Comparative Analysis Of The Problems Facing Private Televisions And Government Televisions In The Dissemination Of Information
(A Case Study of Minaj Television Obosi, a Private Television And That Of NTA Channel 12 Owerri a Government Owned Television House)
Private televisions and government televisions encounter distinct challenges in the dissemination of information. Private televisions often contend with financial constraints, as they rely heavily on advertising revenue and may struggle to maintain editorial independence while meeting commercial obligations. Additionally, competition for viewership in the saturated media landscape poses a challenge, requiring private televisions to constantly innovate and invest in engaging content. Conversely, government televisions may face issues related to credibility and perceived bias, as they are often viewed as instruments of the ruling regime and may struggle to earn public trust. Furthermore, government televisions may encounter bureaucratic hurdles and censorship, limiting their ability to report objectively and comprehensively. Both sectors also grapple with the rapid evolution of digital media and changing audience preferences, necessitating adaptation strategies to remain relevant in the modern information ecosystem.
The problems which face both private and government owner television stations have always been a concern to both public and media experts,
This work is aimed at providing answers to questions asked while accomplishing.
The objectives written in the first chapter of the work.
This work is divided into five chapters.
Chapter one gives the background of the study and frame work upon which research is built.
The second chapter centers on literature review.
The third chapter concerns the general methodology that guided the research,
The fourth chapter covers data presentation, analysis and interpretation,
The fifth chapter which is the last devoted to summary of the work, conclusion, reached and recommendations for policy and further research,
In this work, all the various problems confronting both private and government owned televisions were looked at.
In this work, survey research method was used because it is suitable to our objective.
The questionnaire was distributed randomly to workers of MINAJ Television and NTA at Owerri,
Title Page
Approval Page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background Of The Study
1.2 Statement Of The
Research Problem
1.3 Objectives Of The Study
1.4 Significance Of The Study
1.5 Research Question
1.6 Research Hypothesis
1.7 Conceptual And
Operational Definition
1.8 Assumptions
1.9 Limitation Of The Study
CHAPTER TWO
Review Of The Literature
2.1 Sources Of Literature
2.2 The Review
2.3 Summary Of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE
Methodology
3.1 Research Method
3.2 Research Design
3.3 Research Sample
3.4 Measuring Instrument
3.5 Data Collection
3.6 Data Analysis
3.7 Expected Results
CHAPTER FOUR
Data Analyses And Results
4.1 Data Analysis
4.2 Results
4.3 Discussion
CHAPTER FIVE
Summary And Recommendations For Further Study
5.1 Summary
5.2 Recommendations For The Further Study
INTRODUCTION
1.0 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Though both private and government owned television are established for the purposes of dissemination of information to their guidance, yet they are confronted with some problems.
These problems range from their ownership to management, which no doubt have affected both polices and operations, finance case studies.
Both of the media houses utilize electronic magnetic waves in reading divisive audience but by comparative analysis, the factors of ownership and media policy differ them in terms of styles, objectives, operations etc.
In this circumstance, comparative analysis of the researcher is based on case studies of both minaj television Obosi, a private television and that of NTA Channel 12 Owerri a government owned television house.
We shall look at the history of Television stations in Nigeria and specifically the problems facing the two.
Television was this introduced by the defunct Western Region Government in 1959, which was then known as Western Nigeria Broadcasting the Federal Government.
At present Nigeria has well over 30 Television stations. The MINAJ Television was established in 1994 while NTA Owerri was established 2003, According to the book mass media purpose, principles and practices written by BEN AGBO AND NKEM FAB-UKOZOR, say that the coverage of Television is limited to the urban centers which in effect indicate that the audience for television come from the towns.
There is evidence in this paper that television broadcasting in Nigeria was not people- oriented but a policy toll and propaganda but at present, some fairness, balance can be observed in some especially the privately owned ones.
1.1 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
Both Government owned and private television stations are of immense importance to the society minding the roles which they play accordingly information, education and entertainment.
Taking cognizance of the fact that there is growth of advertising and there is privatization of the broadcast media.
The Television broadcasting are sure to greatly influence the lives of Nigerians positively and of course negatively,
In this regard, we shall attempt to make comparative analysis on both privately owned and government owned television station, with a focus on problems facing them.
1.2 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
It is the objective of this paper to make comparative analysis on the problem facing with private and government owned Television station.
It is also to proffer solutions to such problems
Another objective of this study is also to determine the historical evolution and development of broadcasting in Nigeria.
1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study will help us determine the factors which constitute problems to both private and government television broadcasting stations and also to know the extent with which the problems have reached and the study will also suggest solutions to the problems.
As a result of the fact that the organization might not have time and also the resources both manpower and other wise to research into this topic, this very work would therefore, present a comprehensive and factual information or knowledge of their operations in the state. By acknowledging the facts put up more efforts to improve or automatically correcting the problems existing in the station
On the other hand, as a station owned and finance by the government and private, a knowledge of the station’s problems is a step towards solving it.
The public in general will benefit from the findings of this research and the solutions if implemented by the management of government and private television station, their conditions and level of service will improve and the public will have cause to enjoy and identify with the station the more especially students of mass communication will always find this work valuable as it serve as a reference materials for them.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
In this regard, the research was conducted in two various stations government and private owned.
The following were asked during the interview
1) What are the problems of information dissemination facing MINAJ Television
2) What are the problems facing NTA Channel 12 Owerri in the cause of dissemination of information.
3) What are the distinguishing factors between management of government owned television stations and the private television stations.
1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES
Hi: Government and private television has problems that hamper their dissemination of information in Nigeria
Ho: Government and private television do not have problems that hamper their dissemination of information in Nigeria
H2: Information disseminated through private television station are more objectives than these disseminated through government owned Television station, owing to nature of finance, and control.
H3: Private Television studies offer greater opportunities to the political class for political campaigns than the government owned television studio since the later sects its clines based on for political interests.
Ho: Private Television studies do not offer greater opportunities to the political class for political campaigns than the government owned television studio since the later selects its clients based on for political interests.
H4: Journalists under private Television studies are more versatile and aggressive than these under the employ of Government owned television studios.
Ho: Journalists under private Television studies are not more versatile and aggressive than those under the employ of government owned television studios.
1.6 CONCEPTUAL AND OPERATIONAL DEFINITION
A comparative analysis conceptual characterized by systematic examination of something by analyzing on similamties and dissimilarities
Operational: systematic examination of the likeness and dissimilates of the problems of both private and government television stations
B. MEDIA PREFERENCE
Conceptual: The liking for private Television rather than government owned Television.
Operational: The level of liking for private television rather than government owned, television by the Nigeria viewing audience respectively.
1.7 ASSUMPTIONS
That both private and government owned Television have the fundamental role of disseminating information to the public.
That because of the way and manner the Television stations are established that the ownership and established that the ownership and editorial policies differ.
That both private and government owned Televisions are confronted by problems raging from their different patterns of finance, control and recruitment.
1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
In a study of this nature, many problems are always encountered.
This study is limited to NTA channel 12, Owerri and MINAJ Television stations, Obos;.
Some of my major handicap were financed, Time and energy and other reasons, that make in impossible to cover other television stations finance is a serious constraints to me. I could not get to certain areas to sample opinions. Irrespective of all this, I still manage to pick certain individuals from these areas who are living in the state capitals. This was purportedly done to enable me obtain a balance and a reliable opinions from all the zones in the state.
Besides Time and energy could not allow me the opportunity to visit some of the department in government and private owned Television station at least to get their views and ideas on the research topic. As a result of lack of time were unable to exhaust my questionnaire from my respondent.
But all said and done, it was not an easy task.
Problems Facing Private Televisions And Government Televisions In The Dissemination Of Information:
Private televisions and government televisions face a range of unique challenges and advantages when it comes to the dissemination of information. These challenges and advantages can vary depending on the political, economic, and cultural context of a particular country. Here are some common problems facing both types of television broadcasters:
Challenges Facing Private Televisions:
- Financial Sustainability: Private television channels rely primarily on advertising revenue, which can be unpredictable and subject to economic fluctuations. Maintaining financial sustainability and profitability can be a constant challenge.
- Sensationalism and Ratings Pressure: To attract viewers and advertisers, private channels may resort to sensationalism, sensational headlines, and sensationalized content. This can compromise the quality and accuracy of information dissemination.
- Bias and Agenda-Setting: Private televisions may be influenced by the political or business interests of their owners or advertisers, leading to potential bias in the information they present. This bias can affect their ability to provide balanced and impartial news coverage.
- Competition: In many countries, the media landscape is highly competitive, with numerous private channels vying for viewership. This can lead to a race for breaking news, sometimes at the expense of thorough fact-checking and in-depth reporting.
- Regulatory Oversight: Private televisions must adhere to government regulations, which can vary widely in terms of content restrictions, ownership rules, and licensing requirements. Failure to comply can result in penalties or license revocation.
Challenges Facing Government Televisions:
- Censorship and State Control: Government televisions are often directly controlled or heavily influenced by the government, making them susceptible to censorship and state propaganda. This can limit their ability to provide objective and independent news.
- Lack of Editorial Independence: Government televisions may face pressure to align their reporting with the government’s official narrative, stifling journalistic independence and investigative reporting.
- Trust Issues: Due to their perceived bias and state control, government televisions may struggle to gain the trust of the public, particularly if the government’s actions are questioned or criticized.
- Funding Dependence: Government-funded televisions depend on government budgets for their operations. Budget cuts or political decisions can lead to financial instability and reduced capacity for quality journalism.
- Limited Diversity of Voices: Government televisions may prioritize government-approved voices and perspectives, limiting the diversity of voices and opinions presented to the public.
- Competition with Private Media: In countries with a diverse media landscape, government televisions may face competition from private media outlets that often have more resources and are better equipped to attract viewers.
Both private and government televisions play essential roles in disseminating information, but they must navigate these challenges to ensure that the public receives accurate, unbiased, and relevant news and information. The ideal media landscape often includes a mix of both types of broadcasters, supplemented by a vibrant and independent civil society media sector to provide a variety of perspectives and hold those in power accountable.