ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the relationship between media and democracy in southern Africa. It explores theoretical approaches to democracy and the media, before measuring media performance in southern African countries against three indicators: media as a marketplace of ideas; media as a voice of public opinion; and media as a form of surveillance and as a watchdog. The correlation between a free media and democracy has been so widespread that few theorists have questioned the presumed link—this, despite the fact that not all "civil societies" necessarily support democracy. The association is also believed to exist despite evidence within Africa that implicates the media in many dictatorial tendencies, including the Rwandan genocide. The chapter presents the role of the media is to advocate for group interests, to mobilize interest groups in order to protect and promote their interests, and to inform authorities about group interests.
