The power of media to curb corruption

The role of the media to inform citizens freely in any democratic countries is very crucial for a healthy corruption free government. The media play an important battle to curb corruptions in our various societies. It revealed new and hidden fraud dealings that coming around us. Without media we are dumb and blind at our own homes.

Just recently, Papua New Guinea’s Opposition Leader Belden Namah has reiterated the importance of media in PNG. Namah in a news conference called on all media outlets to report issues of national interest without fear or favour. He made this called following the government has allegedly miss-used more than 70 million Kina.

Why called for the media to deal with corruption issues when there are politicians, businesses or anti-corruption groups that should take the lead?  Are we always depending on the media to lead us? This clearly explains how media is so powerful to tackle corruption in our societies.

Why so powerful?

The media intervention transfers the power to the public and empowers them to demand accountability. 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.