Afrobarometer has released a special report to mark World Press Freedom Day indicating that most Africans support an independent news media and expect the press to play an active role in reporting on poor government performance and corruption.
According to the report released today representing three-fourths of continent’s population, 57 percent of the respondents demanded media freedom although some countries and regions are more willing to tolerate government control than others.
The report says almost two thirds of Africans say the media is effective in its watchdog role, but significant proportions – and in some countries large majorities - say the news media abuses press freedom by publishing lies.
Most nations will mark World Press Freedom on May 3 this year.
Afrobarometer is an African-led non-partisan research network that conducts public attitude surveys on democracy, governance and related issues.