The GPRS and Multi-Donor Budget Support. Strengthening the Lines of Accountability - The Role of the Media
Source: World Bank
This Dialogue argues that in a democracy, the media are widely regarded as surrogates for the citizens, providing information necessary in order that citizens can make valid and reliable decisions. They are also one of few institutions outside government that have structural rights and therefore collectively, are an important institution of horizontal accountability. In many ways the media already help in ensuring accountability by bringing to light wrong doings on the part of public officials and from time to time pointing out lapses in the system. The media has been instrumental in expanding the public voice by giving space and airtime to citizens who have grievances or comments, or contributions to make. Both print and electronic media have acted as a public forum for the discussion of all manner of important national issues. This link between the public voice and the media must be strengthened and refined. The strengthening of the links of accountability rests not only on the media alone, but also on every member of society.
The challenge for the media, however, is to make it possible for people to demand accountability and compel accountability. And this challenge can only be met if the media do a good job of monitoring the GPRS; informing citizens about the it and setting the right tone for a much better and more robust discussion on the progress and implementation of the program.
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