“The Morning I Realized the Media Isn’t Just Reporting Democracy—It’s Holding It Up”
A few months ago, I was having a lazy Sunday—just me, my cracked phone screen, and a lukewarm cup of coffee that had been microwaved one too many times. I was doom-scrolling Twitter (as one does), and I saw a short video clip of MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor speaking at some public forum. He said something that literally made me sit up and rewind:
“The media must not only inform. It must help build and safeguard democracy.”
It hit different. Not because it was the first time I’d heard that kind of talk. But because, in that moment, I realized how dangerously close we are to forgetting that truth entirely.
“It’s Just the News”—But Is It?
I used to think of the media as background noise. You know, like the buzz of a fridge—you only notice it when it stops working.
But lately, I’ve started to really pay attention. Maybe it's the elections creeping up, or maybe it's because I’ve seen more fake headlines in WhatsApp groups than I care to admit (one aunt actually thought aliens were hiding in Kasoa... I wish I was joking).
Whatever the reason, it’s become clear that media isn’t just reporting on democracy—it’s shaping it. And that realization is kinda terrifying when you consider how many headlines are pushed out just for clicks.
We’re All Guilty (Yeah, Even You)
I’ll be honest—I’ve shared stuff without checking it. I’ve read loud headlines and formed silent opinions. I’ve nodded along to talk radio, even when deep down I knew something felt...off.
And that’s the thing. We all want someone else to blame when democracy starts wobbling. The politicians. The trolls. The shadowy elites. But the truth? We’re in it too. Every time we let lazy journalism slide. Every time we don’t question a “breaking news” alert that sounds too juicy to be true.
Dafeamekpor’s words weren’t just aimed at newsrooms with fancy cameras and suited anchors. He was talking to us.
The Media Isn’t a Mirror. It’s the Framework.
Here’s what I’ve noticed lately: people treat the media like it’s just a reflection of what’s going on. “It’s the messenger,” they say.
But in reality, the media is more like scaffolding. It holds up the messy, fragile building that is our democracy. And if it crumbles—or worse, becomes corrupted—everything else starts to sway.
Public trust. Elections. Accountability. Boom. One by one.
And that’s not me being dramatic. Just look around. From misinformation during COVID to political spin machines churning out half-truths before elections—it’s all connected. And if the media doesn’t stand firm, we’re all on shaky ground.
So What Do We Do? (Besides Panic)
In my experience, you don’t need a journalism degree to help safeguard democracy. You just need to care.
Care about where your news comes from. Care about how it's framed. Ask questions. Fact-check. Talk to people outside your bubble. Support media houses that don’t bend every time a politician throws a tantrum.
Also, let’s normalize calling out BS—not with rage, but with curiosity. Like: “Hmm, that doesn’t sound right. Where’d you hear that?”
That simple question could save us from so many viral lies.
What If...
What if every media outlet saw itself as a cornerstone of democracy, not just a business?
What if every viewer, reader, or listener realized they had a role in either strengthening or weakening public trust?
What if, instead of chasing the most viral take, we chased truth—however messy, however boring, however uncomfortable?
So yeah, shoutout to Dafeamekpor. He reminded me that journalism isn’t just a profession. It’s a responsibility. One we all share, in one way or another.
Because democracy isn’t bulletproof. And if the media drops the ball, we don’t get a second take.
What kind of media are you consuming today? And who’s holding it accountable?
Just something to think about next time you're scrolling at 2am.