Free Press – SS1 Civic Education Lesson Note (Second Term)

A free press is a situation in which media organisations, such as newspapers, television, radio, online news websites and blogs, are allowed to inform, educate and entertain people and to scrutinise government activities without undue censorship. It supports good governance in a democracy.

Behavioural objectives

1. Explain what the press is.
2. Define a free press.
3. List the forms of news media in the modern world.
4. State the functions of the press.
5. Describe the limits and responsibilities of a free press.
6. Identify threats to press freedom in Nigeria.

What is the press?

The press is the group of organisations and people that gather and share news with the public.

• Original meaning: the press generally refers to the newspaper industry.
• Modern meaning: it covers all organisations that gather and share news, not only newspapers.
• Mass media: another name for the press and all other means of reaching many people at once.
• Journalist: a person who collects, writes, edits or presents news for the media.
• Censorship: the control or banning of news, books or broadcasts by an authority, usually the government.

What are the forms of news media?

There are three forms of news media: print, broadcast and online.

• Print media: news printed on paper, such as newspapers and magazines.
• Broadcast media: news sent out by sound or pictures, such as radio and television.
• Online media: news published on the internet, such as news websites and blogs.

Who owns the media in Nigeria?

Media houses in Nigeria are owned either by government or by private individuals and companies.

• Government-owned media: funded by federal or state governments, such as NTA and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.
• Privately owned media: funded by owners, sales and advertising, such as Channels Television, Punch and The Guardian.
• Why ownership matters: owners can influence what is reported, so press freedom must protect both kinds.

What is a free press?

A free press is a condition in which media organisations perform their functions without undue censorship.

• Functions covered: informing, educating, entertaining people and scrutinising government activities.
• Aim: good governance in a democracy.
• Multiplicity of voices: the press provides the platform for many different views to be heard.
• Levels of work: at national, regional and local levels, it is the public’s watchdog, activist and guardian.
• Other roles: it is also educator, entertainer and contemporary chronicle (a record of events as they happen).

What is the legal basis of press freedom in Nigeria?

Press freedom in Nigeria is protected by the 1999 Constitution and the Freedom of Information Act.

• Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution: the mass media shall be free to uphold the fundamental objectives of the Constitution and the accountability of government to the people.
• Section 39: every person has the right to freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions and to receive and share ideas and information.
• Freedom of Information Act: gives citizens, including journalists, the right to request information held by public institutions.

What are the functions of the press?

The functions of the press are to inform, educate and entertain the people and to watch over the government.

1. To give information on what is happening in the country.
2. To enlighten citizens about daily events.
3. To expose the wrongdoings of some government officials.
4. To entertain the citizens.
5. To educate the citizens.
6. To help check indiscipline among government officials.

Functions explained

• Informing: reports on news, such as new laws, weather, accidents and election results.
• Educating: programmes and articles on health, farming, rights and duties of citizens.
• Entertaining: music, drama, sports, comedy and puzzles.
• Watchdog role: watches the government and reports corruption and abuse of office.
• Platform for opinion: letters, phone-in programmes and interviews let citizens express their views.
• Linking government and people: carries government policies to the people and public reaction back to government.
• Advertising: helps businesses tell the public about goods and services.

Why is a free press important in a democracy?

A free press is important because it keeps citizens informed and leaders accountable.

• Informed voting: citizens learn about candidates and parties before elections.
• Accountability: leaders know their actions can be reported, so they are more careful.
• Participation: citizens learn about issues and take part in public debate.
• Protection of rights: the press can draw attention to injustice and rights abuse.
• Peace and unity: fair reporting can help people understand one another.

What is the difference between a free press and a controlled press?

A free press works without undue censorship. A controlled press is a media system in which the government decides what may be published or broadcast.

What are the responsibilities and limits of a free press?

Press freedom is not unlimited, because the press must report truthfully and respect the rights of others.

• Truth: report facts and check them before publishing.
• Fairness: give all sides of a story a chance to be heard.
• Libel: do not publish false statements that harm a person’s good name.
• National security: do not publish information that endangers the safety of the nation.
• Public order: do not spread hate speech or false news that can cause violence.
• Privacy: respect the private life of citizens unless public interest requires otherwise.
• Professional ethics: follow the code of conduct of journalists and avoid bribes.

Key terms on limits

• Defamation: a false statement that damages a person’s reputation.
• Libel: defamation in written or printed form.
• Slander: defamation in spoken form.
• Hate speech: words that attack people because of their tribe, religion or other group.
• Public interest: matters that the public has a real need to know.

What are the threats to press freedom?

Threats to press freedom are actions that stop journalists from reporting freely and truthfully.

• Harassment and arrest: journalists are threatened, beaten or detained for their reports.
• Closure of media houses: authorities shut down stations or newspapers.
• Censorship laws: laws that restrict what can be published.
• Owner or advertiser pressure: owners and sponsors may stop critical stories.
• Bribery: some journalists accept money to hide or twist the truth.
• Poor funding: weak finances reduce the quality of reporting.

How can press freedom be protected?

Press freedom is protected when government, courts, journalists and citizens each play their part.

• Respect the Constitution: government obeys the sections that protect the media.
• Independent courts: journalists can seek justice when their rights are violated.
• Professional bodies: journalists’ associations defend members and set standards.
• Responsible reporting: accurate work wins public trust and support.
• Citizen support: the public buys, reads and shares credible news.

Evaluation

1. What is the press?
2. Define a free press.
3. Name the three forms of news media and give one example of each.
4. State four functions of the press.
5. Give two limits on press freedom.

Assignment

Explain three functions of the press in a democracy.