Broadcast Journalism: The World’s Town Crier; Nigeria’s Gong: A Sonic Democracy and Electronic Fourth Estate (1932-2025 And Beyond)

Abstract

Broadcast journalism in Nigeria and worldwide is rooted in the history of the people and their land. Long before modern media, the Alago Oba as it was called in Yorubaland, or the Ogene or Ikoro drummer in Igboland, and the Mai-Shela with his Kakaki trumpet in Hausa-Fulani regions functioned as the original broadcasters. In present-day Nigeria, this very important role is now reflected in the work of radio, television, satellites, smartphones, and digital/AI voices. This evolution, from the early-morning gong to today’s live streams and algorithm-informed news, shows the persistence and importance of the crier’s mission. (Folayan et al., 2021). Drawing on the African Trado-Modern Communication Model, this shows that broadcast journalism keeps its main democratic role as the electronic Fourth Estate, even as it adapts to changes in the 21st century (Hampton, 2009; Akpan, 2023). This analysis explores regional variations in the role of traditional criers, the evolution of Nigerian broadcasting from the colonial era to post-independence, the emergence of citizen journalism during #EndSARS and the 2023 elections, the ongoing prevalence of the “brown envelope” culture, the impact of media ownership, and the persistent digital divide that continues to isolate millions in so-called “silent villages.” Recent data from 2025–2026 indicate that while national internet penetration ranges from 45% to 65%, rural access remains significantly lower at only 23% in many communities (Umeh, 2025). This paper argues that professional journalists have shifted from being the sole sources of news to becoming important “curators of authenticity” amid widespread misinformation and platform-driven media. In 2024, Nigeria’s entertainment and media sector grew by 11.2%, the fastest rate in Africa, thanks to streaming, social video, and podcasts (Onwuamaeze, 2025). Even so, people tend to trust verified broadcast sources during uncertain times. The article ends with policy suggestions on subsidies, journalist welfare, AI ethics, and community media licensing. No matter if the gong is metal, satellite-linked, or digital, its purpose remains the same: to inform, educate, unify, and hold those in power accountable through reliable, accessible, and culturally relevant communication.