ROLE OF RADIO IN MOBILIZING ELECTORATE FOR THE 2015 GENERAL ELECTION

Abstract

Several efforts and empirical researches have shown that mass media most especially radio plays a significant role in educating, enlightening, sensitizing and mobilizing the electorate for electioneering. It is on this believe that the study examines the role of radio in mobilizing electorates for the 2015 General Elections with a particular focus on Ogbia Local Government of Balyesa. Radio is the most effective channels of political education because it offers signal to every nooks and crannies of society and it is very rich in educating, enlightening, mobilizing the electorates for political participation. Quantitative research design was used in which cross-sectional survey method was adopted while the data collection instrument was questionnaire. However, out of 110 copies of questionnaire that were administered, 100 copies were returned for analysis. The Agenda Setting theory was used to explain and linked the research with what radio does in our society by telling us what to think about via repeated news coverage. The research recommended that journalists should see their role in community especially during election as vital which they must not toy with while government should provide more freedom and security for the press to act without fair or favour.