Abstract

Despite the evolution in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) that has brought about dramatic changes and relative ease in communication, the old debate around information flow imbalance tagged ‘NWICO’ still persists. In the early seventies, down to the eighties, it was rightly observed by the UNESCO sponsored ‘MacBride Commission’ that there was information imbalance between the North (Developed Nations) and South (Developing Nations) due to the former’s control of communication technology and infrastructure. However, with the advent of the new media which has in a way ‘democratized’ communication, it is a puzzle as to why this debate is still relevant today. This paper dissects arguments for and against continuing the NWICO debate. A variety of studies, literature as well as observations clearly show that in spite of recent developments in ICTs that has led to proliferation of Internet communication platforms and new media technologies, the international media and communication are still being dominated and controlled by countries in the ‘North’(Developed Nations), particularly, the United States and wealthy European nations. Thus, to bridge this gap and reverse the trend, developing nations must invest in the communication sector in order to develop communication facilities that will help launch positive image about them to the world, re-direct the information flow and break the dependency on global media. In addition, well-articulated communication policies should be instituted to help address both national and international communication flow  and  also  encourage  local  media  contents which will be also exportable to the developed nations.

Key Words: NWICO, Internet, New Media, Developed Nations, Developing Nations, ICTs

^JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 14, No. 1, April 2022, pp. 53-61

© Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON).

About the authors

*   Anthony Iorver Igyuve, Ph.D, is a Professor in the Department of Mass Communication, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. His research interests include trends in Development Studies, Communication Policy and New Media.

** Patrick Monday Agbo, is a Principal Lecturer at Department of Mass Communication, The Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State, Nigeria. His research focuses on Emerging Trends in Information and Communication Technology as well as the New Media.

***Emmanuel Olurotimi Olubodede  is a Lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria. His research interests include trends in Advertising and Public Relations in a digital age.

Article Citation

Igyuve, A.I., Agbo, P.M. & Olubodede, E.O. (2022). Era of the new media: Any justification for continuing the NWICO debate?. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 14 (1): 53 – 61.

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