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Historically, the roots of journalism are founded on what Edmund
Burke defined in 1779 as the fourth estate responsibility of the
media. He saw the media as a social institution that would directly
oversee the rights of ordinary people and guard them against exploitation
by those in authority. The media in this way was seen as the collective
force that would ensure the development of a free society, democracy
and accountability for all.
However several realities have mitigated the social space from which
media should ideally operate. In several instances, these realities
have made it difficulty for the media to deliver on fourth estate
responsibilities. Many agree that media particularly in these times,
has ceased to be an agency of empowerment and rationality and become
a further means by which the public is sidelined.
This we must guard against through innovative campaigns aimed at
constantly reminding the mass media of its basic democratic responsibilities
to society, fighting for a more professional media, as well as advocating
for all the marginalized voices in society to be heard. |