CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1. Introduction News media and other forms of mediated expression play an essential role in the creation, sustenance, and progressive transformation of democratic and democratising societies. News media in these societies are expected to perform the monitorial, facilitative, and, where necessary, both radical and collaborative roles (see Christians et al. 2009). The monitorial role encapsulates the collection and dissemination of information while providing oversight on the operations of public officials and institutions, as well as significant commercial interests whose influence on public affairs is both obscure and consequential (see Christians et al., 2009; Pickard, 2020). In the facilitative role, the media occasions key ingredients in civic republican democracies, such as the inclusive and egalitarian participation of citizens in a society’s activities and social processes (Christians et al. 2009; Habermas 1992; Dahlgren 2005). Unbalanced social experiences (caused by issues such as gender, ethnicity, race, sexuality, level of education and spatial dynamics) have created an array of contemporary social justice needs. It may therefore be necessary for the media’s roles to extend beyond their usual responsibilities in democratic or democratising societies. For instance, in its performance of the radical role, the media is expected to advocate for “absolute equality and freedom of all members of a democratic society in a complete and uncompromising way” (Christians et al. 2009: 179). In carrying out this role, journalists challenge and expose the negative effects of concentrated power—be it political or commercial—and ensure that “no injustice is ever tolerated” (Christians et al. 2009: 179). The African continent is confronted by a plethora of social justice issues stemming from a wide range of challenges such as inequality, gender-based violence, poverty and unemployment. Some of these result from poor governance, inept leadership, corruption and so on, which suggest the critical role of the media in providing surveillance over public affairs in the public’s interest. The collaborative role entails the media’s cooperation with centres of power in the interest of the public rather than those in power (see Christians et al. 2 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER 11 YEARS IN REVIEW