In the olden days information dissemination was more personal.
The Village or Town Chief would send news bearers to the peoples. They carried a drum and a stick. At vantage points in public place the information bearers beat drums to rally peoples around them. Then whatever the community needs to know , do and take notice of are announced to them in an interactive and personal way.
This mode of spreading official news was interesting. It brought the community together. And closer to the Chiefs and officials of public administration.
Questions and answers formed part of the process. Often the activity took place very early in the morming when most villagers or towns' folks are awake and about ready to go out for one thing or the other. To make life better. sometimes early evenings also found the information men doing their work.
Special heavy sound making Cymbals were used in addition to the drums. The audience was always very mixed. With both the elderly , boys and girls in attendence. Very young children found themselves in the exciting gathering.
The Assembly starts with remarkable silence , respect and discipline to hear what is in store for them.
Often depending on the content of what is delivered , the gathering may appear calm , happy or unhappy. Normally something to do with coming festivities are received with great joy and enthusiasm.
However disasters and increases in local levies elicit uneasy calm and disappointment.
Back home from the public meeting for relevant Community , Town or Village news Households also gather informally at home. They discuss and debate matters arising from what has been heard and learnt. They form views and positions on the message from the authorities.
The young may be made to understand the depth and implications of any dos and donots that may be associated with the public announcements.
