LASU FCMS at 20: Why ruling class no longer in control of media space -Panelists

The effect of social media in the nation’s political landscape cannot be over-emphasised as it has taken away the control of the media space from a few, particularly, the political class.

The assertion was made on Monday by panelists at the press conference and panel discussion organised by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, FCMS, of the Lagos State University, LASU, as part of activities marking its 20^th anniversary.

The panelists are the Executive Director, Centre for Social Media Research, Dr. Akin Olaniyan; the Editor-In-Chief/Publisher of NPO Reports, Alhaji Semiu Okanlawon, and former Executive Secretary, Nigeria Internet Registration Association, Mrs. Edith Udeagu.

The programme which was anchored by ace broadcaster, Anike Ade Funke Treasure, has as its theme, Media and Governance in the Age of Digital Technology.

Speaking at the occasion, Akin Olaniyan who stressed the importance of social media said digital technology had taken away the control of the media space away from the few, particularly, the political class.

Describing everyone with a mobile phone as a publisher, he said with the astronomical increase in the number of phone lines in the country to about 240 million, the situation with governance had totally changed.

He said more than ever, the political class had become alert as the generality of the people had taken over the social media space leaving no room for a control of the media by a few.

The implication, according to him, was that there was no hiding space for the political class any longer as many activities that the conventional media would not report had become public knowledge as a result of the use of the social media.

He reasoned that much as the social media had made the political class to be careful and accountable, it had come with its negative side.

Olaniyan said many had taken advantage of the situation to create bad contents inimical to societal moral standard.

He added that it had also increased the wave of misinformation and disinformation which had had negative effects on individuals, groups and the society in general.

Speaking in the same vein, Okanlawon of the NPO Reports said no politician or office holder could afford to ignore the importance of the social media.

“There is no space for anyone to say something and not get the required reply from interested members of the public,” he said.

According to him, that was a clear departure from the past when only the high and mighty could express themselves in the media.

He said the importance of the social media had been manifested in the creation of the offices of New Media aides for political office holders, including presidents, governors and others.

In her contribution, Mrs. Edith Uduagu, spoke about the need for social media users to be careful and not abuse the use of the platforms.

She said it was wrong to go to the media with fake or bias reports.

She said much as everyone had the right to be on the internet, the rules guiding the activities should be observed otherwise such posts might be pulled down.

She said it would be wrong for anyone to impinge on the rights of others through social media activities.

The Dean of the FCMS, Professor Sunday Alawode, who was the host at the occasion told the story of how the faculty started from its humble beginning and had become “a big education gamut.”

Alawode said apart from other major achievements, the faculty was proud to have produced no fewer than 27 PhD holders.

His words: “Indulge me to mention the 27 PhD graduates that the faculty has produced since the 2013/2014 academic session: