Understanding the Effects of Politicizing Media Operations: A Study of the Patriotic Front Regime (2011–2021)

Abstract

There are various forms of Media that have a wider reach of communication, such as newspapers, radio, television, internet-based websites, and magazines. These have a major impact on politics, especially television, radio and newspapers. However, media reporting has received a reaction from political leaders and, in some cases, banned for what is deemed negative reporting against the ruling government. This paper explores the relationship between media and politics in the context of democratic tenets. The study used both secondary and primary sources of data collection. A total of 25 participants took part in this study as key informants. These were selected through purposive sampling and several official and academic documents were reviewed to address this study's aim. The collected data were analysed through a thematic, methodological approach. The findings show that the influence that the Patriotic Front (PF)'s time in government was defined by both successes and a shrinking media space for political debates and information sharing with the public. It was found by this study that television stations, such as Prime TV, with highly politicised content being aired, were bridled by the government to the point of their closure. This study has revealed that various political party structures of the Patriotic Front were used to intimidate the media. Based on the findings, it can be argued here that media houses' critical role in politics was not consolidated but rather constrained during the period under study.