CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
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.
1.1 STATEMENT
OF GENERAL 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 Kaduna 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 AIM
AND OBJECTIVES
This
research work is aimed at assessing the television in national integration,
considering the fact that television has remain a very powerful instrument of
control. It is in view of the above that this study tends to as part of its
objectives :
1.
Assess NTA Kaduna national integration
programmes.
2.
Find out viewers perception of NTA Kaduna’s
programme, how does this relate to the national integration goal ?
3.
Investigate the influence of television
message during crises.
4.
Find out how television can be used to
further enhance unity within the nation’s groups and cultures.
5.
To analyses various means through which NTA Kaduna carry
out their national integration functions.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE
OF 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 Kaduna 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.
1.5 SCOPE
OF STUDY
The
scope of this study is NTA Kaduna’s programmes on national integration and
their influence on the residents of Kaduna
metropolise.
1.6 THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK
The
social responsibility theory of mass media is considered most suitable for
this study because it provides a
framework within which this study can be located. The social responsibility
theory which is an offshoot of the libertarian school of thought holds its
origin to the Hutchins commission on freedom of the press, set up in United State
of America
in 1947. The main thrust of this theory in relation to national integration is
its portrayal of the ability of the media “is to raise conflict to the plane of
discussion “. In principle however, media can be used by any one who has an
idea to express, while it is forbidden to invade other peoples privacy or
distrupt vital social structures or interests while expressing on idea.
This
theory postulates six specific functions for the press.
·
To serve the political system by making
information, discussion, and considerations of public affairs generally
accessible.
·
To inform the public to enable it take
self determined action.
·
To protect the right of individuals by
acting as watchdog over government.
·
To serve the economic system by bringing
buyers and sellers together.
·
To provide good entertainment. What ever
“good” may mean in the culture at any point in time.
·
To preserve financial autonomy . social
responsibility theory tends to validate this study because it emphases the need
to conflicts to the plane of discussion
so as to foster unity and on the larger whole national integration
1.7 DEFINITION
OF TERMS
1. Integration:
means combining two or more things in such a way that one becomes part of the
other.
2. Unity:
making something or people to stick together.
3. Mass media:
they various channels through which information gets the audience. Example TV,
Radio, Newspaper etc.
4. National:
any thing that deals with the larger whole, i.e. an entire country.
5. NTA:
Nigerian Television Authority.
1.8 HISTORY
OF CASE STUDY
The
history of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) can be traced back to 31st
October 1959 when the Western Nigerian Television (WNTV) blamed alive the first
television signals in Nigeria.
Barely a year after, in 1960, the Eastern Nigerian Television (ENTV) came into
existence.
The
Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Kaduna
was carved out from the former broadcasting company of northern Nigeria (BCNN)
which was established by decree No. 24 of 31st March 1962, but
became an entity from 1st April, 1976. The station has its
transmitters located at No. 99
Isah Kaita Road Kaduna. The
history of NTA Kaduna will not be complete without the mention of Decree 38 of
1992 which establish the national broadcasting commission (NBC) and also
deregulated the broadcast industry thus allowing individuals to acquire
television stations with NBC as a regulating body. This led to partial
commercialization of NTA.
NTA
Kaduna is divided into six departments which are as follows:
·
Programmes department
·
News & current affairs department
·
Engineering department
·
Administrative department
·
Finance department
·
Marketing department
REFERENCES
Jakande,
L. K (1974): The role of Mass Media in a Developing
Country. Ile-Ife
Obademi Awolowo
University Press pg. 7,
10 & 13.
Okonkwo,
R. C. (1979): The Mass Media and Nation Building.
Nsukka: Institute of African Studio, University of Nigeria,
Pg 25.
Sani,
B (1998): “The role of Mass Media in
National Development”. A conference paper delivered, the 2nd
National Conference of the Kaduna Polytechnic.
Folarin, A. B. (1986):
Broadcasting for Rural Development in
communication and Rural development in Nigeria.