This study investigated the influence of privatization on Nigeria citizens. Following the privatization of broadcast industry in 1992 by the Babangida regime. Broadcasting was an exclusive central government preserve so that the entry of private players in the industry necessitates an appraisal with a view towards ascertaining the benefits that had accrued since the liberalization of the sector. The study was anchored on Libertarian Theory and Diffusion of Innovation Theory. Survey research method was adopted while questionnaires was used as date collection instrument. The study quota sampling as a non-probability to select respondents residing in Osun State polytechnic Community Iree. The data were analysed using frequency and percentage method. The result reveals a very competitive industry environment with indicators suggesting that the private stations are giving the public stations a run for their money in terms of acceptability through quality programming leading to increased patronage and attraction of adverts. Private media provides platform for not only objective and timely political developments within the polity but also reveals a clear departure from the hitherto placid nature of news and political coverage during the era of sole government domination of the industry. It is recommended that proprietors, they should address the issue of proper funding for their stations so as to meet the expected production standards. Again, they should not close their eyes to the material working conditions of their staffs. ( Abstract).
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
The seed for the liberalization of the broadcast industry in Nigeria was sown in the 1979 constitution. Section 39 of the Document inter alia, stated that “…every person shall be entitled to own, establish and operate any medium for the dissemination of information, ideas and opinions provided that no person, other than the Government of the Federation or of a state or any other person or body authorized by the president, shall own, establish or operate a television or wireless broadcasting station for any purpose whatsoever” (Momoh, 2002:49).
The important point in this context is the provision of the constitution that “… any other person or body authorized by the president…” could “.. own, establish or operate…” a broadcast station. Furthermore, it is worth noting that twenty and three years later, that seed manifested in the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, NBC Decree 38 of 1992. Before that year, all legal and constitutional instruments in force in the country effectively made broadcasting an exclusive preserve of the Federal and State Governments.
However, when it was promulgated on 24th August 1992, the Decree established the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, and empowered it to accept and screen applications for the issuance of licenses for private participation in broadcasting in the country. The commission was also mandated to renew and revoke licenses where and when it deems fit, and also to generally monitor and regulate broadcasting in Nigeria.
In 1994, the commission granted the first set of licenses to some firms and individuals. But private broadcasting operations per se started two years later in 1996 with the emergence of Clapper Board Television on Channel 45 UHF. Later that same year, Ray Power, the first private radio, began broadcasting on 100.5 mega hertz on the frequency modulation band.
Since the debut of the first private television and radio stations, the number of broadcast stations in the country has raised to over 100, according to Dr. Silas Yisa, the Director-General of the NBC.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The study seeks to examine the Effect of Privatization of the Electronic Media on the Audience using Unique F.M Ilesha as a case study.
The research will as well highlight some of the challenges facing the private media today and the public perception of government media.
It will also x-ray if the arrival of private broadcasting media is beneficial to the public or not.
Although, mass privatization and deregulation has increased the number of channels available for people yet this work will find out the social, economy, cultural and political prospect and challenges of deregulation on the people.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
- To examine the impact of the growth of private broadcasting media on broadcasting station improvement.
- To know the extent which privatization and deregulation has brought an end to government monopoly of broadcasting media.
- To know if deregulation of broadcasting media in Nigeria has increased broadcast frequency and channels available to audience.
1.4 Research Questions
- Has the growth of private broadcasting media improved broadcasting station in Nigeria?
- Does audience prefer private media to government owned media?
- To what extent has privatization brought an end to government monopoly of broadcasting media?
1.5 Scope of the Study
The research as being narrowed down to Unique F.M, Ilesha since it is not only difficult but also impossible to study the effect of privatization in all the 36 state of federation compare to the time available for this work and other necessary materials. Therefore, the research focused on Unique F.M, Ilesha.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The work is significance because it will benefit the general public to know he reason and benefit of privatization of broadcasting media.
Government: It will also enable the government through NBC/BON and need to sanitize and regulate multitude of broadcasting station.
Medial house: broadcast media will see the need to repack their programme as they are competitions among broadcast outfit for both audience and Adventism.
1.7 Operational Definition of the Terms
Impact: This means effect, role or functions of something on something on somebody.
Privatization: Is the act of allowing private investors into broadcasting industry to set up either radio or television station.
Broadcast media: these are electronic media of communication to larger and wider audience receiving the signal simultaneously.
NBC: National Broadcasting Commission
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