Press freedom in Africa: Challenges and opportunities
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Date
2004
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Publisher
New Economy
Abstract
Considerable progress has been achieved in the expansion of independent media in Africa. Yet significant challenges to media freedom remain to be addressed. In some countries, the resurgence of mass media pluralism and activity has exacted a heavy toll on journalists and human rights activists. In nearly every African country, there is a need for further legal, policy and institutional reforms to entrench the commitment to media freedom and to prevent government interference and censorship. Media freedom in Africa has been a major popular demand in the movement for democratisation and more effective governance since the 1980s. It is critical to the success of the democratic revolution in Africa. It is time for governments and the international community to redouble their commitment to an independent press and media, open and accessible to all Africans. © 2004 IPPR.