INTRODUCTION

The history of broadcast media in Nigeria dates back to the colonial period, when the British government established the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in 1933. The NBC was the only broadcaster in the country and was controlled by the government, airing mainly educational and propaganda programming.

After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the government continued to control the NBC and it remained the only broadcaster in the country until the late 1970s. In 1977, the government lifted the monopoly on broadcasting and allowed private radio and television stations to operate.

During the 1980s and 1990s, private radio and television stations began to emerge, leading to a more diverse and independent broadcast media landscape. However, the government still exerted a significant amount of control over the media through laws and regulations, and media censorship was a ongoing issue.

In the 21st century, the Nigerian broadcast media landscape has become increasingly diverse, with a mix of state-controlled and privately owned outlets. The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) still remains a state-controlled broadcaster. Additionally, the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) is also a state-controlled broadcaster.

The Nigerian broadcast media industry has grown considerably in recent years, with the emergence of new television and radio stations, satellite television, and digital broadcasting. However, the government continues to exert control over the media through laws and regulations, and media censorship and harassment of journalists remain issues.