ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to investigate prospects and challenges of campus broadcast stations in Nigeria focusing on UNILAG FM 88.9 FM. Three management theories, including Fredrick Taylor’s Scientific Management Theory, Contingency Theory, and Behavioural and Human Relations Management Theory, served as the study’s theoretical foundations. The study adopted a survey research method and questionnaire was administered to the respondents that were drawn within Unilag Lagos using purposive sampling technique. The data were analyzed using frequency and percentage method while tables were equally used to present the data. The study finds out that fund is the core problem facing Unilag FM while it also lack complete autonomy to operate as it operates as part of the university community. Other problems visible is the problem of staffing as many of the team are students. It was recommended that more fund be allotted while the university should give the radio free hand to operate but in line with the objective in other to achieve success.
Table of Contents
Title page i
Certification ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgement iv
Abstract v
Table of Content vi
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Background to the Study 1
1.2 Problem Statement 4
1.3 Objectives of the Study 4
1.4 Research Questions 5
1.5 Significance the Study 5
1.6 Scope of the Study 5
1.7 Definition of Terms 6
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review 7
2.1 Definition of Mass Media 7
2.2 Types of Mass Media 7
2.3 Definition of Radio 8
2.4 What is Campus Journalism (Radio) 8
2.5 What is Journalism? 9
2.6 What is Campus? 10
2.7 Concept of Campus Journalism (Radio) 10
2.8 Sources of News and programmes for Campus Radio 10
2.9 Media available to Campus Journalism apart from campus radio 10
2.10 Tools for Campus Radio or Campus Journalism 11
2.11 Quality of Good Campus Radio Journalist 12
2.12 Benefits of Campus Radio 12
2.13 Challenges of Campus Radio 12
2.14 Funding Campus Media (Journalism) 13
2.15 Future of Campus Journalism 14
2.16 Concept of Management in Campus Radio 15
2.17 Functions of Management in Campus Radio 15
2.18 Roles/Duties of a Media Manager 16
2.19 Theoretical Framework 19
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Research Methodology 21
3.1 Research Design 21
3.2 Study Population 21
3.3 Sample Size 21
3.4 Sampling Technique 21
3.5 Data Collection Instrument 22
3.6 Validity and Reliability of Research Instrument 22
3.7 Data Collection Instrument 22
3.8 Data Analysis Procedure 22
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Data Presentation and Analysis 23
4.1 Data Analysis 23
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations 33
5.1 Summary 33
5.2 Conclusion 34
5.3 Recommendations 35
References
Appendix
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
Radio is an electronic device that uses electromagnetic wave for the transmission of messages, information and communication to a wide and heterogeneous and anonymous audience (Oyekanmi, 2016:4). While campus is basically a piece of land on which a college, polytechnic or university and related institutional buildings are situated. Usually a college campus includes libraries, lecture halls, residence halls, student centers, parks etc.
Meanwhile, a campus radio is a form of community radio that serves the university or polytechnic community i.e the campus and its host community (ies) through the collection, preparation and distribution of news, commentaries and programmes materials that suit and fit the target audience (Olayinka, 2017).
Campus radio as the name implies, is a radio by the university or polytechnic for the university and its environs, it is otherwise known as university radio, polytechnic or student radio or simply put as college radio.
Olayinka, (2017) posits that campus radio is a form of radio station that is run by the students of a university or other educational institution. The programmes often focus on students activities, while it may include programmes and programmers from the wider community in which the radio station covers. Campus radio also broadcast range of programmes similar to other stations except that is more audience-oriented rather than commercial driven. Some of the common objectives of setting up campus radio are:
- To operate for the purpose of training professional radio personnel (for students practical) i.e as a training ground for the future radio professionals,
- To broadcast educational programmes to the targeted audience.
- To provide an alternative to commercial broadcasting or government broadcasters. Campus radio stations are generally licensed and regulated by NBC, just like many other commercial driven radio.
Campus radio is an important part of university; in fact, it plays a great role in disseminating programmes that are target oriented unlike the commercial radio that placed emphasis on advert. Although, not all polytechnics and universities in Nigeria have a campus radio, yet the few that are available are contributing meaningfully to the development of not just the campus community, but the greater community in which they are situated (Duncan, 2015).
In a world where people are bombarded with commercial mainstream media we see more and more people seeking out alternative sources of information and campus radio was pioneering that long before the age of YouTube and blogs, even till date because not everyone known or have access to the internet media (Duncan, 2015).
The idea of commercial-free radio (campus radio) goes beyond just avoiding ads between content, it is about being free and independent to pursue new ideas, provide content that isn’t driven by advertisers and that is something that fits perfectly with the mandate of universities and their students because university is a research, innovative and centre for knowledge advancement.
Similarly, campus radio offers news and event coverage on-campus and provide an alternative voice students can’t find elsewhere. In Nigeria, there are many campus radio stations but few will be mentioned here for the purpose of this study:
- Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua,
- UNIUYO100.7FM, University of Uyo
- UNIZIK94.1FM, Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- MADONNA93.4FM, Madonna University (Ihiala), Okija
- CARITAS98.7FM, Caritas University, Enugu
- UNILORIN89.3FM, University of Ilorin,
- NOUN105.9FM, National Open University of Nigeria Victoria Island
- UNILAG103.1FM, University of Lagos Akoka,
- Lagos State University, Ojo 95.7FM,
- Search FM 92.3, Federal University of Technology Minna.
- Babcock University, Ilesan-Remo, Hebron 95.9 FM, Covenant University, Canaanland (Wikipedia, 2017).
However, UNILAG 88.9 FM is the focus of this study while the research look extensively on the problems and prospects of campus radio in Nigeria with the view to know some of the challenges facing the voice of campus and the prospects if well managed and utilised. It is against this background that the research examines the prospects and challenges of campus broadcast stations in Nigeria (A case study of UNILAG FM 88.9 FM).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The research examines an assessment of management in the operation of UNILAG 88.9 F.M. No doubt to say the fact that management is not a bed of rose. With this backdrop, management has some problems in managing, controlling and commanding a media outfit. Among the problems are motivations of diligent and intelligent staff in the organization, problem of leadership, individual difference can also not be overlooked.
Funding is another identified challenge because equipment in broadcast media are very expensive and become outdated after some time when modern equipment are produced, especially now that broadcasting are moving to digital age. Other research problem of decision making, environmental problem, psychological constraints, burn out and stress and others which arise in poor and improper management.
It is against this background that the research examines prospects and challenges of campus broadcast stations in Nigeria with a case study of UNILAG 88.9 FM with the view to examine the extent of problems and the likely prospects for the radio station and the role played by the media managers and the likely prospects.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
- To examine problems confronting management of UNILAG 88.9 F.M.
- To ascertain whether influence of ownership affect the management of UNILAG 88.9 F.M.
- To examine the prospects of UNILAG 88.9 F.M in this era of F.M proliferations.
- To determine some of the ways in which UNILAG 88.9 F.M can be effectively managed.
1.4 Research Questions
- Is there problem confronting management of UNILAG 88.9 F.M?
- Does the influence of ownership affect the management of UNILAG 88.9 M?
- What are the prospects of UNILAG 88.9 F.M in this era of F.M proliferations?
- In what ways UNILAG 88.9 F.M can be effectively managed?
1.6 Scope of the Study
This research has been narrowed in scope to the management of UNILAG 88.9 F.M due to the proximity of the station to the researcher and because it is the pioneer campus radio in Nigeria while it has just pioneer campus television station this year.
1.7 Significance of the Study
Since campus radio has emerged as tool for effective communication and mobilisation on campus and its environs, it has been advanced for other meaningful cause including social change and advocacy for community development. The study will be beneficial to the management of radio stations especially community radio stations, governmental and non-governmental agencies, advocacy groups, future researchers and other stakeholders locally and globally. It is hoped that this study will give an insight into the impact of UNILAG 88.9 FM as a campus radio on various education programmes.
The management UNILAG 88.9 FM could use the research finding to create programmes and formulate better community oriented programmes that will help prevent, solve and guide against so many ill-activities on campus.
Future researchers and students will find the material relevant as it will form bulk literature that exist in the field of mass communication especially in the area of campus radio as many universities and polytechnic are applying and thirsty for campus radio.
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
It is therefore important that some terms used in this study should be decoded within the context of their usage.
Prospects: It refers to the possible solutions or future benefit or success of Unilag FM.
Problems: These are various constraints or hindrance to effectiveness of Unilag 88.9 F.M.
Management: This entails all the activities result from planning, organizing, directing and controlling available resources of Unilag 88.9 F.M. in order to achieve the set goals of the campus radio especially as the pioneer campus radio and television in Nigeria.
WHAT TO EXPECT: (Chapter 1-5, Abstract, Table of Contents, Questionnaire and References)
