Place: Africa - Topics - Michigan Memories Search Results

Description:: The paper discusses the themes of press responsibility and public opinion and their relevance within the current socio-political economic frameworks of African nations. It stresses the pertinent role of a democratized press in democratic political systems, and the role that the press can play within the democracies if they are conscious of the great responsibility that the current transition programmes of African nations places on them. In view of the rise of so many elites in Africa (those who almost always make headline news) and their great influence in mass media output as well as the economic considerations of many media organisations in news judgement, the paper reasserts the deep ethical and professional commitment of the mass media to protecting the underprivileged in society, interpreting their points of view and acting as the voice of the voiceless in society. The paper concludes that a holistic transition programme that recognises less government presence in mass media management and output is ideal for African nations. It also calls for more professional running of the press in Africa to ensure that they fit properly as society's watchdog, the fourth estate of the realm.
Date Issued:: 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z
Data Provider:: Michigan State University. Libraries
Collection:: Africa Media Review

Description:: This paper examines the evolving roles of Dagaare women in Dagaare Oral Poetry, and with that transformation, their changing status in the society. The issue of women as they are reflected in the oral poems they sing are also examined. Resources from fifty women, including discussion with people knowledgeable in Dagaare oral arts were gathered and analysed to understand how the situation of the Dagaare women is changing. Particular women performers were also picked and their poems recorded for analysis, and they were also interviewed on their views on their changing roles and positions in the society. The status of women is examined vis-a-vis their prestige, economic and political power in the society and is seen to be inexorably changing as their economic base improves and they gain more and more recognition in their society. Institutional factors that promote change such as migration, activities of the NGOs and the Churches are also examined. One of the recommendations made is that much more needs to be done to give women an even higher status in the society.
Date Issued:: 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z
Data Provider:: Michigan State University. Libraries
Collection:: Research Review (New Series)