Importance and role of radio and tv in nigeria free essay sample

Radio and Television as broadcast media have undoubtedly been of immense influence and have contributed tremendously to national development, specifically Nigeria. The success of these media is unconnected with its message content and large audience. This work aims at giving detailed insight as to how the broadcast media have contributed to national development in Nigeria as well as problems limiting its role. DEFINATION OF TERMS DEVELOPMENT The decades since the end of World War Two have witnessed an unrivalled drive for economic and social development by the majority of the world’s nations. Since the Civil war, development has been synonymous with economic, social, and political change in Nigeria. The Nigerian people, though diversified are united by their commitment for development. In order to understand the whole rationale behind the desire for development we should explain development even though there is no consensus about the meaning of development. Development therefore can be defined as the capacity of a state to increase its human resource with the aim of achieving higher outcome of production for the satisfaction of the basic needs of majority of its citizens and empowering them to make demands on the government. This view of development is purely a later adjustment of the initial view of the concept which was much economic oriented. Development can also be seen as the process of economic and social transformation that is based on complex cultural and environmental factors and their interactions. It refers to a change process geared at improving or making better, the life and environment of man. Dudley Sears (1985), posited that development involves the creation of opportunities for the realization of human potentialities. Also, according to the Oxford Dictionary, development means â€Å"a new stage in a changing situation. † To develop is to become more advanced. In the context of a nation, Eapen projected that three major factors must be considered in any discussion on development – economic growth, self reliance, and social justice. NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT National development is a term that refers to a sustainable growth and development of a nation to a more desirable one. National development is people oriented and its success is evaluated in terms of the impact it has had in improving the lot of the masses. In defining the concept, the third national development plan of 1980says’’True development must mean the development of man, the unfolding and realization of his creative potentials, enabling him to improve his material conditions of living through the use of resources available to him. It is a process by which mans personality is enhanced. On his own part Enahoro, cited in Onabajo and M’Bayo (2009) says national development should be man oriented and not institution oriented, that is, individually in collectiveness and not individual. To Elugbe, (1994), national development refers among other things, to the growth of the nation in terms of unity, education, economic well being and mass participation in government. Development entails the provision of all the necessary materials and equipments that will guarantee that man in every society make a living and essence out of life. National development involves changes or advancement in a nation aimed at improving the political, economic and social lives of the people. It also involves political, economic and social factors. Development is a qualitative change, which entails changes in the structure of the economy, social environment, and political disposition. The targets of national development are the people, because it is focused on human population. The overall object of national development is human development, the purpose of which is to enlarge people’s choices for greater access to knowledge; better nutrition and health services; more secure livelihoods; security against crime and physical violence; political and cultural freedoms; and a sense of participation in community activities. HISTORY OF RADIO NIGERIA ORIGIN OF RADIO AND TELEVISION IN NIGERIA Origin of Radio in Nigeria The history of radio in Nigeria can be traced back to 1932when a monitoring and listening base was set up in Lagos with the introduction of the Radio Distribution System by the British colonial government under the Department of Post and Telegraphs (PT). The Radio Distribution System (RDS) was a reception base for the British Broadcasting Corporation and a relay station, through wire systems connected to loudspeakers at the listening end of subscribers who paid small subscription fees. This was carried out sequel to a decision by the decision of the British Government in London to link its West African colonies with their mother country, Britain. In 1935, the Radio Distribution System was changed to Radio Diffusion system. The aim was to spread the efforts of Britain and her allies during the Second World War through the BBC. In 1939, the colonial public relation office, later to become Federal Department of Information began supplying the Radio Distribution Station with short cultural programmes featuring Nigerian artiste. Ibadan station was commissioned in 1939, followed by the Kano station in 1944. Later, a re-appraisal of radio broadcast objectives gave birth to the establishment of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS) in 1950. The NBS began broadcast in Lagos, Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano and Enugu on short wave and medium wave transmitters. Through a Bill by the House of Representatives, the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) was established in 1956. The NBC took up the responsibilities of radio broadcast in Nigeria. The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) was established in 1978. In 1962,The Voice of Nigeria (VON) which served as the external service was established . With the creation of more states and each state wanting to propagate its people and culture, the pace for radio broadcast began in Nigeria and has spread fast across the length and breadth of the nation. In 1976, the states were enlarged to 19 by the Federal Military Government of General Murtala Mohammed. Each state was granted the right to establish radio stations on medium wave or AM band while the short wave was reserved for Radio Nigerian stations Lagos, Enugu, Kaduna and Ibadan. 1n 1977, AM/FM was inaugurated as second sound channel and the NBC had its name changed to Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in 1978 and by 1980, FRCN stations were established in other states. By 1992, Radio broadcasting in Nigeria had attained full fledge development with the removal of government monopoly in radio and television broadcasting. This was signalled by the establishment of NBC Decree No. 38 of 1992 given by the military government of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. By 1993, licence was given for private broadcasting in Nigeria. Dr. Raymond Dokpesi set the ball rolling in 1994 when he established Nigeria’s first private radio station, Ray Power Radio. Three months later, Minaj Systems Radio was set up by Mike Ajegbo in Anambara state. ORIGIN OF TELEVISION The beginning of what can be termed as proper broadcasting in Nigeria that is the ability to originate and disseminate indigenous local programmes can be traced to the middle of the 20th century when the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) was established on April 1, 1957 as a statutory department of government with the responsibility for putting in place and running extensive radio network capable of providing programmes to any member of public in Nigeria who had access to either a wireless receiving set or a box. The evolution of television in Nigeria followed a similar pattern as that of radio. The irony here is that while it was the Federal Government that started the first radio broadcasting station in the country, it was a regional government that first ventured into television broadcasting, Chief Obafemi Awolowo then premier of western region of Nigeria established the first in Nigeria and indeed Africa in 1959. The birth of the Western Nigerian Television (WNTV) has been described as accidental in so far as chief Awolowo embarked on it due to his inability to use the services of the Federal Radio station to reply to the broadcast of then Governor-General Macpherson over the constitutional matters of 1953. Although the principal aim of establishing the Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) as was claimed by the proponents was to serve as surrogate teacher in improving the regional school systems that were handicapped by ill-qualified teachers or a shortage of them in certain subject areas. It would be recalled that chief Awolowo was denied the use of the Federal radio even when the commission’s has an obligation to give objective and impartial news and views to its listeners. Thus angered by this and other related developments and taking into cognizance the 1954 constitutional provision in which broadcasting ceased to be in the federal exclusive list, chief Awolowo established in partnership with overseas Rediffusion Company limited of the United Kingdom, the Western Nigerian Television (WNTV) at Ibadan. The station was operated as an arm of the Western Nigeria broadcasting commission’s which by 1960 has introduced radio broadcast over the whole region. Following the success of the Western Region’s effort, the other two regions in Nigeria then, North and East upon realizing the power and influence of radio and television went on to establish their own broadcast stations. In 1960, the Eastern Regional government set up the Eastern Nigeria Television Station at Enugu. Shortly after in 1962, the Northern Nigerian Regional government and a British Television company- Grenada Electrical Co. CONTRIBUTIONS OF RADIO AND TELEVISION TO NIGERIA’S NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT INTODUCTION There is no doubt that Radio and Television have an important role to play in society, but how the role is pursued and carried out is a matter of critical importance. Where the broadcast media pursue the role in the face of professionalism, truth, fairness and justice, then the society immensely benefits. The relationship between radio/television and national development has been tested in this study, and found to be positive. Research conducted in various Nigerian societies at different times indicates that the broadcast media play a crucial role in national development. They represent the tool for shaping public opinion; promoting democracy and good governance, influencing behaviour; facilitating nation-building, educating members of society; and promoting policies that guarantee high quality of life. The broadcast media, as vanguards for political, economic and social development, represent a functional organism that carries out a specific role in society. The crucial role played by radio and television in national development is not in doubt. The role covers the political, economic and social spheres. The media set the public agenda and act as the gatekeeper of public issues. For the broadcast media to successfully contribute to national development there are certain roles expected of them. These roles include providing checks and balances in democracy (Fourth Estate), setting public agenda, gate-keeping, watchdog, health enlightenment e. t. c. HEALTH Radio and television helps health workers expand their audience reach, which is crucial considering the fact that face-to-face channels of communication often require too many human resources and reach only a small number of people in large, rural areas especially when radio as a medium is used. The broadcast media provides an important link between the rural residents and vital health information. Environment pollution and ecological imbalances have challenged the life on earth in modern times. Rapid population growth, Urbanization problem of drain, huge stock of garbage, deforestation, evacuation of sarcastic gases from industry and automobiles are some of the reasons of environment pollution. Necessity of clear environment for health and hygiene, need of sanitation, information about birth control devices are brought to the masses through different radio and television programmes. General awareness about the environment and its problems are raised through broadcast programmes. The broadcast media, in the form of the radio and television, are an effective way to persuade target audiences to adopt new behaviours, or to remind them of critical information. Besides keeping the public informed about new diseases and where to seek help, they also propagate various health campaigns such as immunisation campaign. The broadcast media can empower rural populations to fight major causes of infant mortality such as diarrheal, dehydration and diseases which can be prevented through vaccination, inform large numbers of people of seasonal or daily variations for such activities as an immunization campaign or availability of a new product or service, teach new health skills such as how to mix oral rehydration solution, promote new health behaviours such as taking ivermectin once a year, motivate ad hoc or organized listening groups, and increase community acceptance of health workers. Good health is very important to the existence and progress of any society as only healthy people can take part in developmental activities. According to Nwosu, a healthy mind and critical thinking necessary for effective performance for leaders, managers and the masses at large. Good healthis a senequanum for achieving participatory human development. Case Study: Messages for a Vaccination Campaign In order to increase the number of children less than a year old receiving vaccinations in Nigeria, radio and television broadcasts were created because almost everybody utilized one or both media channels. According to a study done later to determine the efficacy of the campaign, using the radio and television resulted in more children being vaccinated on schedule. These results show that in places where people use broadcast media regularly and vaccinations are available, effective radio and television spots can increase vaccination rates and extend the reach of health workers . short rural radio programs can be development by recording local skits and brief interviews with parents. Powerful synergy between two communication channels is achieved when village skits are broadcasting on local radio stations. Radio can be used with great success as health communication tools. Not only are they cheaper and more readily available in rural areas, their programs can also be adapted to suit local needs in terms of language, culture and values. In Nigeria, the use of radio spots or advertisement have been used successfully to combat malaria. Case Study: Using Radio for Diarrheal Disease Control in Nigeria To prevent the deaths of infants and young children from diarrheal, radio broadcasts were used to train health professionals to treat the disease, distribute relevant health materials and set up places where mothers could learn how to prepare medication properly. According to the evaluative study performed later, given a similar level of staff effort but the far greater coverage achieved by radio, it was found that more than twice the number of mothers learned the correct procedure for mixing SSS (the medication) from the radio than did those who learned it from face-to-face communication. This provides strong evidence that the radio campaign was a successful health communication strategy. EDUCATION: Education continues to be a crucial means to national development as a well educated and trained population contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of a country. The broadcast medium sees to the enlightenment of its audience. Through the kind of information relayed, talk shows on topical issues for example sex education, domestic violence, women empowerment etc utility programmes e. g â€Å" productive entrepreneur† aired on 96. 9 cool FM radio which teaches its audience what to do, how to achieve a task etc. Ignorance is therefore alleviated to a large extent as members of the society are enlightened. By this, acts of ignorance and false values which clouded the judgment of broadcast audience are discarded through education posed by both radio and television; members of the society inculcate fundamental values. Enlightened by means of this education citizens develop the capacity to contribute to welfare of the society. Development cannot be conceived in the absence of education nor born in the presence of ignorance. The education given by the broadcast media vary from social values/ acceptable norms, as in distinguishing between good and bad behaviour, developing spirit of tolerance ( anger management) health related issues such as dieting, weight loss, keeping fit etc. By developing the mind of the masses, they are equipped for national building. POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT: Radio and television can affect politics and culture, support institutional change and development. Communication is not only a tool for the expression of ideas and opinions, but very often acts as catalyst for development of the society. The exercise of free expression allows all sectors to debate and construct solutions for political problems. Some of the areas in which political solutions are sought through the role of the media are discussed below: Democracy and Good Governance: The broadcast media form an important and influential bridge, a crucial channel, between government and people. The right to democratic governance is a fundamental human right to be exercised by people through free and fair elections. Accountability of political leaders to the people; transparency in political, economic and social affairs; recognition of the views and opinions of the public in the formulation of policies; and providing citizens the opportunities to discuss, without fear of intimidation, policies and issues, constitute the measure of good governance. Free, fair and accurate media is essential to a healthy, functioning democracy. Broadcast media are required to enable the public make informed electoral choices; have effective input into public affairs, ensure that the rule of law is upheld; and that the mechanisms designed to check abuses of power can function properly. Overall, the broadcast media therefore act as â€Å"facilitators to check dictators, arrogant leaders and political elites that think they can get away with their actions. This can be achieved through talk shows on radio and television, this creates room for political leaders to be questioned (interviewed) and made to account for their actions and inactions. Phone in programmes on radio gives the common man direct access to their leaders thereby fostering democracy in its true nature. â€Å"Sunrise† on Channels television is a good example of a programme that ensures accountability of public office holders and politicians. The programme invites national dignitaries, interview them and hold them accountable to their office on national television. Proper investigations are made before such interviews and so where there are loopholes, they are thrashed out during interview. Political Transparency: Transparency refers to the political values of openness and democratic accountability. According to Balkin, it encompasses three political virtues; informational, participatory and accountability. The media can make the political system more transparent by helping people understand the operations of government, participate in political decisions, and hold government officials accountable. It is however worthy of note that the media can be manipulated by politicians by diverting audience attention, and supplement politics with new realities that crowd out and eventually displace other political realities and political issues. â€Å"Focus Nigeria† aired on African Independent Television is a good example of a programme which promotes political transparency. Topical issues of political and national interest are dissected, giving the audience better understanding and information on government operations. Human Rights: Human rights are the rights which every human being is entitled to enjoy and to have protected. The media can defend these rights as enshrined in national constitutions and recognised by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Such rights include the right to life, freedom of speech, freedom of association, and the right to a fair hearing. By giving voice and information to the people, the media automatically protects the freedom of speech. Media attention can prevent or deter the abuses of human rights by despotic regimes, as was the case of apartheid South Africa, former Yugoslavia and Idi Amin’s Uganda, not always by changing the character of such regimes, but more by focusing international condemnation of their actions. Today in Nigeria, through media enlightenment, citizens have been empowered, and have been able to avoid exploitation and infringement of their rights by legal, political and national authorities e. g The Nigerian Police force. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Radio and television can boost economic development by promoting good governance and empowering citizens, so that economies can function better. The Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) defines economic development as a sustainable process of creating economic opportunity for all citizens; stimulating business investment; diversifying the public revenue base; and enhancing quality of life. Economic development, according to the US Department of Commerce, is fundamentally about enhancing the factors of productive capacity of a national economy. It is about economic growth, increase in competitiveness, sustainable development, reduction of poverty and inequality, increasing wages and benefits, and industrial policy. The key areas associated with media contribution to economic development are: Business and Investment Environment: For economy to grow, it requires the enabling environment for businesses and investments to flourish. The media can provide atmosphere for healthy trade; foster business climate of transparency and accountability; and ensure that accurate financial information is available to potential investors. Global and foreign media report on international economic issues, currency markets and international trade. The broadcast media can however make or mar the enabling environment. Publications on threats to the national security environment, such as wars, civil unrests, epidemics, violent crimes, corruption etc. , are known to have scared away investors. The consequence could be capital flight, disinvestment, and decline in production and services. Freedom of expression as a fundamental right, must go with corresponding media responsibility. It should be noted that the media, though committed to getting the story right, are also in the business of reporting exciting news to sell. If not well balanced, by taking cognisance of national interest, such news can have a devastating effect on national economy. Through the broadcast media content, economic analysis which are highly informative, are made. Business ideas are sold out to the public, vital information such as how to run a business are relayed. A good example of television programme geared towards national economic development is â€Å"African Born Business† showing on Money Mart Television on channel 17, Daar Sat. Economic Empowerment: The poor and women in Nigeria are usually the economically disadvantaged groups. Radio and television enhances the ability of poor and disenfranchised members of society to make their voices heard. They have the duty to expose the living conditions of the poor and the oppressed, so that the leadership would feel some pressure to act. The broadcast media can also help in sensitizing government programmes on poverty alleviation and economic empowerment, so that public services are made more responsive to the poor. On women, empirical studies show that women’s access to the broadcast media is associated with better income and in addition to better health and fertility outcomes. In situations or places faced with economic meltdown, the broadcast media have proferred solutions severally through proper analysis. The use of Radio and television all over the world has not only reduced the gap of information, but has also contributed to the economic growth of nations, specifically Nigeria. Communication, has contributed to the rapid economic development of various societies in Nigeria. MEDIA AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: The World Bank defines social development as development that is equitable, socially inclusive and therefore sustainable Social development promotes various institutions at all levels that are responsive, accountable and inclusive. It empowers the poor and vulnerable people to participate effectively in development processes. To play a role in social development, Radio and television assist the society in tackling problems of corruption, criminal violence, communal conflicts, public health and related issues. Corruption: Corruption has been seen as the abuse of public power for personal gain or for the benefit of a group to which one owes allegiance. Corruption is said to distort economic and social development. It does so by engendering wrong choices and by encouraging competition in bribery rather than in the quality and price of goods and services. The broadcast media can expose corruption in both the government and corporate sector. According to Stapenhurst, media can act as a force against corruption in ways that are both tangible and intangible. For Ogosoo, it is the key role of radio and television to educate society and expose the acts of corruption. In Nigeria, the broadcast media can broadcast reports which can affect the reputation of key individuals in society and corrupt activities. Since people care about their reputation, the broadcast media attention can provide strong incentives for changing behaviour, therefore about corruption, and secondly, as watchdog, reputational penalties and rewards can be powerful in ensuring accountability toward constituents. There are other external examples in which the broadcast media contributed to ousting of corrupt leaders, such as Presidents Bucaram in Ecuador, Perez in Venezuela, Collar in Brazil, Estrada in Philippines and Nixon in US. Machebu S. as cited by Yakasai A. S. 1996, stated, â€Å"The press in Nigeria can never properly claim to be discharging any significant responsibility if it fails to consistently, describe if not denounce, the countless ways in which the pursuit of wealth corrupts the polity and Compromises our future†. Communal Conflicts: Racial violence; widespread ethnic rivalry and religious intolerance in parts of Nigeria, and widespread prejudice and discrimination against national minorities, are all part of the national news reporting. The outbreak of conflict in Anambara and the simmering conflicts based on religious rivalry and ethnic differences in Nigeria are examples. The most important question therefore is how should the media foster balance in communication when reporting events on conflicts? This is an important challenge to the broadcast media. Free from bias in reporting, the media can play the role of enhancing political stability and national integration, especially in multi-ethnic, multi-religious heterogeneous societies Nigeria. Disasters: The electronic media provide extensive coverage of disasters, particularly those with strong visual impact that is television. Radio and television could broadcast early warnings, evacuation information and increase public awareness about risks and responses for example, the overflow of the river Niger as a result of the opening of the Cameroon dam in 2013. This particular incidence led to flooding of various communities in the eastern region. The major route from Kogi state to Eastern Nigeria was block as a result of flood. People had to be evacuated from their homes temporarily and needed sustenance; food. The broadcast media was swift to report this disaster. Various television coverage was able to show the extent of harm done, the plight of those affected, this led to or instituted nation affection or reaction as relief was sent from various parts of Nigeria to the victims. Also, travellers heading to Eastern Nigeria were adequately informed on the situation of the road and were able to avoid the lane. The broadcast media undoubtedly set the issue as one of national interest, and therefore was treated in that manner. As a medium, one of the most basic applications of the television lies in its ability to portray the devastation of disasters, both as they occur and in their aftermath. Fry identifies major categories of disasters which can harm the welfare of the society; Natural such as such as earthquake, floods, hurricanes and drought; Technological; such as plane crashes, oil spills and nuclear reactor failure. A study in Nigeria compared state government allocations of relief spending and public food distribution during natural disasters. Distribution of relief was greater in states with higher television viewership and radio audience. When disasters occur, the broadcast media play multiple roles: (i) Purvey information on incidents. (ii) They can impact news of impending disaster, convey the effects of events that have taken place or are unfolding. (iii) Natural disaster coverage can lead to political action. (iv) Disaster stories may evoke sympathy, community solidarity, and national action. Peace-Building: Peace-building means strengthening the prospects for peace and weakening the chances of renewed violence in war-torn states of a country. The goal of peace-building is to enhance the capacity of a society to manage its own conflicts without violence. The broadcast media are a force to reckon with in peace-building situation. They clear the way for the enforcement of human rights which are likely to be abused in times of emergency, and these would include protection of women and children against abuse; health and control of epidemics; law and order, specifically exposing and preventing arbitrary arrests, torture and inhuman treatment, etc. The radio is a very good medium for this, programmes such as â€Å"Love Nigeria† on Hot 98. 3 Abuja is popular for its human right activism and instillation of love and patriotism which fosters peace amongst the masses and audience member. In order to ensure a peaceful national coexistence and progress, the broadcast media discourages such negative issues as ethnicity, dictatorship in leadership and of course discourage embezzlement of public funds, as it is the disturbing trend presently indulged by politicians occupying positions of responsibilities and related public officers in Nigeria. Perhaps if the media in Nigeria were carrying out or were allowed to ideally carry out their function of investigating facts and announcing them to the public, the recent suspension of former CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido over the disappearance of funds NATIONAL INTEGRATION AND INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING: The need of national integration and international understanding is essential in all quarters in modern times. Countries are coming close to each other now-a-days through rapid communication revolution. The sense of unity, co-operation and mutual relation are to be fostered among people to ensure a peaceful living within Nigeria and other parts of the world. TV programmes on the role of UNESCO, UNO and World Bank for international understanding as well as common cultural programmes like Celebration of National Day, Centenary programme e. t. c strengthen national integration and are welcomed in our nation. INCULCATION OF SOCIO-POLITICAL AND CULTURAL VALUES: Socio-Political and Cultural achievement of the country described through different programmes to foster the sense of brotherhood among the people of different caste, creed and sex. Changing social systems, cultural and political issues are also brought for discussion and debate and exhibition on cultural exchange and political reviews are necessary for preservation of cultural values. Through television programmes, entertainment is brought to people . The role of television and radio are noteworthy for promoting national unity, developing economy and refining socio-cultural life of people. Its great contribution to humanity is education through different programmes content. Constant relay of positive socio-cultural messages can influence the values and political behavioural pattern of citizens. The bro