THE ROLE OF PRESS IN NATION BUILDING (A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIAN TRIBUNE)

INTRODUCTION

1. 1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The press plays a big role in the achievement of the Nigeria nation building. The Nigerian nation building is the country's development programme. In other words, the nation building is based upon improving the political, economic and social lives of the citizens. The impact of the press in nation building relies on: 

• the media themselves,
• the societies in which they operate, and
• the audience they reach.

These factors are not static but they are dynamic. The media in draconian states, for example, are not likely to exercise the same persuasion as those in autonomous societies. Nigeria is a fairly democratic country, however in democratic governments, factors, such as technological advancement, the intended audience and the message manipulates how far the media impacts on the society. The fact that every medium has a message, its target audience and aims at influencing behaviour in terms of the attitudes, perception and the mind-set, gives it a vantage point to influence development in a nation. The media communicates to its audience, creating a shared meaning through sending and receiving of information. Knowledge is power therefore the media is vital for understanding and providing knowledge to the people (Baran, 2002). Through communication the people get to be aware of and value their environment, in addition communication paves way for relationships among individuals and societies. Whatever form communication may take, it is meant to convey information from one party to another. Key factors to effective communication comprises of; the source, message, medium, receiver and effects (Mcqual, 1986). For significant influence to be achieved on the audience there is need for Mass Communication. Mass Communication is the communication between a mass medium and its audience. The media entails numerous ways through which communication is carried out. The media, with specific reference to the collective entity of newspapers, radio, television and the International Network (Internet), play a very important role in nation building. The real influence of the media in nation building will depend on the media themselves, the societies in which they operate, and the audience they reach. None of these factors are the same everywhere, at all times, or under all conditions. The media in dictatorships, for example, are not likely to exercise the same influence as those in democratic societies. Even among similar types of government, other factors, such as technology, the target audience and the message, may influence the extent of media impact in the society. The influence of the media towards national development is crucial and requires attention from scholars. However, it is significant to understand what is meant by the term "nation building" so as to be in a position to merge press to nation building. The Oxford dictionary 2001 looks at development a new stage in a changing situation. According Fowler, (2001) to "build" is to become more advanced. Eapen, (1973) looks at nation building in terms of three key pointers: economic growth, self-reliance, and social justice. National development involves factors like: political, economic and social factors. Development should factor in economic structure, social environment and political maturity. We cannot talk about development without factoring in the people, because national development targets the citizens since human development is the overall objective of national development. With reference to UNDP Human Development Report of 2002, it looks at national development in terms of, right to knowledge, improved nutrition and medical services, protection from crime and violence, political freedoms and free participation in community activities. Media is seen as a crucial factor to national development because of its capability of influencing public opinion. Such that the power to influence public opinion should be handled responsibly and with utmost care because it can turn out to be negative if it will be biased sensationalist and careless in handling matters. Media freedom is compulsory, if it is to play an active role in national development. Nigerian media zealously fought for the freedom of the press by opposing a media bill that was geared to set up a communications and multimedia appeals Tribunal with powers to impose penalties on journalists and even powers to stop a journalist from working.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

This study is pertinent given to assess the role of press in nation building in Nigeria. In many ways, press seems to be associated with development. The attainment of sustainable development depends on socio-economic and political environment where the role of press is important. The media are meant to serve both elite and those at the grassroot levels. They are expected to focus their time and resources on sensitive issues that matter most to the people. They produce stories that help to make sense of, and sensibilities about social order. Media houses do focus on policy and always see the relevance of their stories to policy bringing about development. They are supposed to bring to the limelight what the people need and what they expect from the government. The media houses are supposed to show case news that are crucial to man’s effort to gain a greater control of his life. They are expected to explain, interpret and comment on the implication of events and issues especially as they relate to development. However, certain factors are hindering the ability of the press to carry out some of their development goals in the society. It is against this background that this paper examines the role of press in nation building as well as the challenges and constraints that hider the press from performing their sustainable development roles in Nigeria.

1.3 AIMS OF THE STUDY

The major purpose of this study is to examine the role of press on nation building in Nigeria. Other general objectives of the study are:

1. To examine the level of commitment of media owners and journalist.

2. To examine the problems or challenges affecting press in Nigerian democratic system of government.

3. To examine the roles of press in nation building in Nigeria.

4. To examine the benefits of media/press in Nigerian democratic government.

5. To suggest ways in which press can help in attaining nation building in Nigeria.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. How do you ascertain the level of commitment of media owners and journalist?

2. What are the problems/challenges affecting press in Nigerian democratic system of government?

3. What are the roles of press in nation building in Nigeria?

4. What are the benefits of media/press in Nigerian democratic government?

5. What are the ways in which press can help in attaining nation building in Nigeria?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

H0: Nigerian Tribune has not been very vital in the process of nation building in Nigeria

H1: Nigerian Tribune has been very vital in the process of nation building in Nigeria.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is significant in more ways than one therefore; the study will provide effective and objective information in gathering its dissemination by the media organization. Aside its immense potency to contribute to the body of knowledge, the study also, will serve as a reference to managers, journalists, editors, specialized groups, society, government etc. Moreso, the study can serve as one existing literature or as an additional literature on roles of media/press in Nigeria libraries. It will also be instrumental to prospective researchers and students who may want to plunge into this similar area of study. In the same vein, the study is significant to the extent that it provides a platform for government press collaboration which if harnessed, can facilitate national development.

1.7    SCOPE OF THE STUDY 

The study is based on the role of press on nation building, a case study of Nigerian Tribune.

1.8 LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Press:The media and agencies that print, broadcast, or gather andtransmit news, including newspapers, newsmagazines, radio andtelevision news bureaus, and wire services.

Journalist: A person who practices the occupation or profession of journalism

Freedom: It can be defined as a state of which somebody is able to act and live as he or she chooses, without being subject to any undue restrains or restrictions. It is the ability to exercise free will and make choices independently of any external determining forces.