CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Broadcasting is the distribution of audio and video contents to a dispersed audience. It is the disseminations of information to a large heterogeneous audience who receive the information simultaneously. The National Open University of Nigeria (2006, p. 2) defines broadcasting as dissemination of information through an entirely electronic means of encoding and decoding communication messages. Also Folarin (2000, p. 35) as cited by Kuewumi (2009, p.139) defines broadcasting as the planned provision of information, education and entertainment to a large and heterogeneous audience through two major media of mass communication of the radio or television. According to Onabajo (2000, p.2), broadcast audiences are able to access broadcast messages on the radio and television through their receivers which help in decoding such information. The radio is popularly defined as a ‘blind medium’ of mass communication. It broadcasts messages through speech so delivered to appeal to imagination. Crisell in Fleming (2010, p.85) also defines the radio as a ‘live predominantly personal’ broadcast medium which is personified through the voice of its on-air personnel who project a personality, through which its listeners can: identify, connect and establish a personal relationship with the station. Radio is considered to be an important medium for primary education in Africa. Because the medium is relatively cheap, it provides the opportunity for majority of Africans who are largely rural uneducated settlers to get broadcast information, education and entertainment. The television on the other hand is considered to be the most powerful mass medium invented by man. Unlike the radio, television provides its audience the opportunity to view as well as listen to its messages. However, it is an expensive medium because of the high costs of acquiring a set, lack of electricity and weak coverage.

        Both radio and television broadcast media perform an indispensable role in the development of any nation. Its unique role of information dissemination is likened to be the bedrock for meaningful development in any human society. Egbon (1995) as cited by Onabajo (p.3), states that the broadcast media report and interpret information about the society unit, highlighting its successes and failures, as well as its norms and values. It also provides cultural guidelines that help to teach the citizens how to live, how to behave and what is expected of them through various program contents. Traditional broadcasting began through radio and television electronic media, but with the intervention of globalization, broadcasting has moved beyond these traditional media to a broader spectrum of direct satellite broadcasting, and webcasting (internet facilitated broadcasting) whereby broadcast messages can be sent to an even more heterogeneous international audience. According to Onabajo (pp.6&9), radio and television broadcasting in Nigeria have reached many different levels of development. What began as a mere rudimentary, experimental monitoring media in Nigeria has over the years spread its tentacles beyond the local airwave, sending broadcast messages to its international audiences through direct satellite broadcasting.

        On the other hand the attitude of Nigeria towards the acceptance of broadcast media could play a role in the level of transformation and socio-economic development in Nigeria. According to Umeh, (2010), the broadcasting media can be a bridge between transitions from traditional society to a modern society. Second, the broadcasting media should be able to decide exactly what information or rubric that will be delivered because the media can influence public mindset and raise people’s aspirations. The broadcasting media as a supporter of social changes serve as a giver of information

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM     

Nigeria as a country has experienced all forms of vices in terms of corruptions, terrorism, human trafficking and other forms of violence. The federal government of Nigeria has put in so much effort in the transformation processes in the country; various methods have been implemented but most the methods proved abortive. Secondly there have been series of studies on the role of broadcast media in Nigeria but not even a single study has been carried out on the relevance of broadcasting media in transforming the attitude of Nigeria for a better society.

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main aim of the research work is to examine the relevance of broadcasting media in transforming the attitude of Nigeria for a better society. Other specific objectives of the study are:

1. to determine the extent to which broadcasting has transformed the attitude of the Nigeria for  a better society
2. to determine the relationship between broadcasting and socio-economic development in Nigeria
3. to investigate on the factors affecting the broadcasting media in Nigeria
4. to determine the effect of privatization on the growth of broadcast media in Nigeria
5. to proffer solution to the above stated problems

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The study came up with research questions so as to ascertain the above stated objectives of the study. The research questions for the study are:

1. To what extent has broadcasting transformed the attitude of the Nigeria for a better society?
2. What is the relationship between broadcasting and socio-economic development in Nigeria?
3. What are the factors affecting the broadcasting media in Nigeria?
4. What is the effect of privatization on the growth of broadcast media in Nigeria?

1.5 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0: there is no significant relationship between broadcasting and socio-economic development in Nigeria

H1: there is significant relationship between broadcasting and socio-economic development in Nigeria

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY         

The study on the relevance of broadcasting media in transforming the attitude of Nigeria for a better society will be of immense benefit to the entire broadcast stations in Nigeria, the government (local, state and federal) in the sense that it will enable the federal government communicates their ideas and development to the masses through broadcast media. The study will also serve as a repository of information to other researchers that desire to carry out similar research on the above topic. Finally the study will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge in this field of study and provide a basis for further research

1.7 SCOPE OF STUDY

The study on the relevance of broadcasting media in transforming the attitude of Nigeria for a better society will focus on two radio stations (Joy fm and Inspiration FM)

1.8 LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Broadcast media: The following terms in the study are here by defined conceptually and operationally: