Broadcast Journalism: The World’s Town Crier; Nigeria’s Gong: A Sonic Democracy and Electronic Fourth Estate (1932-2025 And Beyond)

Broadcast journalism in Nigeria and worldwide is rooted in the history of the people and their land. Long before modern media, the Alago Oba as it was called in Yorubaland, or the Ogene or Ikoro drummer in Igboland, and the Mai-Shela with his Kakaki trumpet in Hausa-Fulani regions functioned as the original broadcasters. In present-day Nigeria, this very important role is now reflected in the work of radio, television, satellites, smartphones, and digital/AI voices. This evolution, from the early-morning gong to today’s live streams and algorithm-informed news, shows the persistence and importance of the crier’s mission. (Folayan et al., 2021). Drawing on the African Trado-Modern Communication Model, this shows that broadcast journalism keeps its main democratic role as the electronic Fourth Estate, even as it adapts to changes in the 21st century (Hampton, 2009; Akpan, 2023). This analysis explores regional variations in the role of traditional criers, the evolution of Nigerian broadcasting from the colonial era to post-independence, the emergence of citizen journalism during #EndSARS and the 2023 elections, the ongoing prevalence of the “brown envelope” culture, the impact of media ownership, and the persistent digital divide that continues to isolate millions in so-called “silent villages.” Recent data from 2025–2026 indicate that while national internet penetration ranges from 45% to 65%, rural access remains significantly lower at only 23% in many communities (Umeh, 2025). This paper argues that professional journalists have shifted from being the sole sources of news to becoming important “curators of authenticity” amid widespread misinformation and platform-driven media. In 2024, Nigeria’s entertainment and media sector grew by 11.2%, the fastest rate in Africa, thanks to streaming, social video, and podcasts (Onwuamaeze, 2025). Even so, people tend to trust verified broadcast sources during uncertain times. The article ends with policy suggestions on subsidies, journalist welfare, AI ethics, and community media licensing. No matter if the gong is metal, satellite-linked, or digital, its purpose remains the same: to inform, educate, unify, and hold those in power accountable through reliable, accessible, and culturally relevant communication.

Broadcast journalism, town crier, fourth estate, citizen journalism

1. Adegbola, O., Aromona, O., & Elega, A. A. (2025). When public relations ethics clash with reality: How PR professionals negotiate “brown envelope” practices. Public Relations Review, 51(1), Article 102534. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Akinfemisoye, M. (2013). Challenging hegemonic media practices. Ecquid Novi: African Journalism Studies, 34(1), 46–62. https://doi.org/10.1080/02560054.2013.767419Opens a new window bews media as agents of authenticity. Journalism and Media, 5(2), 533–547. https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia5020030Opens a new window [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Apata, O. M. (2016). Information dissemination using town crier. Applied Tropical Agriculture, 21(1), 164–169. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Akpan, U. S. (2023). African traditional media: Looking back, looking forward. In African media space and globalization (pp. 3-51). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Carlyle, T. (2008). On heroes, hero-worship, & the heroic in history (Original work presented 1840). Project Gutenberg. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Chouliaraki, L. (2025). Global Divides in Transnational Media: Managing the Visibility of Suffering. International Communication Gazette, 87(1), 73–89. https://doi.org/10.1177/17480485221101904Opens a new window [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. DataReportal. (2026). Digital 2026: Nigeria. https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2026-nigeriaOpens a new window [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Dike, S. I. (2013). African culture of communication. Open Journal of Philosophy, 3(1A), 20–25. https://doi.org/10.4236/OJPP.2013.31A020Opens a new window [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Ekpu, R., et al. (2023). Nigerian journalism. In The Handbook of Journalism Studies. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Fasan, R. (2018). Alaroye. Africa, 88(1), 160–181. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0001972018000499Opens a new window [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Folayan, B. J., Ogunjobi, O. S., Zannu, P. & Balofin, T. A. (2021). Town Criers and Talking Drums. Post-war Civil War Propaganda Techniques and Media Spins in Nigeria and Journalism Practice. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2105.07841Opens a new window [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Greene, T., Goethals, S., Martens, D. & Shmueli, G. (2023). Monetizing Explainable AI: A Double-edged Sword. arXiv preprint. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2304.06483Opens a new window [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Hampton, M. (2009). The fourth estate ideal in journalism history. In The Routledge companion to news and journalism (pp. 3-12). Routledge. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Kperogi, F. A. (2016). Networked social journalism. In Digital Activism in the Social Media Era. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. McCombs, M., & Shaw, D. (1972). The agenda-setting function of mass media. Public Opinion Quarterly, 36(2), 176–187. https://doi.org/10.1086/267990Opens a new window [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. McQuail, D. (2009). McQuail’s mass communication theory (6th ed.). SAGE. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Morgan, G., et al. (2021). Trado-modern communication strategies. International Journal of Research - GRANTHAALAYAH, 9(3), 205–214. https://doi.org/10.29121/GRANTHAALAYAH.V9.I3.2021.3709Opens a new window [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. NCC. (2025). Rural Internet Access Report. Vanguard News. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Nsereka, N. L., et al. (2013). Comparative effectiveness of trado-modern media. New Media and Mass Communication, 13, 7–16. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Nwammuo, A. N., et al. (2015). Communication for rural development in Africa. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 7(1), 1–10. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Nwodu, G. E., Ekwunife, S. C., & Ikegbunam, P. C. (2025). Understanding the fate of journalism practice without the brown envelope. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Oghogho, M. Y., & Osazuwa, O. M. C. (2024). The #EndSARS movement. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, 9(6). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Okonji, E. (March 27, 2025). Broadband Penetration Hits 45.61 Percent As Telecoms Contribution to GDP Decline to 13.94 Percent. This Day (Lagos). https://allafrica.com/stories/202503280539.htmlOpens a new window [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Okoro, N., et al. (2013). Citizen journalism in Nigeria. New Media and Mass Communication, 11, 1–7. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Olatunji, R. (2018). Broadcasting, Oral Traditions, and the Nigerian Experience. Nigerian Journal of Communication, 15(1), 1–19. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Onwuamaeze, D. (October 24, 2025). PwC Report: Nigeria Leads Africa Entertainment Media by 11.2% Growth, Trailed by Kenya, South Africa. THISDAYLIVE. https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/10/24/pwc-report-nigeria-leads-africa-entertainment-media-by-11-2-growth-trailed-by-kenya-south-africa/Opens a new window [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Ottah, G. A. (2016). Comparative study of Igala and Igbo systems. AFRREV IJAH, 5(4), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.4314/IJAH.V5I4.1Opens a new window [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Otiono, N. (2011). Street stories and grassroots journalism in Nigeria. Journal of African Media Studies, 3(3), 331–346. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. PwC. (2025). Africa Entertainment and Media Outlook 2025–2029. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Rasheed, A. (2024). #EndSARS and the Digital Revolution in Nigeria. African Affairs, 123(1), 100–120. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Reuters Institute. (2025). Digital News Report 2025: Nigeria. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Sterling, C. H. (2022). Fourth Estate. In The SAGE encyclopaedia of journalism (2nd ed.). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Umeh, J. (October 8, 2025). Nigeria’s digital divide leaves rural communities in the dark. Vanguard News. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/nigerias-digital-divide-leaves-rural-communities-in-the-dark/Opens a new window [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Ushe, M. U. (2015). The talking drum: An inquiry into the reach of a traditional mode of communication. International Journal of Philosophy and Theology, 3(1), 110-117. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Vanguard. (2025, October 22). Only 23% of rural communities have internet access. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Orientation and Mobility Training as a Core Component of Supported Employment for Employees with Visual Impairment
• Chamar Caste Movement and Its Leaders in District Bijnor (1900–1950 Ad)
• Influence of Menstrual Health Management on Mental Health of Adolescents in Thrissur District
• Echoes Beneath the Earth: Cultural and Spiritual Beliefs of Miners in the Mining Industry
• An Analytical Exploration of Construction Contract Terms from Legal Cases