Transition Journalism: The Midwife of Democracy The reality, however, is that the media in Nigeria and Britain do not always live up to the ideal. Strict laws, private property and, sometimes, the threat of alternative forces connect them. The media is supposed to help shape public opinion, but it in turn is as confusing and evolutionary as it is new and revolutionary. The media, however, can also play anti-democratic roles; they create a sense of fear, division and violence among people. Instead of promoting democracy, they may contribute to democratic decay. This article examines the impact of media convergence on democratic governance, reflecting on the power it gives citizens to use news to make informal political choices. Democracy requires the active participation of its citizens. Udogu, a prominent figure in the broadcasting community, said poor education and poor dissemination of information are partly responsible for the failure of leadership in emerging countries. Therefore, the function of the news media should keep citizens engaged in the affairs of authority by informing, educating and mobilizing the public to participate in the democratic process. In many new democracies, print media, the Internet and television are the preferred media; as they are less expensive and more accessible. Information exchange offers greater possibilities to help support a more pluralistic political organization. With all their profound complexities, the mass media expand the public sphere and, in general, welcome more participants who independently engage in debate and discussion of politics. For example, the news media in Nigeria has remained stagnant throughout the West African country's democratic process… middle of paper… conclusion, democracy functions as a system of consensus and equal majority rule that depends on public cooperation. The role of the media is to constantly engage and unify the public by providing information and educating them on topics of great importance. Although democracy works differently in developing countries like: Nigeria and established countries like: Britain; no true democracy can function without a sense of freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Think about it, freedom of the press is based on freedom of expression which is an important aspect of citizen involvement in the affairs of the country. The British population proudly accepts media involvement in their country as a form of progress. The press can play a useful role, but it would be wrong to accept that only it can truly make a difference to democracy..