Role Of The Press In The Political Polarization Of The National Development
The press plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse, thereby impacting the trajectory of national development. Through its reporting, analysis, and editorial decisions, the press can either contribute to fostering a balanced understanding of political issues or exacerbate polarization within society. In recent years, with the advent of digital media and social networking platforms, the press has faced increasing pressure to attract audiences and generate revenue, often leading to sensationalism, echo chambers, and the amplification of extreme viewpoints. This phenomenon has contributed to the political polarization of societies, where individuals are exposed primarily to information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs, leading to the reinforcement of ideological divides rather than constructive dialogue. Additionally, the rise of partisan news outlets and the dissemination of misinformation further exacerbate polarization by fueling distrust in traditional media sources and promoting subjective narratives over objective reporting. As a result, the press’s role in national development becomes intertwined with its ability to navigate these challenges, uphold journalistic integrity, and provide citizens with accurate, diverse, and balanced information necessary for informed decision-making and constructive civic engagement.
This study was designed to critically examine “the role of the press in Nigeria’s polarization and National Development”
The method of content analysis was adopted and also, three Nigerian daily newspaper were selected. This include, the New Nigeria Newspaper a federal Government owned newspaper published in Kaduna state,
The National concord and the champion, each being privately owned by differently individual (s) but published in Lagos.
Three publications were selected per week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays covering April, August and December between 1997 – 1993. Five years were analysed. These are 1981, 1984 1987, 1990 and 1993.
The result were then carefully analysed and interpreted. The analysis revealed that the Nigerian Press jettisoned the much-admired doctrine of fairness and impartiality and tend towards biasness and sycophancy.
At the end, it was recommended that in order to address the polarization of the press owners and operators of mass media, irrespective of their ethnic geographical and political difference must create an avenue where they could rub minds with one another so as to eradicate the misconception held against each other. And that the press and government relationship must improve hence seeing other as partners in progress.
Title page
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of content
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction 1
1.1 Background of study 1
1.2 Research problem 4
1.3 Objective of the study 5
1.4 Significance of the study 5
1.5 Scope and limitation 6
1.6 Research questions 7
1.7 Hypothesis 7
1.8 Definition of terms 7
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature review 10
2.1 Source 10
2.2 Theoretical frame work 12
2.3 Concept of mass media 14
2.4 The role of mass media 19
2.5 Concept of development 20
2.6 The post independent press 26
2.7 The Nigerian press and political influence ouring
second republic 1979 – 1983 31
2.8 Democratic political consent of
Nigerian press 1985 – 1993 32
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Research methodology 34
3.1 population 35
3.2 Sampling 35
3.3 Data gathering method 36
3.4 Content analysis 36
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Data analysis and interpretation 38
4.1 Discussions and interpretation 79
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Summary, recommendation and conclusion 82
5.2 Recommendation 83
5.3 Conclusion 85
Appendix 30
Reference 92
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Nigeria is one of the countries, which is “undergoing transition”.
This is because politically they are visibly undergoing rapid development or change, which may be positive or Negative.
It is true in line with this that since independence Nigeria has been under transition politically. It has witnessed many tailed politically transition programmes that have continue to hold political power through brute force or sheer power of the gun. These include the General Abacha political transition programme and the likes.
However, Nigeria has been described as being in a transitory situation which political culture is characterized by divergent and powerful interest groups with insatiable political and economic demands on the larger political entity.
To this end, the role of the press which is been as the fourth estate of the ream “ Cannot be overlooked. This was why Hohenberg (1978) submits that:
“When public trust in Government declines and deeply affects the Faith of millions of people is its principle and practice the press is the institution that is least likely to profit from the resultant disillusionment”
It is this veritable position of the press that explains the inextricable relationship between the institution (press) and politics.
Consequently, a duty is imposed on the press to ensure that the political objective of Nigeria as a country is accordance to its motto this that all of the function performed in the political aggregation, rule making rule application and rule adjudication are performed through communication.
Upholding the through importance of communication. The press in a given polity is the life line as communication is the oxygen of all political relationship.
The importance of communication may mass media has being further acknowledged while assessing the significance of the mass media in any political systems is that the mass media serves as a moderator of public opinion and watchdog of the people.
The media equally helps to spread ideas, knowledge and views.
Also the press in any country should be responsible in the performance of its functions. These functions includes
a) Servicing the political system by providing information discussions and debate on public affairs.
b) Enlightening the public so as to make it capable of self-government.
c) Servicing the economic system, primarily by bringing together the buyers and sellers of good and services through the medium of advertising
d) Safe – guarding the rights of the individuals by serving as a watchdog against government
e) Providing entertainment
f) Maintaining its own self – sufficiency as to be press from pressure of special interests.
During the Nigeria second Republic in 1979 to 1983, the mass media was extensively used by the government in power, while the private owned newspaper were all the services of their proprietors who were mostly members of one political partly or the other.
The Negative usage of the mass media by the contending forces has been examined by various scholars.
Thus the crux of this research therefore is to examine the role of the press in the political setting of the Nigeria state and how the role has affected National Development.
1.2 RESEARCH PROBLEM
The problems now are: That the Nigerians press has been somehow accused by many of operating on the principle of the country’s political setting.
That the press has not been able to effectively work towards the unification of the country.
That the press further compounded the existing dichotomy among the various ethnic groups. Hence, the ethnic entities have always been suspicious of one another; since political tracheotomy is along regional lines.
Therefore, the press, which ought to unite the people through promotion of cultural, values and symbols essential to the (sanctity and continuity in the society, appeared to be deficient in meeting the people’s expectations.
As a student of mass communication, this then gave the researcher an impetus to investigate the issue in order to ascertain the ole of the press in the political polarization and its effects on National Development.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The primary aim of this project therefore is to examine if the role of the press reflects the political polarization of the Nigerian state.
The study will examine the role of the press between 1979 – 1983 – and 1985 – 1993.
Also, the consequences of the role of the press in the political shall be examined.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCES OF THE STUDY
The relevance of this study will be to identify whether the Nigerian press is politically polarized and if yes, ascertain its effects on National Development. It shall also identify the role of the press in crises situation and how it has been able to positively or negatively manage the situation.
The study may be useful for media critics and media evaluators in the country. It may be also useful for students of mass communication may be interested in conducting further research into the issue for an in-depth understanding
Furthermore, it may help any interested member in identifying the positive and negative effects of the press in the over all development of the Nigeria state.
1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATION
The focus of this research shall be the role of the Nigerian press in the political polarization between 1979 – 1983 and 1985 – 1993.
It must be stated that there are few literatures on the topic of research. Also, the data that may be readily available for this project will be those of newspaper magazines, journals etc.
Factors such as finance and time may militate against this work, these are sine – qua – non-in contemporary issue as this and the researcher is not exempted.
1.6 THE RESEARCH QUESTIONS
In this study, the research shall try to proffer answers to the following propositions:
a) Does the Nigerian Press operate on political basis?
b) If so, to what extent has this proactive been displayed?
c) How has it affected National Development?
1.7 HYPOTHESIS
The Nigerian press has not been objective enough in reporting issues across the nooks and crannies of the country.
The Nigeria press is in concert with the political division of the country in its reporting of events.
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
POLARISATION: According to the Advance learners Dictionary of Current English, polarization means to divide into groups based on two or more opposite principle, political opinions.
In the course of writing this project the term polarization will be taken to mean division within the body of the press in the country.
THE PRESS: The Advance Learners Dictionary defines it as an organisation for collecting News and supplying it to newspaper. The term PRESS will be used to mean various newspaper organizations in the country.
DEVELOPMENT: Radom House Dictionary of English Language defines it as an act or process of developing similarly, the oxford universal Dictionary / illustrated, Defines it as a growth from within.
According to Advance learners Dictionary of current English Development means process of development or being developed or a new stage, which is the result of development. However in this project, development would betaken to mean all spheres of human development vis: political economic, social and physical economic, social and physical infrastructure that would enhance the well – being of the people or as one time secrfary General of united National Boutrous Ghali puts if “development is economic growth plus social changes”.
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: This according to Jere Turnstall (1971) “is development that is peculiar or common or affecting the whole fact of a country be it economic political social and physical infrastructure.
Therefore the term “National Development” will be used to mean upliftment of the nations economic political and physical infrastructure conditions.
SHARE PROJECT MATERIALS ON:
Role Of The Press In The Political Polarization Of The National Development:
The role of the press in the political polarization of national development is a complex and multifaceted issue. The press, often referred to as the “fourth estate,” plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, influencing political discourse, and holding those in power accountable. However, the way the press operates can have both positive and negative impacts on political polarization and national development.
Informing the Public: One of the primary functions of the press is to inform the public about current events, government policies, and political developments. In a well-functioning democracy, an informed citizenry is essential for making educated decisions and participating in the political process. A responsible and objective press can contribute positively to national development by providing accurate and balanced information.
Promoting Accountability: Journalists act as watchdogs, holding government officials and institutions accountable for their actions and decisions. Investigative journalism can uncover corruption, abuse of power, and other issues that hinder national development. This role helps ensure transparency and can lead to positive changes in governance.
Framing and Bias: However, the press can also contribute to polarization when it frames news stories in ways that cater to specific political ideologies or biases. Media outlets that are perceived as favoring one side of the political spectrum can deepen divisions and contribute to the “echo chamber” effect, where individuals are exposed only to information that aligns with their existing beliefs.
Sensationalism and Clickbait: The pursuit of higher ratings, viewership, or clicks can sometimes lead to sensationalism in reporting. News stories that prioritize sensationalism over substance can exacerbate polarization by focusing on divisive or emotional topics rather than providing in-depth analysis of important issues.
Filter Bubbles and Algorithms: Online news consumption is increasingly driven by algorithms that curate content based on users’ past preferences. This can lead to the creation of “filter bubbles” where individuals are exposed to information that reinforces their existing beliefs, isolating them from different perspectives and contributing to polarization.
Polarized Media Landscape: In some countries, the media landscape itself has become polarized, with news outlets aligning themselves with specific political factions. This division can reinforce existing political divides and make it difficult for citizens to access objective information.
Misinformation and Disinformation: The spread of false or misleading information, often through social media, has become a significant challenge. Misinformation can deepen political polarization by sowing doubt about the validity of facts and undermining trust in reputable news sources.
In conclusion, the press can have a significant impact on the political polarization of national development. While responsible journalism that informs the public and holds those in power accountable is essential for a healthy democracy and national development, factors such as bias, sensationalism, and the spread of misinformation can contribute to polarization. It is crucial for both media organizations and consumers to be aware of these dynamics and strive for a balanced, informed, and critical approach to news consumption and reporting.