Exploring and Navigating the Chasm: The Incompatibility of Western Gatekeeping Theory with Akwa-Cross Akata Indigenous Media

Abstract

The global practice of journalism which is a Western conception stipulates that any media content meant for public consumption must go through the process of ‘Gatekeeping’ by ‘Gatekeepers’ before it is featured on any media channel. This quality assurance process ensures that media contents that could insult public sensibilities and unfit for public consumption are sorted out and discarded. Ironically, it is believed that this principle applies globally across media terrains. The Akata indigenous media, of the Akwa-Cross (Akwa Ibom and Cross River States) rural communities does not have ‘Gatekeepers’ who ensure that the quality of information churned out is fit for public consumption, free of legal issues and defamation. This study basically examines the sharp contrast, the incompatibility and unsuitability of the Western theoretical concept of Gatekeeping with the traditional African ‘Akata’ masquerade which serves as the traditional media for West African natives (Akwa Ibom and Cross River States communities in Nigeria). A qualitative methodology using focus group discussion as the procedure to elicit data from members of the Akata masquerade was used in this study. To ascertain the contextual relevance and significance of this cult, several Afrocentric theories were employed to examine the phenomenon.