International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue II, February 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Is Media A Tool for Propaganda or Tool for Information?

Shehu Enoch Amila
Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract: – This paper had examined the concept of media in n the light of information and propaganda. It utilizes secondary data and content analysis. Richard and Elder determinant of fake and true framework was highlighted. It also employed system analysis and US as a unit of analysis in relation to the rest of the world while theorizing media as tool for propaganda. It discovered that media is a tool for propaganda rather than information in the world’s politics. This is based on Richard and Elder framework which disclosed US doing more harm than informing the world with media. In order for media tool for information- balance propaganda, the less developed information states should strive to developed in all ramification, functional education, conversion of internet criminals into resourceful personal, meritocracy in job recruitment and development of critical societies, by which he meant societies that adopt critical thinking as an essential part of their way of life.

Key words: Media, propaganda, information, system theory, international politics

I. INTRODUCTION

The survival of individuals or states in 21th century depends on the amount and quality of information receive, so also how one reacts to it. Media is a channel in which individuals and states receive and pass information. According to Almond, Powell, Strom and Dalton (2004:755) as cited in Anthony and Michael (1) see the media as mass communication devices that are used to transmit information, thought, or feeling to a mass audience without necessarily having face-to-face communication.
News (that is an account of event) can take of either propaganda or information while some time both. The forgoing can be seen in both local and international media. Media as a tool for information entail that the media have dully observed the ethic of giving news. This means that there is high level of accuracy and objectivity.