ROLE OF MASS MEDIA IN DEMOCRATIC PROCESS

  CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

 Background to the Study

The mass media constitute the brain box of democracy. The media help in the supply of the required political information that electorates would base their decision. They are the watchdogs for uncovering errors and wrongdoing by those in power (Fog, 2004; Kellner 2004). To argue about the media today is almost inevitably to argue about democracy. Furthermore, conflicting views of the history of communications often reflect the disagreements about democracy and its possibilities. Much of the foundational thought about mass media from the writings of Walter Lipmann and John Dewey in the 1920s and’30s to the work of Jurgen Hebermas and others in recent decades has held wide intellectual interest because of its implications for democracy and good governance. Has the media’s development advanced or devastated democratic aspiration? Or is the media a mere “phantom” in Lippmann’s phrase, or can it be an outstanding force in popular self-government if it can furnish the necessary information and means of criticism and debate (Paul, 2006).

It is an incontrovertible fact that Nigerian nationalists were able to bring the colonial government to its knees through the instrumentality of the mass media. In this regard Iwokwagh (2011), noted that the Nigerian media has been a major political actor long before the country was fashioned as a unified political entity and has continued to play a central role in national politics since then. The mass media is the driven force that facilitates the entrenchment of democracy in any political system. This is because democracy depends on a knowledgeable citizenry, whose access to broad range of information enables them to participate fully in public life and the governance of the society (Galadima & Asemah, 2012). 

Since the return of the country to democratic rule, the mass media has continued to play active roles in nurturing the new born democracy especially in Adamawa State. It is therefore the trust of this research to examine the roles of the mass media in democratic process in Adamawa State (Case Study of NTA Ganye).

 Statement of the Problem

In recent times there is a growing concern about the mass media that they are not fulfilling some functions properly to enhance democratic ideals. Some media critics have claimed that commercial mass media have become an anti-democratic force supporting elements of capitalism. Even if they disseminate news, the news is more of entertainment than information and education; rather the mass media prefer to supply sensational news such as sex, violence, fashion etc. The political news they carry are more about personalities than about political ideologies. Therefore, there is the absence of serious debate where voters are left with paid political propaganda containing only meaningless slogans making them disinterested and cynical about politics (Barnett, 2002). 

Critics also have complained that media as the watchdogs are barking of the wrong things. The media hunt for scandals in the private lives of politicians and their families, but ignore much more serious consequences of their policies. They go after wounded politicians like sharks in a feeding frenzy, therefore making us afraid of the wrong things. Minor dangers are wittingly blown out of proportions while much more serious dangers go largely unnoticed. As a result, many fears are exaggerated which often lead to unnecessary measures and legislation. Therefore, it is against this background, this research attempts to examine the role of the mass media in democratic process in Adamawa State.

 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to buttress the role of the mass media in democratic process in Adamawa State (Case study of NTA,Ganye).

The following specific objectives are put forward in order to guide the study:

To identify the primary role of the mass media;

To determine the role of the mass media in democratic process in Adamawa State;

To ascertain the challenges of Mass Media in Consolidating Democracy in Adamawa State.

 Significance of the Study

This study when it is successfully completed, shall be of great significance to the media personnel, politicians, democrats, policy makers and future researchers.

The media personnel shall benefit from the product of this research work as it would help them know and where necessary to be reminded of the core roles of the mass media and make efforts in keeping to the tenets of the mass media.

The politicians would find this work of utmost importance if need be as it would remind them of the positive uses of the mass media in promoting good governance and not use the mass media for their selfish gains.

To the democrats whom always desire fairness in the process of governance, they would find this work of much value as it would encourage them and boost their morale in struggling to bring social justice and eventually help in forcing up good governance.      

To policy makers, this work would assist them in properly assigning the roles of mass media as a nexus to democracy. So also, this work would be of utmost importance to future researchers as it would be a reference point for them.

 Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study intends to cover the role of mass media on democratic process and democratic governance. The study is limited to National Television Authority (NTA), Ganye, Adamawa State. The study is also limited by space and time and resources.  

 Research Questions 

Based on the above stated objectives, the following research questions are formulated;

What is the primary role of the mass media in the society?

What are the roles of the mass media in democratic process in Adamawa State?

What are the challenges of Mass Media in Consolidating Democracy in Adamawa State?

 Definition of Terms

Communication: this is the sharing of information across to an audience from a sender to a receiver, either verbally or non verbal.

Democracy: Democracy is adjudged as the most popular system of government in the world. It is popularly seen as the government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Mass media: The mass media refers to all the avenue through which information can be passed from one person to numerous, scattered and heterogeneous audiences. They also mean the vehicles through which messages, information, ideas, knowledge and culture are transmitted to a large audience.