Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Radio broadcast programmes play a significant role in Nigeria, serving as a primary source of information, education, and entertainment for millions of people across the country. This proposal aims to highlight the importance of radio broadcast programmes in Nigeria and explore how they can be leveraged to address various societal issues. The research will delve into the historical background of radio broadcasting in Nigeria, tracing its evolution and impact on the Nigerian society. The proposal will also examine the current landscape of radio broadcast programmes in Nigeria, analyzing the various types of programmes available and their reach among different demographics. Furthermore, the research will investigate the role of radio in promoting cultural heritage, language preservation, and national unity in a diverse country like Nigeria. One of the key objectives of this proposal is to underscore the effectiveness of radio broadcast programmes in reaching remote and underserved communities in Nigeria. By offering a cost-effective and accessible means of communication, radio has the potential to bridge the information gap between urban and rural areas, thereby promoting inclusivity and development across the country. Moreover, the proposal will explore the influence of radio broadcast programmes on public opinion, behavior change, and social mobilization in Nigeria. Radio has been utilized as a powerful tool for advocacy, awareness campaigns, and community engagement, contributing to positive changes in various sectors such as health, education, and governance. In addition, the proposal will discuss the challenges facing radio broadcast programmes in Nigeria, including funding constraints, regulatory issues, and technological advancements. By identifying these challenges, the research aims to provide recommendations on how the government, media organizations, and other stakeholders can support and enhance the sustainability of radio broadcasting in Nigeria. Overall, this proposal seeks to underscore the enduring relevance and importance of radio broadcast programmes in Nigeria. Through a comprehensive analysis of its historical significance, current status, and future prospects, the research aims to highlight the critical role that radio plays in shaping public discourse, fostering social cohesion, and driving positive change in Nigerian society.

Thesis Overview

Introduction

1.1Background of the study

Communication is the process of sending message from one point to another and the content of the message is called information. Information pervades the whole spectrum of life. It is a treasure to a nation, community and the larger world. Every sphere of life will remain static without well-packaged information. Information to a large extent is an asset, a resource, a commodity with social economic and political consequences.

Communication is as old as mankind and it is the pivot on which human existence, continuity and national development revolves. Different media are used in communication, which classified into print – such as Newspapers, Magazines, etc.; Electronics such as Radio, Television, etc., oral eg. use of gongs, etc.

The electronic media categories are the most prominent and significant. They are younger than oral and print media being mainly the products of twentieth century. Stella Okunna (1987) noted, “Radio appears to be more powerful. It stands out as having the greater power of reaching the diverse people of the Nigeria nation”. Radio as a medium of mass communication has wider scope of coverage and as a commonly used medium makes greater impact on the audience. Radio is a mechanical medium of communication whose reception according to Okonkwo (1997) “is aural”. Radio makes use of sense of sound and hearing to convey its message to the audience. It is a faithful comparison everywhere one found a set to listen to while having a walk, at work, in the farm, in the market places, riding a car, on a motor-cycle, on a donkey, etc. Radio is used countrywide even in rural areas. This is attributable to the unique qualities of the medium – it is portable, easily affordable and easily – operated even in the absence of electricity.

In this study therefore, we have set out to examine the roles played by Radio Programmes in National Development.       Nigeria is a giant nation strongly backed up by a collective will to develop and forge ahead. “In dreams”, writes Fred Amadi (1999) “begins responsibility”. The responsibility of carrying the people of the nation along its developmental journey falls on radio – the media used countrywide.

It is believed that Nigeria nation has not less than 250 ethnic groups with different socio-cultural backgrounds. This calls for a medium that can cross boarders, break through all barriers and make developmental impact on the audience as according to Wilbur Schramm (1994) “for there to be unity and national development, there must be effective communication

Objective of the study

The following objectives will be assessed;

1. To ascertain the quality of the Radio programmes in developing the nation
2. To ascertain whether radio broadcast programmes have effect on its audience
3. To ascertain the importance of Radio broadcast programme in Nigeria

Research hypotheses

H1:   The quality of the programmes produced by Radio broadcast Station does not help in developing the nation.

H0:   The quality of the programmes produced by the Radio broadcast Station help in developing the nation.

H2:   The radio broadcast programmes have no effect on its audience.

H0:     The radio broadcast programmes have effect on its audience

H3:   there is no importance of Radio broadcast programme in Nigeria.

H0:   there is importance of Radio broadcast programme in Nigeria