Effects Of Privatization Of The Electronic Media

1.1 INTRODUCTION
It is a common belief that mass media play unquantifiable roles in matters of public interests, public opinion and formation of attitude.
According to a study carried out in 1969 by Simpson Etal, on the “effectiveness of the mass media and other channels of communication in Lagos; they found that “radio proved to be the most effective means of communication information to the people living in Lagos, and that radio is significantly listened to by both the rich and the poor alike in Lagos, Nigeria.”
Many people have equally written to bare their minds on the media of electronic media in Nigeria.
In the light of these therefore, the effects of privatization of electronic media in Nigeria, should not be either over or under stressed. This is because, the privatization of the broadcast media no doubt have far reaching effects on both the people, and those engaged in the operation including the government.
Some of these effects are positive while some are negative. However, before discussing these effects, let us stress here that in any country where the media ownership and control are vested on either the government or group of individuals, the media tend to act as megaphones for these in control, instead of performing their primary functions of informing, educating and entertaining the masses. This situation has been the bare of most countries of the world, particularly, in the developing nations such as Nigeria.
In spite of the above assertion, the Nigerian government over the years has exclusively stuck to the ownership and control of the broadcast media; advancing some reasons for their action, chiefly among which are “national unity”, internal security and need for developmental journalism in the country.
Whatever, the public spirited efforts and mounting pressure by the exports and wealthy individual entrepreneurs (informed by the need for industrialization and commercialization of the media). Over the years on the authorities for wider dissemination of information, the federal government yielded to this noble idea and in 1992, under then military administration of president Ibrehim Badamosi Babangida, a decree was promulgated empowering private participation in the electronic media: radio and television precisely.
Meanwhile, there are over fourteen (14) licenses already issued to private entrepreneurs for an take off.
Consequently, there is one radio station already is operation at Abia “BCA 88.1 MHZ radio, and one Television station “Minay system television” at Obosi, Ananmbra State etc.
In view of the privatization of the electronic media therefore, one envisages some far reaching effects both on the government and the entire people of the country.
Hence, I am carrying out this study to determine the extent of this treaties – the effects of privatization of the effects. Therefore, in pursuance of this treatise the effects of privatization of the Broadcast media in Nigeria, we intend to trace (a) the historical development of the electronic media in Nigeria; (b) the nature, power and functions, (c) Examining government monopoly in Abia State by research methodology and analysis; and (d) problems and prospects of the privatization of the electronic media in Nigeria with conclusion, prescribing some further recommendation in line with our initial hypotheses about this topic in question.

1.2 HISTORY OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA IN NIGERIA
The broadcast media is relatively new in Nigeria when compared to the newspaper medium. Although, the world over, it can not be said to be all that new.
For it had long been with the western world before it came to US. A brief history of electronic broadcast media in the world in general today, revealed that the major break-through occurred in 1832 when Samuel Morse invented the electric telegraph. However, in 1866, the first telegraphic message was sent from America to Europe.
Man, full of new discoveries, one invention led to another hence in 1875. Graham Bell invented telephone. Therefore, telegraph and telephone became remarkable inventions subject to certain limitations as their operations needed to be through wires. The only solution was wireless telegraph or warless telephone, in other radio.
In 1888, another scientist, Henrich Hertz produced the first radio wave and confirmed the earlier theory postulated by James clerk Maxwell a British scientist. Other inventions subsequently followed, including an Italian Gughliemo Marcom.
Moreover, tribute should be paid to an American for the first transmission of human voice over radio waves. He was R.A Fassenden, in 1906, he made historical debut of transmitting both voice and music to listeners; a historical broadcast, this first landmark in the bid to massive approach to communication, and an unforeseen achievement as a result of efforts for interpersonal communication.
Further improvement and development continued. By 1916, broadcasts in wireless transmitting company in Pittsburg, USA were received from wide and very large audience, who invariably, sent feed-back. To this effect, the station in 1920 was licensed to make regular broadcasts under the call sign KDKA and became the first broadcasting Nation in the world.
It is encouraging to hear, that manufacturing of wireless sets began in USA AND Britain. This made station services to increased. This led to “chaos in the air on the station services; due to interferences and jamming resulting mostly from nations transmitting from the same frequencies, the historical scientists posited.
Moreover, it will interest you to know that in response to these, the American congress passed the radio Act of 1927 to regulate broadcasting,.
Great Britain adopted a different approach with its wireless telegraphy Act on 1904, all those who wishes to transmit or receive signals had to obtain a license under stringent conditions given by the past office.
It is aimed at limiting the number of stations. To circumvent this, manufacturers and operators formed one company. It was licensed on December 15, 1922 for a four year period on its expiration; it was granted a charter by the British crown and renamed the British Broadcasting Corporation on January, 1927.
Perhaps, you may be getting impatient as to, how on earth did this broadcast of a thing came into this black most popular country? It is no history to many now, yet out romance with the British revealed greater part of our life and existence. As it is no longer story but obvious that, Nigeria was colonized by the British masters. This historical romance definitely left certain marks on our national life. Our acquisition association with the British via BBC’s overseas services.
BBC’S OVERSEAS SERVICE
In the 1924, the Director General of the British Broadcasting cooperation – BBC- Lord Redth came up with the idea of “Empire” broadcasting and involved the colonial office as such with little efforts, the empire services came into being on 19 December, 1932 and with it, King George V. from the palace and was recened throughout the world. In 1948, the empire service was renamed the External services of the BBC.
However, transmission of wireless service to Nigeria came in stages. The first was the rediffusion relay or distribution of Radio programmes from abroad through a central receiver by means of wires connected to loud speakers are installed in homes of subscribers. This was the experience of so many other British colonies. In Nigeria it was handled, mainly in densely populated towns like Lagos, Ibadan and Kano. The conditions allowed, for it installation to interested subscribers, on payment of fifty kobo per month was in Gazette notice No. 1098 of September 5m 1985.
Progressively, the radio distribution service (RDS) was commissioned in Lagos to relay BBC programme to subscribers. It was faced with the problem of not serving the massive audience, limiting the outreach, as it only served the densely populated areas.
Although latter in 1948, new local programmes were added: new features entertainments and local announcements.
However, it then operated under the call sign “Radio Nigeria; (under the) control of the “p” and “T” the workers from the public, relations departments prepared the programmes, read the news and train slated it into local languages.
During the second world wars, there was desired need to disseminate accruals propaganda to the masses of the colonies.
Unfortunately, the inadequacies of the RDS, caused an urgent need for alternative means of broadcasting that would serve greater majority of the people. To achieve this additional station had to be established, first at Ibadan then at the other provincial levels.
Overtly, for more efficiency, two stations were taken over on April, 1 1952 by a new body, the “Nigeria Broadcasting Service” later to be called “Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation.
As more states were created stations were found at their capitals. Earlier in 1949, the BBC under the sponsorship of the colonial office embarked on the survey of the broadcasting needs of the West African Colonels, among them Nigeria, in other to recommend ways for specially development of an effective broadcasting service.
The main objectives was the provide daily programme containing a high proportion of intelligible interesting and great value materials to the majority of the listeners which would cover both urban and rural areas.
Therefore to implement the recommended plan, adequate considerations were made as to the possible use of high frequency broadcasting, training of technical staff and use of local languages and source of revenue. Their activities resulted in drastic enhancement of the radio medium in Nigeria in terms of scope, trained man power infrastructure first from regional level.
Apart from the regional stations developing programmes that reflected the cultural peculiarities of the areas of coverage, (all) relayed national programmes. Regional programmes had to be embarked on in order to reach and satisfy the needs, tastes and aspirations of the over 250 different ethnic groups in the country with their divergent linguistic and cultural heterogeneities. These are done by way of political education, enlightment, information and entertainment.
With the introduction of the wireless telegraph in Nigeria called radio, the birth of the Nigeria broadcasting corporation came into being. Due to some political exigencies, especially between 1945 and 1951.
In 1954, a motion was tabled in the House of Representatives asking the government to set up a corporation to take over the activities of the NBS in order to remove the activities of the press criticism that the NBS is an organ of the Nigerian government.
The NBS was not expected from the usual prejudice that any organ of government was suspect ‘lpso facto’. Shortly before then, the government had compromised its impartiality with the activities of the NBS.
The mouse for self government in Nigeria, elicited political divisions in the House of Representatives leading to the opposition, Action group members resigning.
Sir, John McPherson went on air via NBS to explain his own side of the crisis. When the leader of the Action group, Chief Obafemi Awolowo sought for permission to put his own case across to the people’s unfortunate incidents happened:
a. The partiality of the NBS became clear.
b. The regional governments insisted on the constitutionally empowering their regions to establish the own broadcasting stations. These they did between 1959 and 1962. and these regional stations later to play much roles in the crisis of confidence which led to the Nigeria civil war between 1967 and 1970.
Therefore, in principle, the government accepted the establishment of the corporation but wondered the source of revenue for its funding. Therefore, expect advice was sought from BBC which obliged. It was therefore modelled on the BBC with national and regional organizational structure. It was agreed that their regional branches would have some measure of autonomy and all would be impartial in their o operations. Therefore, the functions of the NBC were clearly stated in the ordinance as duty of the corporation to provide independent and impartial broadcasting services by means of wireless telegraph and by television for general within Nigeria”. If at any time the governor general in council so requires, it shall be the duty of the corporation to provide like services for general reception in countries, and places outside Nigeria. Any services so provided shall be called external service.
The corporation shall ensure that the services which it provides, when considered as a whole reflect the unity of Nigeria as a federation and at the same time give adequate expression of the culture, characteristics, affairs and opinions of the federation”
However, each of the regions established their regional radio stations to carter for their needs i.e. the Eastern Broadcasting service (ENBS) For Eastern region while the west founded the western Nigeria Broadcasting service (WNBS).
The setting up of the regional radio stations not only served to supplement the efforts of the NBC but also provided a term spirit of competition which was to have tremendous impact on the quantity and quality of their progrmmes.
However, the NBC was not to be seen as being in competition with the regional stations, and this accounted for the non-involvement of the NBC in form of advertisement. With this, it followed the local radio stations to stay divine.
More, so to enhance efficiency, the NBC established zonal state in Ibradan, Enugu and Kaduna, in addition to Lagos, to provide impartial broadcast services to the country.
There was further restructuring in 1979, of the NBC through Decree no. 8 which led to the establishment of the federal radio corporation (FRCN). The operational guideline of decree No 8 did not differ firm the spirit of the ordinance of 1956 and 1957 which gave birth to NBC.
Although the FRCN articles focused more on the need for efficient broadcasting objectives and aspirations. It therefore sought for the following:
(a) Technical improvement
(b) Training improvement
(c) Programme and staff exchange.
In Nigeria today all the states of the federation enjoy, the broadcast service of the FRCN.
It should be taken into consideration that, when we are talking about “electronic media in Nigeria; we are invariably talking about radio and television media. It appears that much of the history has central on radio. Perhaps, it was the first to be introduction and discovered by man. That does not mean that television could not be mentioned even in its short life history in Nigeria as a part of electronic media in this treatise.
TELEVISION
This medium, an arm of electronic media came into this country as a child of political discord or dichotomy.
The broadcasting corporation of Abia states was tropical prime move of development in the town sine 1935. Most contributions in the area of development which the government made in the town were as a result of the efforts of well. Meaning people of ovum town in Abia State. Although critics described it as a wasteful and prestigious, yet, it was a regional pride and prestige. However, it objective was said to be to satisfy the educational aspiration of the region. This was in 1959.
In other words, by 1962, there were already established four television stations in Nigeria based in three major regions (ie. West, east and northern regions) and Lagos.
A decade later, there was a scramble and infact proliferation of electronic media in Nigeria spanned from Northern to the southern new states of Nigeria, polytechnics and universities had their televisions for instructional purpose.
However, in order to co-ordinate the 1973 all African games, held in Nigeria, it becomes necessary that all the stations came together as broadcasting organization of Nigeria (BON), and this gave the idea that led to the establishment of the nigeria television authority (NTA).
Thus restricted further establishment of more television houses for three years. In 1979, military rule ended and the federal governments restriction was revoked and by 1984, there were ‘34’ television stations in the country, as every state used the chance to established its own television house.
But decree No.24 of 1977, retrospectively effective April, 1976 gave the BCA and NTA the exclusive right to television. Broadcasting in Nigeria – this was the result of 1973 BON experiment.
The decree established or split the NTA into zonal in order to ensure the effective management of all NTA stations.
The authority’s decree further set up six operational zonal in the country:
Zonal A: Ibadan, Ikeja and Aborkuta
Zonal B: Benin, Akure, Aba- Owerri Port Harcourt.
Zonal C: Enugu, calabar and markudi
Zonal E: maiduguri, yola and bauchi.
Zonal F: Sokoto Minna and Ilorin.
Although, after this exercise there is a new development.
The newly created states, which makes it now a total of ‘30’ states plus Abuja, the new capital. However, all these zones are to take care of those states carved out within their periphery.
This treatise presents the careful recall or casting the historical fact about the establishment or electronic media in Nigeria.

1.3 WHY THE GOVERNMENT MONOPOLISES THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA.
This topic is not intended to be treaded in isolation of the main it is the belief that the effects of privatization of the electronic media, elicit some kind of background studies of the view of expects for better understanding. Before trying to know the effects it means there are agitation or needs for privatization and if it be so then, there may have been monopolization of the media, spanning criticism and perhaps certain reasons may have been posited for this demeanor.
However, it is not our major concern in this chapter to either criticize, nor apportion any blame on the researched reasons for the monopolization of the electronic media but to show the reader, the researched work on the governmental argument facts for holding on to the media it relates to our under standing the topic of this treatise and equipped us to follow through in our next chapters, that basically deal on the negative and positive effects of electronic media, the care of this treatise.

REASONS FOR GOVERNMENT.
The electronic media unlike the print media has long been under the government even as historically revealed. Therefore, “so many reasons have been deduced by many Nigerian experts and policy makers for the perpetuation of the ownership and control status quo” – in the words of such reason is that “the electromagnetic spectrum or waves are limited and should therefore be regulated by the government to ensure equity order. And fairness” it has also been posited that the role of broadcasting as an instrument or catalyst for nation- building or development is so important that should not be left in the entrusted hands, of private individuals or organization.
More so, this fact was corroborated by. Mr. Agboeze, a senior lecturer in the department of (mass communication), said that the very fact that radio and television are very powerful, volatile and versatile instrument of politicization, the danger of them fallen into the hands of some inscriptions politicians or political groups who may misuse them to gain and hold political power unfairly or propagate. Narrow – minded political ideologies or ideals is greatly feared” a lesson from the recent political landscape that nearly rock the boat of this nation to a stand still calls for further observation and care. Suppose the affected man in the annulled presidential election, perhaps is in possession of his own electronic megaphone to disseminate his political gospel in the way and manner he considered it to be facts before audience, what could have been the fact or fate of the nation today?
Therefore, the volatile nations of the media elicit sharp reactions to information received by its audience and are considered to be very true and fierce reactions as feed- back.
Although, monopolization of the media is common to most third would counties and Marxists dominated nations. However, the argument is that, Nigeria with various ethnic groups, tribes, religions sets, and a lot of dichotomies has reason to fear that some powerful religious or other groups of individuals can own or gain control of some powerful radio and television houses and misuse them in trying to sell their personal religious and other idiosyncrasies to Nigeria. Who have historically cherished secularism and freedom of ‘Jimeta’ Religious riot is still fresh to be forgotten, about the damage or blow it inflicted to our psyche. How the ‘maitaisine’ religious group wantonly destroyed lives and properties in the name of propagating their religion. How could we have curtailed or stopped that recklessness and bring calm to the people in the area, if perhaps they have been possession of any electronic medium to disseminate their own information an expert quarried?
There lies another argument of funds. The task of establishing and running the electronic media capital intensive. The poverty stricken countries like Nigeria and other Africans, only the governments are the position to Finance such enormous projects, as Opposed to individuals who may only be the wealthy few, which may lead to bureaucratization or business conglomeration and the its final bus top is the same monopoly – Journalism with the masses at disadvantage or losers which is what privatization may be trying to avoid.
However, because of this doubt or fear of individuals being able to find broadcast, media government harbour the fear that if let go, it will create room for dubious foreign investment in the electronic media.
Overtly, the constitutions of the country do not give it any blessing, some argued. Although it can be redressed too, some of the experts pointed out. Developmental consideration, dominates some thinking in the government circle.
Educational services and mobilization factor. Have continued to be the constant reasons of the government in the pact and the fear of western cultural imperialism or domination communication wise, which may retard the growth of the nation, is also part of the constrained argument.
The government excused herself, that the required manpower needs to run electronic broadcasting is quite enormous for one individual or groups to foster. Therefore, since she alone the position to do, so, it should enjoy the prerogative and control.
An expert queried this assertion as baseless, as it will not allow the growth of then industry.
Another argument centered on the rural folks. It is estimated that about 70-80 percent of the population are rural dwellers who speak and receive information’s in the local language; Government considered that commercial interest on the part of the private sector may set a barrier on social provision, and a communication ‘cut-off’ of the rural folks.
Since ruralities are to be developed through information’s on health, e.g. “Expanded Programme on Immumsation (EPI)”, and” Ora Rehydration Therapy (ORT)”. It was further argued that other self actualization programme like employment, mouthy, mysteries, recreation and cultural matters can only be effectively handled by government controlled media through, many good reasons have been advanced in favour of government monopolization of electronic broadcast media, yet, a few thing may be said of private ownership for proper understanding by an inquisitive mind. This will dominate subsequent chapter ahead to reveal effects, positively and negatively of privatization of electronic media in Nigeria. This may have wet your appetite to see government monopolistic reasons as to alternate it by privatizing the media and its effect to be weighed, as to strike a balanced effect.

1.4 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS
The roles of radio and television in the dissemination of information cannot be over emphasized.
This is particularly so when considering their powerful roles in grass root mobilization for active participation in governments programme of actions via propanda. According to Nwuneli (1976), radio attracts the most significant audience than any other medium of mass communication.
Thus, “exposure to radio is far greater than any other mass media due to the fact that radio leads itself to the predominant local language of the target audience”.
With the acquisition of television sets in virtually every home nowadays, and the satellite system of communication television is equally proving a great potential or force in mass communication.
Thus, both radio and television as the electronic media have played and are still playing important roles in information dissemination, news education, entertainment and mobilization of the citizenry towards nation building.
Therefore, one is compelled to believe that since the broadcast media have played such valuable and control, there are equally going to be new dimensions to the roles of the electronic media under both the government and private participation combined, where each is meant to complement the other.
In looking at these new dimensions, the role, the electronic media would take, we intend to find out what effects, privatization of electronic media are going to have on the country as whole. This study is prompted by the inscription of privatization of the inception of privatization of the broadcast media, which until recently have been exclusive reserve of the government which has used the media to champion its course and to perpetuate power. With private participation we are likely to see a situation where privatizing the media and effect to be weighed, as to strike a balanced effects. The government will be put on its toes for a healthy competition.
It is hoped that our findings will help to ascertain the effects of privatization of the broadcast media in Nigeria.

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
I made certain assumptions from the research problems and questions, from where these hypotheses were formulated:
H1 About eighty percent of the population appreciates the development of the electronic media in ovim community.
Ho About 80% of the populations do not appreciate the development of the electronic media in Ovim community.
H2 the people in the area give mobilized towards political, economic and social decisions of the nations
Ho the people in the area are not mobilized towards political, economic and social decision of the nation.
H3 the news content of the electronic media had helped to enhance the quality of lives in Ovim community.
Ho the news content of the electronic media had not helped to enhance the quality of live in Ovim community.

1.6 ASSUMPTION
These hypotheses are based on the assumption that peoples understanding and conviction as regards information received from the media are high. There is also, a change in attitude of the influence of electronic media. Another assumption is that people generally attach much importance and recognition to information and message emanating from the mass media especially radio and television.
Finally, it was assumed that majority of the people living in Abia states have being mobilized towards political, economic and social decisions of the nation.

1.7 SOCPE /LIMITATION:
This work took its course on the effects of privatization of the electronic media in Nigeria and the public in general, which is the listening and viewing audience. However, emphasis is limited to the people in Abia state. It is aimed at finding out the reactions of the listening and viewing audience in the eyes of the experts in mass communication and related disciplines and others towards the privatization of the electronic media as to ascertain its negative and positive effects on the society in relationship to government owned media.
The reactions of the practitioners is very necessary and shall not be lift out. This will help us to know their stand point , as to know if they fair better now or before , and the opportunities open to them to exploit , to be discussed is the level of restrictions the practitioners by the governments policies as part of checks.
To carry out this work, I relied heavily on libraries, related journals, and experts opinion in all related disciplines particularly mass communication scholars, political scientist and practicing journalists for the theoretical and research frame work of the study .

1.8 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY.
The major purposes of this treatise are to sensitized and analyze the effects of privatized electronic media on both the government owned electronic media and the information dissemination to the listening and viewing audience.
The possible competitive nature created by privatizing the media and what effect it may likely which will be either positive or negative. I will also look at the function, prospects, problems for privatization etc.
In the nation building.
An examination of papers already presented on this, calls for strict regulation of the system , if it may trine in Nigeria without abuse . It is not free for all affairs, it calls for responsibility on the part of the practitioners for cohesiveness required in legaliterian society where freedom is allowed but subject to some checks and balances.
The findings of this research work will be rewarding and help to farthorm if the situation is worth its approval.

1.9 THE IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH
Man embarks on research in order to review other people’s work for materials relevant to his particular course of study. It helps to unearth the unknown more about the know.
Research helps man to arrive at a dependable solution to your problems, the planned and systematic collection, analysis and helps man of data. It also helps man to discover, relationship among the phenomena of the world we live in, in every aspect of human existence, there is an element of research.
However, findings of this study will in no doubt contribute to what other media audience (experts) and practitioners, research scholars have done in this area. This will be additional imput to anyone who may wish to do more in the area. It is also a guide to the private and government owned media practitioners and otherwise in finding solution to how best to implement or handle the issue of privatization of electronic media in order to get effective result towards the dissemination of information in order to achieve growth in the industry, increase in rural mobilization and effective mobilization, informed development and the private sectors mangers.

1.10 DEFINITION OF TERMS
For the purpose of his work, these words are defined as follows:
PRIVATISATION
It is a means of transferring from state to private ownership.
DEVELOPMENT
It can be defined as a change from social, political and economic backwardness for a better and improved conditions.
RURAL DWELLERS
Are the residers or occupants of the areas situated outside the urban areas.
ELECTRONIC MEDIA
This is a process whereby Radio and Television, Newspaper are the medium for broadcasting as conveying information to the public.