The African Press, Civic Cynicism, and Democracy (The Palgrave Macmillan Series in International Political Communication)

Winner of the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi Award in Research This book explores the thesis that civic cynicism in African countries is a major obstacle to the consolidation of democracy, and that the African press should address the problem not just among leaders, but also among the general populace. Finding that corruption has extended from leaders and governmental institutions to the populace itself, the author asserts that the growing independent press needs to intensify its critique of the public attitude and civic orientation, the fertile soil on which corruption in public life has thrived. Front Matter....Pages i-xvi Uncertain Prospects for Democracy....Pages 1-10 The Emergent Independent Press....Pages 11-31 Journalism Values and the African Press....Pages 33-39 Civic Cynicism....Pages 41-67 Consolidating Democracy....Pages 69-92 The Nigerian Press and the First Republic....Pages 93-118 Military Coups and Press/Public Support....Pages 119-144 Press Reembrace of Democracy....Pages 145-181 Civic Cynicism and Disordered Democracy....Pages 183-224 Combating Civic Cynicism....Pages 225-253 Postscript: A Groundswell of Social Capital....Pages 255-257 Back Matter....Pages 259-279 "This book explores the thesis that civic cynicism in African countries is a major obstacle to the consolidation of democracy, and that the African press should address the problem not just among leaders, but also among the general populace, finding that corruption has extended from leaders and governmental institutions to the populace itself, the author asserts that the growing independent press needs to intensify its critique of the public's attitude and civic orientation, the fertile soil on which corruption in public life has thrived."--BOOK JACKET