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Impact Of Press On Shaping The Countrys Political Structure

(A general study of Nigeria)

5 Chapters
|
66 Pages
|
7,892 Words

The press exerts a profound influence on shaping a country’s political structure by disseminating information, shaping public opinion, and holding government officials accountable. Through investigative journalism and reporting, the press exposes corruption, inefficiencies, and injustices within the political system, thereby prompting reforms and fostering transparency. Additionally, the press serves as a platform for diverse voices and opinions, contributing to a vibrant public discourse essential for a healthy democracy. Its role in informing citizens about political events, policies, and candidates during elections is crucial in shaping voter perceptions and decisions. Moreover, through editorials, op-eds, and analysis, the press provides context and interpretation, influencing public understanding of complex political issues. Thus, the press plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of a country’s political development, fostering accountability, transparency, and civic engagement, ultimately contributing to the resilience and vitality of its political structure.

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the role or the impact of Nigerian Press on shaping the country’s political structure period of study 1999-2004.
A general study of Nigeria is because it happens to be the period when we witness a transition to civilian rule. Many library materials constituted the sample source and literature review. Dates were also collected through extensive reading of information material on the government administrative policy.
There findings showed that by the period of 1999, government activities in respect to the policy of administration supposed to have passed the stages of mobilization to that of execution, and that newspaper will not only covered those activities by use of newstones but also comment on the policy formulation and application through the use of feature articles and editorials. The newspaper also identifies problems that should be solved for the government programmes to succeed.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Cover Page
Title Page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table Of Contents
List Of Tables

Chapter One
1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background Of The Study
1.2 Statement Of Research Problems
1.3 Objectives Of The Study
1.4 Significance Of The Study
1.5 Research Questions
1.6 Research Hypothesis
1.7 Limitation Of The Study
1.8 Assumptions

Chapter Two
2.0 Literature Review

2.0 Political Structure And Media Development
2.1 Press Voice Of The Voiceless
2.2 Banning Newspapers
2.3 How Free Is The Nigeria Press
2.4 Role Of The Press In The Society
2.5 Challenging Of Press Man
2.6 Press View On Political Development Of Nigeria
2.7 Press And Power In Nigeria Politics
2.8 The Period Of Mutala/Obasanjo Military Regime
2.9 Summary Of Literature Review

Chapter Three
3.0 Research Methodology

3.0 Research Design
3.1 Research Sample And Procedure
3.2 Measuring Instruments
3.3 Data Collection
3.4 Data Analysis
3.5 Expected Result

Chapter Four
4.0 Data Presentation And Results

4.1 Summary Of Result
4.2 Discussion

Chapter Five
5.0 Summary

5.1 Recommendation For Further Study
Reference
Appendix

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION
PROSPECT FOR NIGERIA POLITICS IN MODERN ERA (PERIODICAL CASE).

In all aspects of social life, the onset of a new decade triggers an effort to summarise and charactrised what happened 2-5 years ago, and to look forward to changes. The onset of a new era. The press stands as a bridge between the old and the new (History). The experience of the past in relationship to the new events. When a new regime arrives in power, it can blame its predecessors in government for many economic problems. The newly arrive uses press to compare its record in funding popular services with the previous regime and reminds the public in periods of time and unpopularity about how much worse off or more dis-granted they felt when the current opposition themselves held power. All these tactics cannot work effectively without the press. Even at this period of time.
The periodic Nigerian press has been on important source of government policy news for opinion leaders and decision makers or takers within a political structure as well as for the public at large. Since most people in decision making position of this country never come into direct contact with international communities that are the basis for foreign policy, they most rely on the press information about the particular issue.
This chapter surveys a segment of the Nigerian press during a series of related national policy decision made by Nigeria in the period of loss of sovereignty and company rule in Nigeria to the present civilian rule. (1999-Date).
However, citing when as one country, Nigeria came into being in 1914 as a result of amalgamation of North and South protectorates under the governorship of Lord Fredrick Lugard. This means that the political units that came together to form this nation were the old kingdoms whose people had a complex system of interaction (communication) before they ever made contact with the Europeans. Though comparing this old political history with the present, one can deduce that more political units are in vogue now than that of the old political units.
Moreover, the how and why the Nigeria press defines situations as it did and some possible implication of the behaviour of the press for rational national policy decision making influences the political structure. The press a surveyors of information can easily influence or control the behaviour of the society politically. In this regard, any political institution that under-estimates the power of the press does so at its own peril. In the frame work of the institution of the press freedom, the media must be so regulated and guarded especially in this democratic period that the desired judicious application of their power is assured.
The press council must be given appropriate legal status and power to impose sanctions and fines on media houses that erred. The council also should be given emergency power to regulate media activities in all election period. The aim of such emergency power will be to assure that press do not become tools in the hands of politicians to the detriment of the concept of free press and fir play in the time of elections.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The dilemma and challenges facing Nigeria today after her Military handover are many. The elite Nigerians must be an active participant in the democracy o our nation. They should not wait for the war class before they join in restructure of our socio-economic and political systems. History has taught us that both human and natural resources alone do not make a great nation but by development and utilization of these resources are responsible to achieving greatness.
To any dispassionate observer, this country is endowed with greatness but appears to be at war with each other. Money and wealth appear to be the only recognized value in our society whose elite citizens are one of the most unproductive in the world. So many educated Nigerians has cost hope today despite their skills. They are not inspired by any hope and should not be a tool of enslavement, inequality, and corruption against the poor deprived masses of this great country. The mobilization of our resources and constructive forces must be a creative contribution of these elites in the life and growth of our country.
In our new Nigeria, men must refuse that bank of justice and opportunity is finished. Public enlightment system in this regard must be utilized effectively informing appropriate authority of any need for cleaning environment of jungle discord and transforming our nation into a symphony of brotherhood and love.

1.2 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS
Information available indicates that Nigerian press was born in freedom. When Rev. Towsend established “Iwe Irolin”, he “said that his objective was to get people to read and cultivate the habit of reading and seeking for information through newspaper. The appearance of the newspaper started the first phase of History of the Nigerian press which graduated and lasted up till today. Then, the government us control of the press until about 1930’s, which still exist. (Government ownership).
The 1930s saw the emergence in Nigeria of political parties and the beginning of creating mass awareness in political matters. Private ownership began to emerge with the return of Nnamdi Azikiwe from the gold coast and realizing the impact of the press in political mobilization, established the Zik’s press limited, a newspaper chain that is all over the federation in Nigeria.
The problem now is to investigate the impact of Nigeria press in shaping the political structure of Nigeria. With this period as a case study.
This Eva/period is selected because of the unique role the political Actors played especially in pioneering the press as a great weapon to fight for the benefit of the country. The appearance of Enugu metropolis of Eastern Nigeria outlook and Cameroon star which are the oldest newspaper in the East of the Niger and therefore is expected to lead the rest of Nigeria press in the coverage and interpretation of political issues. Eg. The sun, Guardian, vanguard etc.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The objectives of this study are:-
i. To ascertain the political structure of this period in sensitizing and creating awareness among people towards press information as it relates to political programmes.
ii. To find out the extent the political period played in highlighting issues of political importance in the country.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
This study will be a useful reference work to our political administrators, policy makers, students of mass communication and political science in polytechnics and universities in Nigeria.
It will also guide the federal and state government in planning their future political programmes.

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTION
The research problems involved in this study is to ascertain the magnitude of impact the press has on shaping the political structure of Nigeria especially in this period.
The scientific problems there include preempting of the historical data etc.

1.6 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
The investigation will be based on the following hypothesis:-
Hi The present political period played an impact on shaping the Nigeria political structure through various information material.
Ho The present political period did not play an impact on shaping the Nigeria political structure through various information material.
Hi That Nigerian citizens highlight problems, roles and impact encountered by the press in shaping the political structure in this present period.
Ho That our people did not highlight problems, roles and impact encountered by the press on shaping the country’s political structure in this present period.

1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
This study centre on the impact of Nigerian press on shaping the country’s political structure. It is limited to this present period of politics in Nigerian metropolis as a country who witness sense of political turmoil. The founding may not be a representation of the entire Africans. Most of the countries are more turbulent or peaceful than Nigeria.
Secondly, many number of government officials in the service of Nigerian government are now living in their various locations and because of our present transportation increment and school activities, we were able to reach some of them for an interview.

1.8 ASSUMPTION
When the chips are all down, the assumptions made in the research work are as follows.
1. The research assumes that the press has a very important role to play in the political structure of Nigeria.
2. Also the research, assures that without the press the political structure of Nigeria is left dead – and – alive.

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Impact Of Press On Shaping The Countrys Political Structure:

The press, often referred to as the “fourth estate,” plays a significant role in shaping a country’s political structure and influencing its political landscape. Its impact can be observed in several ways:

  1. Information Dissemination: The primary function of the press is to inform the public about political events, policies, and decisions. It acts as a conduit of information between the government and the citizens. This dissemination of information is crucial for an informed electorate, which is essential for a functioning democracy.
  2. Agenda-Setting: The media has the power to set the agenda by deciding which issues and stories receive the most coverage. This can influence the public’s perception of what is important and what is not. Political parties and politicians often try to frame their agendas in a way that appeals to media outlets and journalists to gain more visibility.
  3. Public Opinion: The press has the ability to shape public opinion on various political issues. Through reporting, analysis, and editorial content, media outlets can influence how people perceive and understand political events, candidates, and policies. This, in turn, can impact electoral outcomes and public support for certain policies.
  4. Accountability: Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in holding political leaders and institutions accountable for their actions. When the press uncovers cases of corruption, abuse of power, or other wrongdoing, it can lead to public outrage and calls for accountability, which can result in changes to the political structure or the removal of corrupt officials.
  5. Policy Debates: Media outlets often facilitate public debates on important policy issues. They provide a platform for experts, policymakers, and the public to discuss and debate various solutions to societal problems. These debates can influence the direction of policy development and legislative changes.
  6. Checks and Balances: In democratic systems, the press acts as a check on the power of the government and other institutions. Investigative journalism and critical reporting help prevent abuses of power and ensure that political leaders adhere to democratic norms and principles.
  7. Election Coverage: During election seasons, the press plays a central role in informing the public about candidates, their platforms, and their qualifications. Media coverage can influence voter turnout, candidate selection, and electoral outcomes.
  8. Framing and Bias: The media’s framing of news stories and potential biases can shape public perceptions. Depending on how a story is framed, it can emphasize certain aspects while downplaying others, which can affect the way people interpret events.
  9. Technology and Social Media: With the advent of digital technology and social media, the media landscape has evolved significantly. Social media platforms enable citizens to engage with political issues directly and can amplify the spread of information and disinformation, which can further influence the political structure.
  10. Global Influence: International media outlets and global coverage can also impact a country’s political structure by shaping its international image, affecting foreign policy decisions, and exposing domestic issues to international scrutiny.

In summary, the press has a multifaceted and significant impact on shaping a country’s political structure and influencing its political processes. Its role extends beyond simply reporting news to actively shaping public discourse, holding leaders accountable, and participating in the functioning of democratic systems. However, it is essential for the media to uphold journalistic ethics and standards to fulfill its democratic responsibilities effectively.