Abstract
The paper examines the role of new media actors in the West African Republic of Benin, commonly referred to as ‘grogneurs’ or ‘faiseurs d’opinion’. These are frequent callers to interactive radio shows that openly discuss politics and society in contemporary Benin. I argue that it is too simplistic to define them as “citizen journalists”. Instead, we need to adopt a more complex analysis of the actors, the politics and the new configurations of the public sphere(s) shaped by a wide range of actors, interests, practices and technologies. The research focuses mainly on a series of call-in shows, commonly called grogne in Benin, where listeners can express themselves freely on topical issues or denounce abuses. It is evident that these programs have become the primary platform through which these grogneurs express themselves. Their success is being significantly boosted by the increasing ease of access to mobile phones and social media, and their enduring reputation for truthfulness. My paper argues that the grogneurs can be seen as information brokers. They capitalise on the enabling potential of new media technologies and social media, which unfold their full potential in Benin when closely intertwined with more ‘traditional’ media such as radio and press. From a performative approach, the analysis of grogne shows and grogneurs’ interventions should be conceptualised as a media ritual and a drama, which follows specific scripts and includes typical rhetoric, interaction rituals, verbal as well as indirect means of communication.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
PARTICIPATORY MEDIA; CALL-IN SHOWS; RADIO; INFORMATION BROKERS; BENIN; WEST AFRICA
