EVALUATING THE ROLE OF THE NIGERIAN TELEVISION AUTHORITY IN THE MOBILIZATION OF THE ELECTORATES IN 2023 ELECTION

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. Background of the study

Television has been acknowledged as an essential instrument for mass communication, capable of influencing public opinion, educating individuals, and galvanising communities for collective action (McQuail, 2010). In democratic countries, its function is particularly crucial during election seasons, because the distribution of information about candidates, political parties, voting procedures, and civic duties is vital for enabling informed participation (Norris, 2000). The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), founded in 1977, is the preeminent television network in Nigeria, with a broad coverage including both urban and rural regions nationwide (Uche, 2019). The NTA, due to its extensive reach and government control, is strategically equipped to affect election behaviour and results by mobilising voters via targeted broadcasts (Agbaje, 2019). The 2023 general election in Nigeria was a pivotal moment in the nation's democratic evolution, distinguished by intensified political strife, more youth engagement, and the integration of innovative technology in the electoral process (INEC, 2023). This election offered a distinct chance for the media to assume a more significant role in promoting political participation, particularly in light of increasing concerns of voter indifference in prior elections (Ojo, 2020). The NTA, as the official state broadcaster, was tasked with delivering extensive coverage of election events, informing the public about voting processes, and disseminating messages that motivated residents to use their voting rights (Akinwale, 2022).
The efficacy of the NTA in galvanising voters during elections has been a topic of contention. Critics contend that state-owned media institutions, like the NTA, often encounter issues of impartiality, exhibiting a propensity to favour the governing party or governmental interests rather than providing equitable portrayal of all political entities (Ojo, 2020). Research indicates that in previous elections, the NTA was seen as providing insufficient coverage to opposition parties, thereby restricting the electorate's access to a variety of political perspectives (Oso, 2012). This prompts enquiries over the adequacy of the NTA's broadcasts during the 2023 election in informing and mobilising the voters, as well as their potential contribution to biassed political communication. The media's function in elections beyond mere news reporting; it also includes voter education and mobilisation (Akinwale, 2022). In Nigeria, where literacy rates and media accessibility differ markedly, television functions as a crucial information source for several residents (Olajide & Bamidele, 2021). Nonetheless, accessibility challenges persist, particularly in rural regions where energy provision and television ownership may be constrained, thus compromising the NTA's outreach (Agbaje, 2019). The reliability of the information disseminated by the NTA has been scrutinised, since media ownership and control may affect the substance and presentation of election coverage (McQuail, 2010). These reasons highlight the need to assess the efficacy and neutrality of the NTA's involvement in voter mobilisation during the 2023 election. Furthermore, the emergence of social media and digital platforms has expanded the sources of election information accessible to Nigerians, possibly reducing the impact of conventional broadcasters such as the NTA (Olatunji, 2021). Although digital platforms provide instantaneous updates and interactive participation, television continues to be an essential medium for reaching audiences with restricted internet connectivity. The interaction between traditional media and new media during the 2023 election necessitates an evaluation of how the NTA adjusted to the changing media environment to sustain its significance in voter mobilisation (Uche, 2019). Given these dynamics, the researcher sought to evaluate the role of the Nigerian television authority in the mobilization of the electorates in 2023 election.

1. 1. Statement of the problem

The 2023 general election in Nigeria was a crucial event that highlighted the need of efficient voter mobilisation for democratic engagement. In this setting, the media, especially television, significantly influenced public perception and mobilised electorates. The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), being the biggest television network in the nation, was anticipated to play a vital role in spreading information, educating voters, and promoting electoral participation. Notwithstanding its extensive scope, there is an absence of thorough assessment about the efficacy of NTA in executing its function during the election. Prior research has emphasised that the media's function in elections extends beyond mere information transmission to include promoting democratic involvement and enabling informed decision-making (Akinwale, 2022; Okon, 2021). Concerns exist over media bias, insufficient coverage of opposition parties, and the impact of political connections on broadcast material (Ojo, 2020). The government's control of the NTA has prompted enquiries over its impartiality and ability to mobilise votes without bias (Agbaje, 2019). Moreover, difficulties concerning media accessibility persist in rural regions, where several electorates may have insufficient exposure to television programming (Olajide & Bamidele, 2021). Therefore, this study seeks to evaluate the role of the Nigerian television authority in the mobilization of the electorates in 2023 election.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to evaluate the role of the Nigerian television authority in the mobilization of the electorates in 2023 election. The specific objectives is as follows

1. To evaluate the extent of NTA's coverage of election-related events during the 2023 election.

2. To analyze the impact of NTA's electoral broadcasts on voter turnout during the 2023 election.

3. To analyze the role of NTA's electoral broadcasts in the mobilization of electorates during the 2023 election.

4. To identify the challenges faced by NTA in reaching electorates during the 2023 election.

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

1. What is the extent of NTA's coverage of election-related events during the 2023 election?

2. What is the impact of NTA's electoral broadcasts on voter turnout during the 2023 election?

3. What is the role of NTA's electoral broadcasts in the mobilization of electorates during the 2023 election?

4. What are the challenges faced by NTA in reaching electorates during the 2023 election?

1.5 Significance of the study

The study will be significant to media regulatory bodies and policymakers as it can inform them on necessary reforms to enhance the quality and impartiality of electoral coverage. This can help in establishing guidelines that ensure balanced reporting by state-owned media, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Findings of the study will contribute to media literacy initiatives aimed at educating the public on evaluating information sources critically. This is particularly important in combating misinformation and ensuring that voters make informed decisions based on reliable information.

Findings of the study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to existing literature, add to library resources and serve as a guide to future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focus on the role of the Nigerian television authority in the mobilization of the electorates in 2023 election. Empirically, the study will evaluate the extent of NTA's coverage of election-related events during the 2023 election, analyze the impact of NTA's electoral broadcasts on voter turnout during the 2023 election, analyze the role of NTA's electoral broadcasts in the mobilization of electorates during the 2023 election and identify the challenges faced by NTA in reaching electorates during the 2023 election.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to the Nigerian television authority( NTA) , Lagos State.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Electorates: Refers to the body of individuals who are eligible to vote in an election. In the context of this study, electorates represent Nigerian citizens who were eligible to participate in the 2023 general election.

Mobilization: The process of encouraging and organizing people to take active part in a particular activity. For this study, it pertains to efforts by the NTA to encourage and motivate voters to participate in the electoral process during the 2023 election.

Nigerian Television Authority (NTA): A state-owned television broadcasting network in Nigeria, established in 1977. It is the largest television network in the country, responsible for providing information, education, and entertainment to the Nigerian public.

Election: A formal process in which individuals vote to choose candidates for political office or decide on specific policies. In this study, it refers specifically to the 2023 general election held in Nigeria, which included the presidential and legislative elections.

Voter Education: Efforts aimed at informing citizens about the electoral process, including how to register to vote, how to vote, the importance of voting, and other related information to ensure informed participation in the electoral process.

Media Bias: The perceived or real partiality of media organizations in presenting news and information. It occurs when the content favors one side over another, potentially influencing public opinion. This study will examine whether NTA demonstrated bias in its coverage during the election.

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