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Role of Media in Curbing Corruption PDF Print E-mail
MediaWhen the media flights issues of corruption and makes them obtainable by the social community, it stimulates familiarity within them and fosters participation in identifying and highlighting corruption cases contextual to them. The media can also unearth major cases within a broader social climate were graft involving the abuse of entrusted power by government officials and persons in positions of authority are involved. For example, Government officials can abuse their authority over resources through diversion. Public assets and material can be used by elected public officers for their own personal use at the expense of the community. It the cases cited above, the media intervenes to check on how resources are being used and goes on to inform various stakeholders including the general public on how resources are being spent. This media intervention transfers the power to the public and empowers them to demand accountability in the use of those resources.  

The media also stimulates investigation into the alleged stories. Media articles can be attributed to the impeachment or forced resignation of a corrupt politician and public officials. For example, the Former City of Harare Financial Director, Cosmas Zvikaramba, came under pressure through media reports of his implication in the land scandal involving Local Government Minister Ignatious Chombo and business Mogul, Phillip Chiyangwa. It is a case were the media seeks an explanation of how funds and tenders are administered on behalf of the general populace who do not have a platform to seek redress were their public resources are abused. The media here is seen to be playing an advocacy role and is highlighting the need for the observance of the law and social justice.       

The media also has the role of setting an agenda. It stimulates the public into prioritizing issues of corruption and being aware of such issues in their daily routines. When the media reports major corruption issues, particularly those involving government officials and other senior ruling party officials, the issue is treated with value and importance and creates discourse on the issue in communities. Stories and articles involving “other” forms of corruption rampant in the vicinity of the community like corruption in farm produce markets, in job employment and even in school enrolment are also pertinent. When the media reports against such practices, the communities are enlightened on the various other ways through which persons of authority and the public themselves are being irresponsible of their resources. Issues of corruption affecting and involving these communities are also brought out.

However, one aspect to note is that, “Journalists should realize that they are not a court of law but an important arm in the promotion of good governance - Smolik.” Nevertheless, how well media can perform the role of a watchdog on corruption depends on a number of factors defined by the political, economic and legal environment in which media operate. “Media freedom of expression, access to information, ownership, competition, credibility and outreach are some of the key factors that have been identified as affecting the quality and effectiveness of media performance on corruption” (Vogl, 2005).
 

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