Critical Assessment Of NTA Integration Program

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

The role of the media, particularly, television in advancing national integration is pivotal. Television has become a very important and an effective medium of mass communication since its invention. Its synchronous transmission of audio and visual signals enables it to excert enormous influence on the society, thus, commanding credibility and attention than other media as Radio, Newspaper, Magazine etc.

Television has become a nerve linking the society and its activities together. This is because it performs the role of integration which is of particular importance in contemporary times in which ethnic, religions, politics and other diversities are being brought together into a global village. The media provides messages which people from different groups and nations require in order to know; understand and appreciate each other. Moreover, television creates awareness of different life styles in a society. In doing this, emphasis is placed on similarities in life style, which is beneficial to developing nations like Nigeria where “loyalties rarely extend beyond the village, tribe or religion” and where integration is usually seen as an identification with the larger whole, that is, the state.

This, in assessing the role of television in advancing national integration, it should be noted that, the media (Television) inform every stratum of the society about the dangers of lack of unity amongst the different people of a community or nation state through the creation of sense of identification and the propagation of common cultural values. In Nigeria, for instance, NTA stations in different states of the Federation exchange programmes about their peoples’ ways of life, this could be seen as an attempt at National integration. By watching such programmes, people of one state can get to understand and appreciate the pattern of life, view point and aspirations of other Nigerians in other states. Such as understanding could minimize or even eliminate fear and ethnocentrism which usually form the basis of the mistrust which divide people along cultural, religious and other liens/diversities.
For a developing country like Nigeria to achieve true national integration and unity, the role of the media especially television must be unearthed and emphasized. National integration is a multi-faceted or rather a multi-sectoral concept that encompasses all aspects of our national, educational, cultural, social, religious, tribal, ethnic, political, economic etc. it therefore connotes the active participation of all. The media enlightens the general public on the desirability for national unity and development. Currant et al (1979) assets that: “the role of the media cannot be overlooked in the development of any society which diverse culture, tribe, group and other affiliations”. He added that: “the media is of great importance in social, cultural, economic and political development of every nation not because they are in better position to serve the particular needs of the people but also because they make it easier for more people to have access to the media and therefore take part in its affairs”.

For the media, particularly television to contribute meaningfully to national integration/unity in facilitating development, it must have a conclusive atmosphere to carry out its traditional function of curtailing the excesses of communities which if left to continue will drail the much needed integration and development. The media needs all the necessary support from both the government and the citizenry to educate people on the need to tolerate one another in the interest of peace and tranquility. Recent events in the Niger- Delta, Jos, Kano, and Bauchi crisis are manifestation of lack of unity amongst the various communities of the nation .Those frictions not only impede social and economic development, but also resulted into loss of lives, maiming of innocent citizens of the areas and destruction of properties.

Thus it is imperative for the media to play a very crucial role in changing these ugly situations. This is only attainable if the press is given a free hand to operate because a free press is the cornerstone of national integrations and development.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

National integration is highly instrumental to the development of every nation. Nigeria, though characterized by so many ethnic, religious and cultural diversities cannot be said to be an exception. Thus, there is the problem of lack of understanding amongst the various diversities in the country, which has often resulted into crises. However the mass media, particularly television has come under criticism while performing its role of national integration during such period.Against this background, this study shall assess the role of television particularly NTA Uyo in fostering unity in the nation with the goal of engendering peace and harmonious co-existence among the divers groups in the nation.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The broad objective of this study is to critically assess Nigeria Television Authority Integration Program.

Specifically, the study will:

Find out viewers perception on integration program.

Determine how often integration programs are presented on NTA Uyo Channel.

Ascertain the effects of television programmes on its audience.

Examine if NTA integration programme have been effective on the audience.

1.4 Research Question

The research is guided by the following research questions:

What are viewers perception on television integration program?

How often are integration programs presented on NTA Uyo Channel?

Has NTA integration programme been effective on the audience?

What are the effects of integration programmes on its audience?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This research work will give insight to those who intend to undertake a similar research. It will also contribute meaningfully to literature both for students and media practitioners and generally in the field of mass communication. This study will also assist and guide NTA Uyo on how to design and package programmes on national integration. This research is also generally useful since it diversity which is cardinal to sustainable development.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is NTA Kaduna’s programmes on national integration and their influence on the residents of Uyo metropolis. The study will consider the frequency at which Television channel broadcast program capable of integrating ethnic groups and as well promote national development.

1.7 Limitation of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. An attempt was made to conduct a comprehensive research on this discourse so as to make it a board base text to all manner of people. However, the paucity of data and limited time period allowed for the researcher to organize them in completion of this project was not considered enough and could not allow for a thorough and in-depth work to be done.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Television:

The Webster’s dictionary defines television as the exact and continues transmission of audio and visual image, still or in motion but without permanent recording. For instantaneous viewing at a distance: effected by a combine optical and electrical system for converting waves into corresponding electrical impulses which are converted into their visual form in a receiving set.

Nation:

The oxford dictionary defines nation as a large community of people sharing common history, culture and language and living in a particular territory under one government.

Integration:

Oxford dictionary define integration as combining two or more things in such a way that one because fully. Part of the other.