Actress Kehinde Bankole Bemoans Nigeria's "Pathetic" Sensational News Situation

Kehinde Bankole, a well-known Nollywood actress, has expressed her extreme dislike of the dramatic news coverage that is so common in Nigeria, blaming it on "consumer appetite." On social media, Bankole expressed her frank opinions, which sparked a discussion about how the public and media outlets shape the news landscape. "Nothing against these youngsters but it's pathetic," Bankole wrote in a since-trending tweet. Even worse, this demonstrates the appetite of consumers. There is a role for the people.

The actress underlined that the general public has important influence over the type of content that media outlets create. She maintained that media outlets would be forced to prioritise more in-depth reporting if viewers and readers were to "shun" sensationalised and poor news. Despite urgent national challenges demanding attention, Bankole bemoaned the present pattern of strong engagement with spectacular posts. "Everywhere you see people engage under such posts even more when there are so many serious issues aground at the time," she stated.

"Majority's minds & intelligence will break your heart," she added, expressing her dissatisfaction with what she sees as a widespread decrease in public conversation. Bankole emphasised that although media companies bear a great deal of responsibility, the public bears some of the burden as well. As she closed, she urged everyone to work together to demand greater standards in news reporting and consumption. "The media carry such huge responsibility but so must we the people too," she said.

Public figures are becoming increasingly concerned about the effect of sensationalism on public debate and the need for more responsible participation from news producers and consumers, as seen by Bankole's remarks.

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