Impact Of Press On Shaping The Country’s Political Structure
(A general study of Nigeria)
The influence of the press on shaping a nation’s political structure is profound and multifaceted, encompassing various aspects such as agenda setting, framing, and watchdog functions. Through its dissemination of information, analysis, and opinion, the press plays a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and shaping political narratives. It serves as a critical check on governmental power, holding officials accountable and exposing corruption or wrongdoing. Additionally, the press acts as a conduit for the expression of diverse viewpoints, facilitating informed citizenry and fostering democratic participation. However, the press’s impact is not without challenges, as issues like media bias, sensationalism, and misinformation can distort public perception and undermine the integrity of political processes. Nonetheless, when the press operates with integrity, autonomy, and a commitment to journalistic ethics, it can contribute significantly to the maintenance and evolution of a country’s political structure, promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic governance.
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.
COVER PAGE I
TITLE PAGE II
CERTIFICATION III
DEDICATION IV
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT V
ABSTRACT VI
TABLE OF CONTENTS VII
LIST OF TABLES
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 4
1.2 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS 5
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 7
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 7
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS 8
1.6 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS 8
1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY 9
1.8 ASSUMPTIONS 10
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW 11
2.0 POLITICAL STRUCTURE AND MEDIA DEVELOPMENT11
2.1 PRESS VOICE OF THE VOICELESS 12
2.2 BANNING NEWSPAPERS 14
2.3 HOW FREE IS THE NIGERIA PRESS 15
2.4 ROLE OF THE PRESS IN THE SOCIETY 16
2.5 CHALLENGING OF PRESS MAN 20
2.6 PRESS VIEW ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA 22
2.7 PRESS AND POWER IN NIGERIA POLITICS 28
2.8 THE PERIOD OF MUTALA/OBASANJO MILITARY REGIME 29
2.9 SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW 34
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 36
3.0 RESEARCH DESIGN 36
3.1 RESEARCH SAMPLE AND PROCEDURE 36
3.2 MEASURING INSTRUMENTS 37
3.3 DATA COLLECTION 37
3.4 DATA ANALYSIS 38
3.5 EXPECTED RESULT 38
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 DATA PRESENTATION AND RESULTS 39
4.1 SUMMARY OF RESULT 44
4.2 DISCUSSION 46
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 SUMMARY 48
5.1 RECOMMENDATION FOR FURTHER STUDY 49
REFERENCE 51
APPENDIX 53
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.
SHARE PROJECT MATERIALS ON:
Impact Of Press On Shaping The Country’s Political Structure:
The press plays a significant role in shaping a country’s political structure and has a profound impact on the way a nation’s political landscape evolves. Here are some of the key ways in which the press influences a country’s political structure:
- Informing the Public: The press serves as a primary source of information for the general public. It informs citizens about government policies, political events, and the actions of elected officials. In doing so, it empowers citizens to make informed decisions and hold their leaders accountable.
- Setting the Agenda: Media outlets have the power to set the political agenda by determining which issues and topics receive the most coverage. This can influence public discourse and force politicians to address certain issues or prioritize certain policies.
- Shaping Public Opinion: The press has the ability to shape public opinion by framing news stories in particular ways. Media outlets can influence how people perceive political events and politicians, which can in turn impact public support for certain policies or candidates.
- Exposing Corruption and Misconduct: Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in uncovering corruption, misconduct, and abuses of power within the government. This can lead to political scandals, resignations, or legal actions that have the potential to reshape the political landscape.
- Balancing Power: A free and independent press acts as a check on government power. It holds politicians and public officials accountable for their actions, ensuring that they operate within the bounds of the law and uphold democratic values.
- Fostering Debate and Discussion: Through opinion pieces, editorials, and talk shows, the press encourages public debate and discussion on important political issues. This helps to promote a healthy democracy by allowing different viewpoints to be heard and considered.
- Mobilizing and Advocacy: Media outlets can also serve as platforms for advocacy and mobilization. They can highlight social and political causes, galvanize public support, and even lead to the formation of political movements or pressure groups.
- Influencing Elections: Media coverage can have a significant impact on electoral outcomes. Positive or negative media attention can sway public opinion and influence voters’ decisions, thereby shaping the composition of political offices.
- Framing International Relations: The press can shape a country’s foreign policy and international relations by influencing public opinion and government decisions on international matters. Media coverage of international events can also impact diplomatic relations.
- Legitimizing Government: Media coverage can help legitimize a government or, conversely, erode its legitimacy. A government that enjoys favorable media coverage is likely to be seen as more legitimate in the eyes of the public.
It’s important to note that the influence of the press on a country’s political structure can vary depending on factors such as the media landscape, media ownership, government regulations, and the level of press freedom. A diverse and independent media landscape is generally seen as essential for a healthy democracy, as it allows for a plurality of voices and perspectives to shape the political discourse. However, when the press is controlled or manipulated, it can be used as a tool for propaganda and the consolidation of power, which can have detrimental effects on a country’s political structure and democratic institutions.