What are the new sources of information in Guinea?
A total of 226 students participated in a study to share their views on access to information and the use of media in Guinea. These students are predominantly young, with an average age of 21 for women and 23 for men.
Fields of Study
Participants come from diverse academic backgrounds, including social sciences, biochemistry, technical sciences, administrative sciences, and legal studies.
Opinions on Media Closure
A vast majority of the students expressed an unfavorable opinion about the closure of private media. They believe this action limits information diversity and places many journalists in a difficult position.
Trust in Public Media
Only one out of four students reported having trust in public media, particularly the national broadcaster RTG.
Access to Information
Over half of the students (58%) believe that access to information should be free. Additionally, 42% use social media as an alternative source of information.
Preferred Information Channels
Two-thirds of the students prefer traditional media (radio, television) over social media due to the perceived reliability of the information.
Perceived Media Independence
Half of the students think certain groups, such as trade unions, influence the media, while 42% believe the media act independently.
Impact of Media Closures
Students report that the closure of private media has negatively affected journalists’ employment and reduced the diversity of information, which limits viewpoints on major social and political issues. This situation has increased mistrust in public media, seen as biased.
Credibility and Media Use
Despite relying heavily on social media for information, students question its credibility. Private media are still seen as reliable due to their balanced and varied coverage. Key criteria for media trust include fact-checking, source credibility, and free access to information.
Recommendations for Improvement
Students suggest:
- Reopening private media outlets
- Reforming public media to ensure editorial independence
- Integrating fact-checking and misinformation awareness into university curricula
- Promoting the use of reliable platforms
- Increasing transparency in media funding
- Adapting media to digital trends
Students as Change Agents
Students should be mobilized as key players in fostering responsible and informed media consumption.
Popular Information and Entertainment Sources
Currently, the most used social media platforms are Facebook, WhatsApp, and Messenger, followed by Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Online and Traditional Media
Students frequently consult RTG Online, Guinée Matin, France 24, and Africa News for news and entertainment. For television, RTG, France 24, and Africa News are most popular. On radio, students mainly listen to RTG and RFI.
Word-of-Mouth
This method is used less frequently for sharing information.
For more information, please contact:
Chief of Communication
Email: info@statviewinternational.com
Dr Aliou Barry
Telephone: +224-622-215-997
Email: aliou.newton@gmail.com | aliou.barry@statviewinternational.com
Please see:
www.statviewinternational.com
www.afrobarometer.org
Follow our results at #VoicesAfrica #Statviewinternational #Stopàlacensuredesmédias #Stopàladésinformation #Stopàlamésinformation.