From Watchdog to Circus:

By Samuel MUTABAZI

NEW MEDIA IN RWANDA MATTERS A LOT, BUT ITS INFLUENCE IS FREQUENTLY WASTED ON PERSONAL DRAMA INSTEAD OF PUBLIC GOOD.

 In recent years, the media landscape in Rwanda has expanded rapidly, with numerous new outlets emerging across print, digital, and broadcast platforms. While this growth has the potential to inform, educate, and empower the public, reconciliation and well - being of the society. much of the content produced today seems far removed from serving the public interest. Instead of focusing on issues that affect communities, such as governance, health, education, and social justice, many new media outlets are increasingly drawn into reporting on personal conflicts, scandals, and sensational stories. This shift has transformed journalism from a tool of accountability into a stage for intrigue and gossip.

One of the most noticeable trends is the coverage of disputes between individuals, often exaggerated or framed as entertainment for public consumption. Social media and online platforms amplify these stories, turning personal rivalries into “public spectacles.” This will affect audience in one way or another, what could have been a private disagreement is now consumed by thousands, generating clicks, likes, and shares. In this environment, success, jealousy, and competition between prominent figures are highlighted over substantive reporting. The result is a media environment that thrives on conflict rather than collaboration or community development.

This fixation on personal intrigues has also created what some might call a “cold war” atmosphere in the Rwandan new media where journalists with big names start fighting daily. Journalists and media houses appear to compete not just for viewership but for influence, often pitting personalities against one another. Professionalism can take a backseat to sensationalism, as stories are judged not by their societal relevance but by their ability to generate buzz. The focus on negative emotions hatred, jealousy, and rivalry distracts audiences from the critical issues facing the country, leaving many citizens uninformed or misinformed about matters that truly affect their lives. look at society these days, people are killing each other: son and Parent, couples, land property issues in some families. all this is because who would be a watchdog of society (journalists) is fighting nonsense battles of individual conflicts.

As Lecturer Masaka taught" there are four states for a good governance: legislative, Judiciary, executive and media as the fourth state" from this point, someone could ask a question about what Rwanda media house regulator doing to stop these issues before it's too late? because some of those new media are losing credibility.

To restore the media’s role as a servant of public interest, Rwandan journalists and media organizations must prioritize responsible reporting. This means focusing on issues that strengthen democracy, encourage social cohesion, and provide practical solutions to everyday problems. By shifting the lens from personal intrigue to public good, the media can regain credibility, build trust with audiences, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development. Entertainment has its place, but it should complement not replace the fundamental mission of journalism: informing and empowering the people.

Solo.

References:

there was Issues between Yago pondate and Isimbi tv, M. Empire, nowadays between big influencers M. empire and Bosco Empire. these guys are very big influencers we have here in new media and there are also professionals in journalism.

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