The term “News Desert” gained prominence in the United States of America after hundreds of daily and weekly newspapers were closed around the country, especially around the in the 2000s and the 2010s.
According to the Center for Innovation and Sustainability for Local Media, a news desert is: “a community, either rural or urban, with limited access to the sort of credible and comprehensive news and information that feeds democracy at the grassroots level.”
This is a major issue in the United States. A study published by the University of North Carolina’s School of Media and Journalism showed that over 1,300 U.S. communities have totally lost news coverage and can be categorised as being news deserts. The study had found that around 20 percent of all metros and community newspapers in the United States have gone out of business or merged since 2004. Reducing the number of newspapers in the United States by around 1800.
However, if the situation around news deserts is bad in America, then the reality of news deserts in Africa could be considered catastrophic. Balancing Act, a consultancy, looked at different surveys to see where people have less access to news. In big cities, like in Cote d’Ivoire, most people reported to watch TV and listen to the radio. However, in poorer regions such access is much more limited, such as in the province of Northern Bhar el Ghazal in South Sudan, where only just over a third of respondents had ever listened to radio, while just 10% had ever seen television.
Similarly, they measured the percentage of a population that lacks access to radio and mobile phones, which is the easiest ways to get news. They found that Nigeria’s media deficit is around 20%, while Senegal’s is 10-13%, Somalia’s is 16-28%, and Uganda’s is around 15-37%.
African Media
Unlike in more developed nations, local media is often not as significant a feature in the African media landscape. In fact, most African newspapers tend to not operate outside major cities.
Media outlets typically find it challenging financially to invest in local news coverage, due to their dependence on advertising and subscriptions. This is particularly evident in communities outside major cities, where weaker economies limit the viability of such investments. This point is exemplified in a study highlighted by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, that found that in struggling economies, the media was experiencing greater financial difficulties.
This lack of investment in localised coverage outside of major urban markets means that many communities lack access to media outlets.
In many African communities, the medium that frequently fills the void in locally produced media is radio. Radio stations are able to fill this void primarily because of their capability to easily reach local audiences. Although, radio as a medium has struggled around the world, with many even proclaiming the medium to be dead, radio still manages to function as a vital source of information for numerous African communities.
If we are going to properly tackle the issue of news desserts in Africa we have to address major challenges faced by local media, such as:
- Financial viability
As mentioned previously above, poor economic conditions are unfavourable for advertisers. As a consequence, media outlets are unable to function effectively (or at all), due to financial difficulties.
- Linguistic barriers
Given the diversity within African countries and communities, various languages are commonly spoken within localities. Consequently, media organizations often encounter challenges in effectively communicating with these communities.
- Literacy skills
The literacy levels within communities are significant, particularly in rural areas with limited access to education. This poses a considerable challenge for media outlets, as the population’s ability to comprehend the content they produce is often hindered.
- Technological limitations:
Limited access to things like modern broadcasting equipment and internet infrastructure can hinder the media production and distribution of local media outlets.
- Censorship
Press censorship and government control over media content can restrict freedom of expression and journalistic integrity. Potentially even putting the lives of journalists in danger as a result.
- Lack of trained journalists
Limited access to journalism education and professional training programs can result in a shortage of skilled reporters and editors.
- Competition from international media
Local media are often forced to compete with foreign media outlets for a share of the audience. The dominance of foreign media outlets and content does tend to overshadow local news coverage and diminish audience interest in domestic issues.
- Traditions and cultural norms
Traditional norms and cultural sensitivities often restrict the topics that local media would be willing to cover. Which would lead to the media censoring themselves to avoid offending audiences. Often local communities have a limited diversity of viewpoints, therefore media outlets may often decide to conform and censor themselves to maintain their audience.
- Poor distribution infrastructure
Even if newspapers may wish to distribute their newspaper magazines to more remote communities, poor transportation networks can serve to hinder their efforts.
- Cultural differences
The diverse linguistic, ethnic, religious and socio-economic demographics within African communities can pose challenges, for media outlets, in catering to the specific interests and preferences of various segments of the audience.
The media’s role in upholding accountability and safeguarding democratic institutions cannot be overstated. However, the widespread absence of comprehensive news coverage in many African communities underscores the urgent need for enhanced accessibility and inclusivity within media systems. It is imperative that efforts be made to address the challenges hindering the dissemination and coverage of news in so many of our communities. Ensuring that every community has access to the information necessary for informed participation in democratic processes.
