Project Abstract

This research project aims to investigate the role of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in promoting political stability in the Fourth Republic of Nigeria, with a specific focus on NTA Lagos State. The study seeks to explore how NTA, as a government-owned television network, influences political discourse and public opinion in Lagos State and its implications for political stability in the country. The Fourth Republic of Nigeria has been characterized by political instability, including issues such as electoral violence, corruption, and ethnic tensions. As a key player in the media landscape of the country, NTA has the potential to shape public perceptions and attitudes towards political issues. This research project will examine the content and framing of political news and programs on NTA Lagos State to understand how they contribute to either promoting or undermining political stability. The study will utilize a mixed-methods approach, combining content analysis of NTA Lagos State programming with interviews and surveys of viewers and political stakeholders. By analyzing the types of political content broadcasted by NTA Lagos State and how it is presented, the research aims to uncover the underlying messages and narratives that may influence public opinion. Furthermore, the study will investigate the perspectives of viewers and political stakeholders on the role of NTA Lagos State in shaping political discourse and promoting political stability. Through interviews and surveys, the research will explore the extent to which NTA is perceived as a credible and unbiased source of political information, as well as its impact on public trust in government institutions. The findings of this research project are expected to provide valuable insights into the relationship between NTA Lagos State and political stability in Nigeria. By understanding how NTA influences public opinion and political discourse, policymakers and media practitioners can work towards leveraging the potential of the television network to promote constructive political engagement and peaceful coexistence in the country. Ultimately, this research project seeks to contribute to the existing literature on media and political stability in Nigeria, with a specific focus on the role of NTA Lagos State. By shedding light on the dynamics of media influence on politics in the country, the study aims to inform strategies for enhancing political stability and democratic governance in Nigeria's Fourth Republic.

Project Overview

2.1 INTRODUCTION
Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, which has witnessed four general elections (1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011), is yet to show profound evidence of a growing democracy. All of these elections were marked with controversies, just as their processes and end products encountered credibility and legitimacy crises. Obviously, all of these account for the lack of appropriate policy formulation and effective implementation that are needed for the improvement of the standard of living of the people and development of the country as a whole. The net effect is that the ordinary citizens seem to have gradually lost hope in the system that replaced the military regime, while the rulers and supposed representatives of the people who live in opulence that does not conform to the current economic realities in the country—seem less bothered. Apparently, itmay take some time to feel the full impact of the slight improvement recorded in the conduct of the 2011 general elections.
That the mass media plays a pivotal role in the development process of a country is not a saying. The mass media is generally regarded as channels of communication that are capable of reaching heterogeneous audience simultaneously with uniform message. They regularly cover all sorts of issues economy among others (Meyer 2002, Soola 2004). The mass media transmits ideas and new information to target audience in the society. Tosanisunm, (2004) has observed that the mass media educate, inform and entertain beyond these functions as they also persuade and catalyze for social mobilization. In other
words, the mass media can be regarded as powerful service of information because they have the capability for penetrating every segment of the society. They have the ability to disseminate messages about issue ideas and products. The electronic media which is the focus this study comprises the radio and television. The sophistication of these media of communication distinguished them as the wonders of modern communication. Just as the twentieth century dawned, a system was perfected which electromagnetic impulse could be sent through the air without wires carrying voice transmission over long distance.
Electronic media are the machinery or an institution used for simultaneous transmission of information to a wide and divergent audience. Although the electronic media are channel for which information is transmitted to the audience through the different types of media yet they represent the attempt or man to relate to and interact with other men. It is clear to note the communication has been enhanced nationally and internationally with the use of technology. 13 Aniabona (2007) in his contribution to the impact of broadcasting in a developing context