THE ROLE OF MASS MEDIA IN POLITICAL MOBILISATION

ABSTRACT

The study; “The role of mass media in political mobilization” concerned with the influence of mass media on the behaviour of Edo state electorates during elections. The study used survey method of research with questionnaire. With a sample size of 465, the study found that traditional media influenced Edo people to a large extent during elections by ways of making them participate massively in the voters’ card registration exercise, campaigns exercise, voting, knowledge of political parties and their candidates, avoid violence during and after elections and enable them know the voting time table. Finding shows that voters’ education, provision of information, promotion of political candidates, appeal for voter’s participation, encourage for free and fair elections, warn against political violence, advise for maximum performance, attacking of corrupt politicians and advocate for or against change of government were various purposes through which mass media can be employed to serve during elections. Finding also reveals that opposition party utilizes mass media in their political campaigns more than did the ruling political party. The study however shows that inadequate support, cultural variation, lack of government interest in the media, static nature of some folk media forms and attacks and intimidations were various challenges mass media practitioners face in their practice during elections.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

This research touches on the various aspects of the mass media as instruments of political mobilization. In other words, it explores into the mass media as a mobilization agency during the political transition period.

It is thus, an important assumption of the work that a systematic study of political mobilization by mass media should include an examination and the nature of operation of the mass media communication in the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) Benin City.

The mass media generally referred to both the print(s) and electronic media as supported in section 22 of the 1989 constitution of Nigeria.

The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media should at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives and highlights the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.

The role of the mass media according to General Abacha in his maiden independence broadcast on the 1st October 1995 was to unform, educate and entertain the citizen.

Onyishi (1996) while highlighting on the role of the mass media in democracy notes that the press not only sustains the democracy principles but also end with transaction period.  The media should help an ushering in democracy they should play a crucial role in nurturing and sustaining the success or failure of our practice of democratic government. To large extent, their success depends on how well the mass media carries out their function as the mid wife of democracy.

This research therefore is intended to investigate how far the mass media had fulfilled this allowed obligation.  It is hoped that the result of the work will be useful to media practitioners in the proper performance of their duties.

1.2     STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEMS:

In democracies, the mass media are the watch dog of the people. The citizen are usually mobilized and unformed to created awareness on the political culture.

By political culture, I refer to a system of politic in which sovereignty is vested on the people rather than a small clique, or an oligarchy, a political arrangement that places emphasis on the accountability of polity where the rule of law, majority rule and constitutionalism is the basic guiding principle.

Perhaps, it could be argued that the political crisis that pervaded our recent past points to the fact that most of our people are ignorant of an apathetic towards the country’s observe that in Nigeria electioneering  and voting pattern cannot be validated, in the voting pattern of Nigerians and the possible estimation of the voter attitude towards political

1.3     OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The level of political mobilization in Nigerian and Edo state in particular seems to be very low.  Also the political crisis occurring in this country has equally been attributed to several factors. The purpose of this study is to identify the reasons or reasons that have contributed to these low political mobilization in Nigeria politics.

In doing so, what usually comes to mind is to ask the question what is the reason for the low political participation in Nigeria politics and equally the causes of the constant political crisis? As usually, it may be traced to several factors like low level of awareness and tribalism, how can this awareness be obtained? This will lead us to this research topic.

Therefore, this study is intended to inquire into how political mobilization as well as participation in Nigeria politics and equally trace the genesis of the political crisis that identifies the factors responsible and solution sought.

1.4     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

It is expected that this study would be immense benefit to the government, the mass media and the people of this country.  This study will highlight the importance of the mass media as a vehicle for political mobilization in a transition era.

Through the mass media, especially the radio and television Nigeria might have a chance of having a viable political culture and help to choose a leadership that will inculcate a viable and sustaining democracy.  This will also give us a society blessed with.

1.5     RESEARCH QUESTIONS.

The basic question posted as a result of these problem includes the following:

a.       Have the media been participating in elections in Nigeria and Edo state in particular.

b.       Has ethnic problem been hindering the smooth conduct of election in this country?

c.       Can the masses in the country be mobilized and informed using mass media organ?

d.       What role has the mass media played to ensure a viable democracy?

1.6     LIMITATION OF STUDY

Since the research is directed as the mass media and political mobilization, the research is content on the broadcasting media in Edo state.  (i.e. the Edo Broadcasting Services EBS)

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Conceptual and operational definitions of terms

1.       ROLE

a.       Conceptual: Persons or duties in an undertaking.

b.       Operational:         Function or part of the duty the mass media dot o  contribute national political consciousness and development.

2.       MASS MEDIA

b.       Conceptual: Existing channel through which government and its citizens communication to each other or means through which greater number of people are reached spontaneously with information.

3.       MOBILIZE        

a.       Conceptual: Render something or some body move form initial position.

b.       Operational:         Cause people to be actively involved in politics, to be politically minded and conscious and to believe in political process and result.

4.       CENSORSHIP:  

a.       Conception: Process of finding faults from what ever somebody else does

b.       Operational:         Unlimited supervision of the activities of the press by those news and commentaries with stipulated laws to punish what seems to the government as conditions.