Media Narratives on Hate Speech in Nigeria

The importance of the mass media in a modern democracy has been a subject of discussion among the participants in the political space of every democratic society. The complex and diverse nature of the 21st century global society further accentuates audience reliance on the mass media for information about the all-important political sector of every democratic society, which dictates the pace in other sectors of society. The importance of the media could be understood in their pervasiveness, which makes people learn almost everything about the world through the media. The ability of the media to disseminate information and engender citizens’ political involvement in modern democracy and to influence the populace on different ideologies are fundamental in journalistic engagement. Within this context, hate speech is inimical to individual and group rights as well as political stability. The argument for freedom of the media as an extension of freedom of speech, on the basis of which reporters may find a dilemma, does not guarantee legal immunity against hate speech restriction. Thus, this book is useful to teachers in journalistic training institutions, media entrepreneurs, practicing and aspiring journalists as well as scholars and researchers.