RELIGION AND MEDIA IN A PLURAL SOCIETY: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

Religion and media are two vital and indispensable institutions in society. This paper attempts a critical exploration of the relationship between religion and media in plural societies, with concrete illustrations from the Nigerian experience. Generally, plural societies are often confronted with the challenges of nation-building, which have proved difficult especially in developing countries. This is particularly the case in Nigeria, a country with one of the most complex ethnic and religious configurations, where ethnic and religious boundaries delicately overlap. In such societies, the media have important roles to play in promoting unity in diversity on both the ethnic and religious fronts through ethical journalism. Otherwise, the media can become a liability rather than an asset in the management of religious pluralism. Nigeria has experienced both possibilities. The paper concludes with recommendations on how to reposition the media for the promotion and consolidation of religious tolerance and harmony in plural societies.

Religion, Media, Plural Society, Religious Tolerance, Ethical Journalism