HATE SPEECH AND RESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM IN NIGERIA: THE WAY FORWARD

Abstract

The role of mass media in changing the attitudes of the public towards government and its policies has been demonstrated on countless occasions as it transfers messages that encourage societal development and integration to the public. However, drawing from the lens of critical implication of hate speech within the Nigerian socio-political milieu, this paper explores the importance of hate speech in the operations of Nigerian media and it implications on the societal values. The paper also shows that hate speech is a manipulative tool that has engendered many negative narrative, ostracism, fury, misperception and economic challenges, which many political actors have used to their advantage either to misinform, disinform. Hate speech is a constantly evolving phenomenon, with new perpetrators, targets and tactics. Socially conscious journalists are aware of how rapidly hate-filled messages seep into, and often overwhelm comment on the Internet. The paper concludes by suggesting that Impunity against hate crimes can be tackled by establishing monitoring and evaluation units in newsrooms. These units would then be tasked with monitoring hate speech trends, compiling reports and bringing these to the attention of key institutions and the civil society.