Freedom of the press-Voice of the people-Your Thoughts matter

davidmarkgeorge (69)Verified | Club5050in Hindwhale Community • 3 months ago

Democracy as we generally know is a system of Government by the people and for the people, it's simply noted that you're accountable to things that happens in the state also working hand in hand with the citizens to protect their interest and welfare. In the Nigerian constitution we all got the freedom of speech as it's written in the books as far as you're a full citizen. The voice of the people play an important role in the growth of the state which are most times passed through the media to the senate which is openly discussed amongst its members.

What role does the press play in society? Why is it important for a healthy democracy?

Democracy is a system whereby the voices of the people matters alot in the state's development. The press works as a platform that speaks the voice of the masses. People from different tribes voice out their problems and happening through the media. Here in my state, there's a unit where people from different places come around to talk about the government. It's known to be the ibom plaza here in uyo, the location carries domestic news and foreign news. The minds of the people most times are been shared around that axis which is known to be the centre of the state.
Around the Ibom plaza there's a sculpture which represents the Eyo Uyo who stood his ground to speak up for the masses. The press plays so many important roles which include:
❤️ Helps in decision making
❤️ Voicing out the needs and wants of the citizens
❤️The grassroot reaches the Government through the press.
❤️The impeachment of any Government can be done through press power.

Is social media a part of the press? Should freedom of expression apply equally there?

Social media is a very sharp and essential tool for press. Social media serves as a house which includes everyone so basically anything that happens there will be seen by everyone. Media tools like Facebook, twitter, WhatsApp and other essential social media serves as the vast growing platform where you can see happenings, events and news around the world so it's fully part of the press. Yeah everyone got their own timeline and username so freedom of speech should not be withdrawn there too. The people should be free to air their problems too which actually comes with clear evidence. There's an area here in Nigeria that students going to school swim through flood to attend classes, the media made it possible for a foreigner to recognise the issue so social media plays an important role and also it should be given freely to everyone to air their problems.

What would a society without press freedom look like? Can you imagine such a future?

There's no great future without the media, the voice of the people must be heard. A society without press freedom which automatically be doomed because the government will take over their actions, decisions and suggestions. Future without press freedom will suffer the following problems:
❤️A complete take over by the government
❤️ People at the grassroot level suffers deeply without being heard.
❤️war against growth.
❤️ A society without the press cannot perform well because they will be no target, not knowing what the people want.

If you were a journalist, what topic would you write about and why?

If I were a journalist, I'd write about how to work with your technology for easy life. So many people don't understand how technology can help them essentially those in the rural areas, a proper training with much knowledge about how to market their farm produce, use essential mobile apps and processing technologies. Technology serves as the change we need for a proper view of life, that alone will help the economy of the state mostly the rural areas that are not civilised.

Rule of law should be made in the press where poor people say their minds without being assaulted. I know we have great people here in our country that speak up with need arises. We should always keep it open that we all voted the government in and they should protect our interest.