CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The primary function of the mass media is to provide information escapism and

entertainment give self-worth and link different societies to other societies. (Ndolo 2006).In any

country the media is expected to be the voice of the voiceless and to seek justice which is the

true nature of journalism.

The media in the performance of its duty is expected to be neutral objective and balanced.

However achieving this has proven to be difficult due to some factors the most significant of

all being censorship of the media.

In Nigeria as well as other developing countries freedom is still elusive based on historical

information. The media began without any definite statutory control. For instance the first

documented newspaper „IweIroyin (1859)‟ was published without a laid down law by the state

regulating the activities of publishers. Although this unregulated situation did not remain

unchecked as the government grew increasingly unsettled by media content. It experienced

occasional interruption by the then colonial government. This unrest increased with the

emergence of nationalist papers and the need for media independence became inevitable.

Since the attainment of independence in 1960 the mass media have been attributed to extra-

legal control measures imposed on them to restrict their social responsibilities. It was more felt

during the military regime.

Since 1999 the role the media played in ushering in democracy cannot be over-emphasized as

they helped to inform educate and serve as watchdog over the society. In spite of this it is

obvious that the disposition of the society towards the media have not been favourable. Hence

there is need for this research to find out the extent and influence of news censorship on the

performance of media.

Historical Background of Nasarawa Broadcasting Service

In 1959 when the then premier of Western region of Nigeria established a broadcasting

station. It has become the practice in Nigeria for states to own their broadcasting stations.

Desirous of the need to provide social service by way of educating enlightening entertaining

and informing the general public of government programmes and activities the Nasarawa State

government enacted an Edict No 19 of 1998 establishing Nasarawa Broadcasting Service NBS.

Nasarawa Broadcasting Service had its pioneers staff deployed from Plateau Radio and

Television (PRTV) Jos. The station‟s name was suggested by this pioneering staff and endorsed

by the first military administrator Late Wing Commander Abdullah Ibrahim. Nasarawa

Broadcasting Service started transmission in February 1997 at the temporary state secretariat

along Shendam Road Lafia.

Nasarawa Broadcasting Service is a two in one broadcast outfit (Radio and Television)

and operates on a 2kilowatts transmitter (Itelco product) supplied by Kris OnyeKwuluje of

Lagos. Nasarawa Broadcasting Service was found to be using the same frequency as Hot 93.5

FM in Abuja and was letter changed to 97.1 FM by NBC in 1997.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In many countries of the world particularly the developing countries the media have

freedom to publish or broadcast whatever is in the best interest of the society. In developing

countries like Nigeria despite the fact that it has several laws especially Section 39 Sub-Section

(1) of 1999 constitution which gave right to the media and stipulates that:

“Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression

Including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and

Impact ideas and information without interference.”

Inspite of what the constitution has stipulated government and other influential

individuals still infringe on those rights and hinder the delivery of news objectivity. The question

this study seeks to answer is how has news censorship by government influence the performance

of Nasarawa State Broadcasting Service?

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To find out the extent reporters and editors at Nasarawa Broadcasting Service are faced with

problems of news censorship.

2. To determine the various forms of news censorship at the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service.

3. To find out the reason behind the censorship of news at Nasarawa Broadcasting Service.

4. To find out how news censorship has affected the performance of Nasarawa Broadcasting

Service with regards to the dissemination of news to its audience.

5. To proffer solutions to problems of news censorship at Nasarawa Broadcasting Service.

1.4 Research Questions

1. To what extent are reporters and editors at Nasarawa Broadcasting Service faced with

the problem of news censorship?

2. What are the forms of news censorship at Nasarawa Broadcasting Service?

3. What are the reasons behind the censorship of news at Nasarawa Broadcasting Service?

4. How does news censorship affect the performance of Nasarawa Broadcasting Service in

the dissemination of information to its audience?

5. What are the solutions to the problems of news censorship at Nasarawa Broadcasting

Service?

1.5 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to Nasarawa State Broadcasting Service. The study concentrated on

the staff (reporters and editors) of this media house. The findings of this study could be

generalized to include other government owned media houses bearing in mind that Nasarawa

Broadcasting Service is also a government owned media house.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study stands to offer opportunity for the following group of people: media houses

government journalists lawmakers and mass communication students.

Through this study the government will reconsider reasons that make objectivity and

accuracy in news content imperative to the development of Nigeria. Journalist will see reasons

why self-censorship should be shunned and more importantly media house will need to come up

with credible and reliable news and information for the survival of the organization.

Law makers also will review laws that promote acts of news censorship finally this study

will act as a guide to students of mass communication undertaking study on similar work.

1.8 Operational Definition of Significant Terms

Mass Media: it is the channel through which information; news opinion and others are

disseminated around the world and received by the categories of mass media namely: electronic

media which comprises of radio television and internet and print media which includes

newspaper magazine journals and books.

Censorship: It stands for monitoring spoken or written information that goes into the media of

communication. And punishment meted for anybody who intend to inform without conforming

to prescribed rules or procedures designed by ruling powers.

Control: The limitation of the freedom the media has in gathering and disseminating news.

News: anything timely that interest a number of people.

Influence: The power of news censorship on the performance of the media.

Broadcasting: it is the dissemination of messages and information over electronic media.

Performance: The ability of the media house (NBS) to gather and disseminate information

accurately.