On August 5, 2020, the big-story headline of The Punch – “Hate speech: NBA, activists lampoon FG for raising fine to N5m” – actually typifies the idea that journalists are “watched dogs” instead of “watchdogs”. Reading the story, one would discover how a number of well-meaning and well-intentioned associates and activists and senior advocates express their righteous indignation regarding the FG’s hiking of the hate speech fine. Aren’t the press watched over by the FG? Their argument – as it were – rests on the premise that the associates or advocates are claiming their exclusive rights as media practitioners: We are watchdogs and not watched dogs! The astronomical increase in the hate speech fine might not be a total eradication of hatred in the political and economic spectrum of Nigeria.

Source: The Guardian August 23, 2020 03:33 UTC