NIGERIA
2.2
Citizen’s access to domestic and international media 		
sources is not restricted by state authorities.
ANALYSIS:
It is true in broad terms that citizen’s access to domestic and international media sources is not restricted by State authorities although this must be qualified by occasional irritation shown to critical foreign media like CNN as well as restrictions placed on privately
owned broadcast media. For example, the Act establishing the News
Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gives it a monopoly on the distribution of
international news although this is not being executed in practice.
Similarly, broadcasting stations wishing to relay foreign news require permission from the broadcasting commission.
SCORES:
Individual scores:			

4; 5; 5; 4; 4; 4; 5; 4; 4; 5; 5

Total score:				

49

Average score:			

4.5

2.3		 Efforts are undertaken to increase the scope of circulation 		
		 of the print media particularly to rural communities.
ANALYSIS:
Circulation of newspapers in rural communities poses a particular
challenge because of the lack of a good road network and the high
level of illiteracy. Newspapers have problems circulating in urban
areas like Enugu not to mention the rural hinterland. Some national
newspapers are cutting back on the number of copies.
In general, due to the fact that money earned from adverts is more
important than money earned from selling copies, a focus on the
economic centres is more profitable than wide distribution.
African Media Barometer - Nigeria 2008			

11

Select target paragraph3