THE ROLE OF TELEVISION IN THE POLITICAL MOBILIZATION OF RURAL AREAS IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study is geared towards finding  out the  role of television in political  mobilization of rural areas in Nigeria with special reference to Njikoka Local Government . For this study, five rural towns  in Njikoka Local government Area were studied. The  important of television as the most mobilization  media of mass communication is universally acknowledge, the  use of television is limited  because of some factors  that militate against its full  utilization, such as high cost of  television, maintenance cost and power supply. Most rural communities   are not connected to the electricity. Non availability of television has made some rural communities  to  resort to the old traditional methods of transmitting  information which is counter productive and mockery of  democracy, especially now that we  are at the stage of entering into the new century. Television has the advantage of audio and visual facilities,  hearing and seeing makes for a lasting impression. Political  and   governments could exploit television to get across their political activities  and agenda to the people politician  could  use it to market their political, ideologies, programmes   and by so doing, win followers and supports through creating awareness and political enlightenment in Nigeria. This project is a survey research and primary source of data collection for the study in the questionnaire  which is formed  from three main research question. The researcher made use of oral interview also to get across to the illiterate dwellers also to get balanced  data and ensure credibility’s,  reliability of information supplied. Data collected were analysed and interpreted. The finding reveal that the impact of television in not yet  fully and enjoyed by many in  Njikoka zone because of the high cost of television and lack of electricity supply for those who own TC sets. In this democratic era,  rural, dwellers needs political, education, awareness and enlightenment. The government should therefore do something to improve the economy of the nation to enable may to be  position to own T.V sets. They should also embark on rural electrification and political education. Ministry of information and that of public utilities  should consider the possibility of providing and developing rural television viewing centres for the general public. Adult services should be encouraged and established  in rural  communities to eradicate illiteracy. Television authorities  should run more programmes to carry rural dwellers along.  The researcher hoped  that the suggestions would enhance political mobilization and public enlightenment. 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGEII APPROVAL PAGEIII DEDICATIONIV ACKNOWLEDGEMENTV ABSTRACTVI TABLE OF CONTENTSIX
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1Background of  the Study1 Uses of Television3 Assessment of various media4 1.2Statement of the research problems6 1.3Purpose of the Study7 1.4Significance  of the Study15 1.5Research Questions16 1.6Research Hypotheses16 1.7Definitions of Term18 Conceptual Definitions19 Operational Definitions 20 1.8Limitation of The Study20
CHAPTER TWO 2.1Source  of Literature review21 2.2The Review 2.3Summary Review23
CHAPTER THREE:  RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1Research Method26 3.2Research Design27 3.3Research Sample28 3.4Measuring Instrument29 3.5Data Collection29
CHAPTER FOUR 4.1Data Analysis31
CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY43 RECOMMENDATION47 BIBLIOGRAPHY48 QUESTIONNAIRES 50