Project Abstract

Abstract
Radio broadcast programmes play a crucial role in Nigeria by providing information, education, and entertainment to a wide audience across the country. This research proposal aims to explore the importance of radio broadcast programmes in Nigeria and their impact on the society. The study will focus on how radio programmes contribute to social cohesion, cultural preservation, and national development. Radio is a powerful medium that reaches a large segment of the Nigerian population, including those in rural and remote areas who may not have access to other forms of media. By broadcasting in different languages and dialects, radio stations in Nigeria cater to the diverse linguistic and cultural needs of the population, helping to bridge communication gaps and promote inclusivity. In addition to serving as a source of news and information, radio programmes in Nigeria also play a key role in education. Educational radio programmes are designed to supplement formal education by providing additional learning opportunities in subjects such as literacy, health, agriculture, and civic education. These programmes help to improve the knowledge and skills of listeners, particularly in rural communities where access to formal education may be limited. Furthermore, radio broadcast programmes contribute to the preservation of Nigerian culture and heritage. Through music, storytelling, drama, and cultural discussions, radio helps to promote and preserve traditional values, languages, and practices. By showcasing local talent and promoting indigenous languages, radio programmes in Nigeria play a vital role in preserving the country's rich cultural heritage. Radio broadcast programmes also have a significant impact on national development in Nigeria. By disseminating information on government policies, development initiatives, and civic responsibilities, radio helps to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance. Radio programmes can also raise awareness about social issues such as health, education, gender equality, and environmental conservation, mobilizing communities to take action and participate in development efforts. In conclusion, radio broadcast programmes are essential for promoting social cohesion, cultural preservation, education, and national development in Nigeria. This research proposal seeks to investigate the importance of radio programmes in Nigeria and the ways in which they contribute to the overall well-being and progress of the society.

Project 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