 41% tuning in daily. Television was the primary source for 54% of respondents, while 45% accessed news through social media. Additionally, 41% accessed news on the internet at least a few times a week, while only 15% reported reading a newspaper with the same frequency. The report also noted significant gaps in internet usage for news between age groups, social classes, and urban and rural residents.

It is concerning to note that there is a significant 70-point difference in internet usage between individuals with varying levels of education. Those with education beyond secondary school report regular internet use for news at a rate of 81%, whereas only 11% of those without any formal education do so. Furthermore, the digital divide remains as sizeable, if not larger, than it was approximately a decade ago, as evidenced by these measures.

Download the full report here