IS THERE SUCH A THING AS FREE PRESS ?

In every society, the Press is regarded as the conscience of the society and the hope of the common man. The sacredness of the position of the Press necessitates that it should be free. Any working democracy must; therefore, ensure the freedom of the Press. However, recent events in Nigeria and other nations of the world has brought everyone to question if the press is really free

The press is the fourth arm of government, also referred to as the fourth state that keeps the other there arms in check and demanding their accountability. Over the years, we have seen huge success recorded in the press, how the press has conveniently served in the position of a watch dog over the affairs of the state. The Press has kept government on their heels so much that most leaders become cynical of the Press.

Despite the importance of the Press in a working democracy, the freedom of the press is mere paper work. In the real sense of the word ‘freedom’, the press is deficient. Yesterday, saw the suspension of a Channels TV programme, Politics Today for hosting the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This is not new in the journalism space. Months ago, many broadcasting corporations were sanctioned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for covering the End SARS protest. Now, most media houses fund their finances from adverts, which the government spends hugely on. It is almost impossible for them not to comply with the wish of the government, since the government plays a huge role in their income. As they try to maintain public interest, they are also maintaining pocket interest.

From Dele Giwa to Pelumi Onifade, the stories of the haunt of Journalists like people who have committed treason continues. When Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative journalist and former editor at The Cable wrote on his investigation and findings of the rot in the Nigerian prison system, he had to go into hiding because he was going to be arrested, simply for speaking the truth. There are even more stories of people who are abducted from their homes, simply because they criticized the government. We cannot then say we are in a democracy.

Ensuring that media houses operate independently is one way forward. Journalists in government owned media houses should be given the right to freedom of expression. Instructing the police and other security forces to protect journalists and other media professionals would also prevent the frequent harassment of Journalists. Until then, the chant of Free Press remains sweet on the lips but when the deceit that clouds the chant is sieved, the experience is as gall in the stomach.