By: Landing Ceesay
Afrobarometer research has revealed that 75% of Gambians follow news on radio than television, and internet.
This ranks radio as the most widely used news source for citizens in the country, followed by Television, Social Media and then the Internet.
“Three-fourths (75%) of Gambians say they listen to radio news “every day” or “a few times a week,” making radio the country’s most widely used news source. Television is in second place (63%), followed by social media (55%) and the Internet,” it stated.
The survey also revealed that more than eight in 10 citizens (84%) say that social media [SoMe] users spread information that they know is false.
“However, large majorities say the government should be able to limit or prohibit the sharing of news or information that is false (85%), hate speech (84%), and information or opinions that criticize or insult the president (76%). Four in 10 citizens (42%) approve of restrictions against information or opinions that the government disapproves.
“More than eight in 10 citizens (84%) say that social media users spread information that they know is false, including 51% who say they do so “often.” Majorities also blame politicians and political parties (78%), government officials (63%), and the news media (60%) for at least “sometimes” knowingly spreading false news,” Afrobarometer survey revealed.
On press freedom in the country, the study showed that more than eight in 10 Gambians say the media is “completely free” (46% o) or “somewhat free” (36%) to report and comment on the news without censorship or interference from the government.
The survey discovered that an overwhelming majority of Gambians support media freedom in principle, but endorse government interference to prevent the publication of false news, hate speech, and views that criticize or insult the president.
“Most Gambians support media freedom in principle but endorse government interference to prevent the publication of false news, hate speech, and views that criticize or insult the president. Most Gambians get their news from the radio and television, the survey shows, but social media and the Internet are also major sources of regular news. At the same time,
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