On hate speech in broadcast media

Paraphrasing the words of Aondover Eric Msughter, “Today, one of the growing trends on broadcast media is the dissemination of hate speech. In Nigeria today, despite the benefits that came with social media, on one hand, it is also promoting disunity, igniting crises and triggering hatred among members of the society. This phenomenon has become a cankerworm that is refusing to go away, thereby creating pathways for the insult of those in power or minority groups.”

Going by the preceding quotation, hate speech refers to insulting or threatening speech or writing that expresses damage against a particular group, especially based on race, religion, or sexual orientation among others. It is believed that hate speech is present everywhere in Nigeria and has an effect on the citizens. Broadcast media is one of the powerful mediums to appeal to both the literate and the illiterate, thus the propagation of hate speech in broadcast media portends a great danger to the future of Nigeria.

A lesson should be learned in Nigeria regarding the 1994 Rwandan genocide; broadcast media played an important role in inciting ordinary citizens to take part in the massacres of their Tutsi, and moderate Hutu neighbours. Two major radio stations transmitted hate propaganda to the illiterate masses, Radio Rwanda, and Radio Television. In Nigeria, how hate speech is permeating the broadcast media is becoming worrisome, and needs urgent attention.

As a matter of urgency, awareness and proper sensitisation must be raised on the political, social, and cultural rights of individuals and groups, including freedom of speech, as well as the social implication that comes with freedom of speech. This will go a long way in averting the escalation of hate speech in society in particular and Nigeria at large. Social media users must inculcate the habit of creating and promoting peaceful societies on one hand, and media organisations must stop abusive editorial comments that denigrate individuals or groups on account of disability, race, ethnicity, tribe, gender, or belief on the other hand. A stitch in time saves nine.

Ummulkhairi Bala Bello,

Skyline University