The Role of Print Media in Political Stability in Nigeria (1993-1998)
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Date
2010-03
Authors
Habu, M
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Abstract
The study of the Role of the Print Media in Political Stability in Nigeria (1993 – 1998) was galvanized by the fact that since the end of the civil war in Nigeria in 1970, there was no time the issue of political stability suffered a set back like during Abacha era. While NADECO and other pro – democracy groups were struggling against the regime, government on the other hand was arresting people. The era showed a contrasting trend that needed to be examined. It now became interesting to see how the press covered or reported events during Abacha era. To tackle this research problem, the study examined how the Nigerian private news magazines appreciated, reported and analysed issues relating to political stability under the rule of General Sani Abacha junta. Secondly, the study examined the disposition of the news magazines on the clamour for the convocation of Sovereign National Conference and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election was based on political, ethnic, religious or pecuniary interest. Lastly, the study investigated if all the news magazines operated in a professional and ethical manner and whether this did enhance Political Stability or Instability. In carrying out this investigation, the following approaches, namely: content analysis, historical, analytical and comparative research techniques were adopted as framework. The historical approach helped to put in context the history of the four media houses investigated and how their editorial outlook and reporting style impacted on Political Stability. The analytical technique permitted the study do a critical analysis of the nature and content of the news carried by Tell; The News; Hotline and Citizen Magazines in relating to the issue of Political Stability. Finally, the comparative approach allowed the study to compare the four media houses in connection with their reports on national issues between 1993 – 1998. At the end of this research work, it was discovered that the press was more favourable than unfavourable towards political stability in Nigeria in its coverage of events post June 12, 1993 Presidential election annulment. The evidence arising from a content analysis of 233 editions of the four privately owned news magazines, namely Tell, The News, Hotline and Citizen examined via editorials, news items and feature articles between 1993 and 1998 showed that the news magazines published more items that were favourable than unfavourable to Political Stability, national interest and were Professional in their practice of journalism.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos
Keywords
Print Media , Nigeria , Political Stability , Politics , Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences::Political science::Peace and development research
Citation
Habu, M (2010). The Role of Print Media in Political Stability in Nigeria (1993-1998). A Thesis Submitted to University of Lagos School of Postgraduate Studies Phd Thesis and Dissertation, 183pp.