Global media hegemony and the transformation bliss in post-colonial Africa : real independence or mere change of masters?

Abstract

Abstract: This article presents a conceptual analysis of the relationship between global media hegemony and transformation trajectories within post-colonial African states. It acknowledges that, following the attainment of independence, most African governments adopted the ‘developmental state’ paradigm to redress erstwhile colonial practices in anticipation of a new progressive social order. In many contexts, this ushered noble structural changes that promised stable institutions, constitutionality and good governance. In the contrary, the past two decades have witnessed evidence of weak political and socio-economic systems, largely blamed on inter alia, dictatorship, maladministration and poor implementation of policies