Authoritarian Journalism: Controlling the News in Post-Conflict Rwanda

Journalists in authoritarian countries face competing institutional logics, shaped by historical antagonisms, global development initiatives, and the authoritarian state. This book examines journalism practice in Rwanda to draw conclusions applicable to journalism fields everywhere, arguing that globalization is inadequate to shift local practice and serves to reinforce local practices and boundaries.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 19 November 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Journalists operating in authoritarian regimes face a complex terrain, contending with competing institutional logics. This is particularly evident in post-conflict countries, where historical antagonisms, global development initiatives, and the authoritarian state intertwine to shape journalistic practice. While journalism schools and professional organizations advocate for a Western logic of objectivity and independence, political history imparts a logic of subordination, and organizational business models prioritize financial censorship. As more countries transition away from democratic models, an increasing number of journalists will grapple with these seemingly irreconcilable pressures.

In her comprehensive study, Ruth Moon delves into the realm of journalistic practice in Rwanda, a country that has witnessed significant development in the two and a half decades since the tragic 1994 genocide. Despite this progress, Moon observes a concerning trend: journalists, under pressure to appease the state, have lost confidence in themselves, and readers have lost trust in local media. The question arises: can Rwanda's news media rejuvenate itself, either through internal efforts or with assistance from global journalism actors?

Moon's research, conducted through extensive ethnographic work, provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Rwanda's journalism field. She argues that the force of globalization, often perceived as a transformative force, is inadequate to shift local practices and boundaries. Instead, globalization serves to reinforce existing local practices and norms. This observation raises important questions about the role of international journalism in promoting democracy and human rights in countries where authoritarianism persists.

Moon's study explores various aspects of journalistic practice in Rwanda, including the historical context, political environment, and economic factors that shape the field. She examines the role of media organizations, journalists, and readers in shaping the country's media landscape and the challenges they face in navigating the complex web of state control and corporate interests. Moon also analyzes the impact of globalization on Rwanda's media industry, highlighting the ways in which international news outlets and social media platforms have influenced local journalism and the challenges they pose to journalistic integrity.

One of the key findings of Moon's study is the need for a nuanced approach to understanding and addressing the challenges facing Rwanda's media. She argues that a one-size-fits-all approach, often imposed by international organizations and donors, may not be effective in promoting sustainable and democratic journalism. Instead, she advocates for a more localized and context-specific approach that recognizes the unique cultural, social, and political dynamics of each country. Moon suggests that local media organizations should be empowered to develop their own editorial policies, hire independent journalists, and build strong relationships with their communities.

Furthermore, Moon emphasizes the importance of promoting media literacy and education in Rwanda. She argues that citizens need to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to critically evaluate the information they receive and to hold media organizations accountable for their reporting. This can be achieved through initiatives such as media training programs, citizen journalism projects, and the development of independent media outlets that provide alternative perspectives and sources of information.

In conclusion, Ruth Moon's study on journalistic practice in Rwanda offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of media in authoritarian countries. Through her ethnographic work, Moon highlights the challenges faced by journalists, the erosion of trust between media and readers, and the need for a nuanced approach to promoting sustainable and democratic journalism. Her findings suggest that globalization may not be the sole driver of change in the media landscape and that local media organizations, journalists, and citizens must work together to build a more robust and independent media sector. By empowering local media, promoting media literacy, and advocating for independent journalism, Rwanda can strive towards a more informed and engaged citizenry and contribute to the broader global discourse on democracy and human rights.

Weight: 328g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197623428