ABSTRACT
This study was designed to critically examine “the role of the press in Nigeria’s polarization and National Development”
The method of content analysis was adopted and also, three Nigerian daily newspaper were selected. This include, the New Nigeria Newspaper a federal Government owned newspaper published in Kaduna state,
The National concord and the champion, each being privately owned by differently individual (s) but published in Lagos.
Three publications were selected per week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays covering April, August and December between 1997 – 1993. Five years were analysed. These are 1981, 1984 1987, 1990 and 1993.
The result were then carefully analysed and interpreted. The analysis revealed that the Nigerian Press jettisoned the much-admired doctrine of fairness and impartiality and tend towards biasness and sycophancy.
At the end, it was recommended that in order to address the polarization of the press owners and operators of mass media, irrespective of their ethnic geographical and political difference must create an avenue where they could rub minds with one another so as to eradicate the misconception held against each other. And that the press and government relationship must improve hence seeing other as partners in progress.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of content
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction1
1.1Background of study1
1.2Research problem4
1.3Objective of the study 5
1.4Significance of the study5
1.5Scope and limitation6
1.6Research questions7
1.7Hypothesis7
1.8Definition of terms7
CHAPTER TWO
2.0Literature review10
2.1Source10
2.2Theoretical frame work12
2.3Concept of mass media14
2.4The role of mass media19
2.5Concept of development20
2.6The post independent press26
2.7The Nigerian press and political influence ouring
second republic 1979 – 198331
2.8Democratic political consent of
Nigerian press 1985 – 199332
CHAPTER THREE
3.0Research methodology34
3.1population35
3.2Sampling35
3.3Data gathering method36
3.4Content analysis36
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0Data analysis and interpretation 38
4.1 Discussions and interpretation79
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0Summary, recommendation and conclusion 82
5.2Recommendation83
5.3Conclusion85
Appendix30
Reference92