THE AWARENESS LEVEL OF FOREIGN POLICY AMONGST MODERN MEDIA PRACTITIONERS IN THE GAMBIA

Abstract

This study aims to identify how modern media affects the Gambia government's choice of foreign policy. The study is purely qualitative. A total of 133 respondents were master’s students while 20 were lecturers. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with media personnel. Data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by using the Likert scale and the SPSS software to analyze the data according to the research objective. The findings of the study showed the level of awareness of the influence the media has on foreign policy in Gambia. The media have played a role as monitors, sources of information, opinion-makers, and catalysts in the development of various policies at the national and international levels. The study recommends the empowering of modern media institutions to have access to information, especially on issues related to foreign policy to improve public confidence.