Abstract
When the researcher chose the topic: Impact of Nigeria Television Authority on the Economic
development of Enugu metropolis, she was inspired to find out the extent (NTA) Nigeria
Television Authority has contributed on the economic development of Enugu metropolis. That
the mass media plays a pivotal role in the development process of a country is not again a saying.
The mass media generally regarded as channels of communication that are capable of reaching
heterogeneous audience simultaneously with uniform message. They regularly cover-all sorts of
issues such as health, music, fine art, crime, sports, entertainment/political evens, economy
among others. Therefore, this study is aimed to examine the impact of electronic media on
economic development of Enugu metropolis. The study made use of descriptive analysis with the
use of survey method. Primary investigation revealed that the roles of the media cannot be
divorced from issues of economic development of Enugu metropolis.
1.1 Background of the Study
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.
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Aniabona (2007) in his contribution to the impact of broadcasting in a developing context, noted
that electronic media are powerful and effective. Instruments for achieving national goals such
as widespread education for both children and adults in other to realize the set down objective in
economic growth, healthcare, political and social awareness, political stability, self reliance and
national identity among other things.
Basically, the media are described as performing three functions 18 roles of information,
education and entertainment. These are the conventional social functions the media render to the
public, but which is equality applicable in broader sense in economy development pursuit. It
could be said that through educating, informing and entertaining, the media thereby make the
society, society members or the nation as well as the leadership of the very society aware of the
importance and need to undertake certain progress or processes of economy development. Also
attached to these three basic roles of media is another role of persuasion, where media are seen as
virile tools of applying persuasive efforts to influence people’s actions towards a particular
direction. The mass media are therefore seen for their role in furnishing the public with necessary
information to achieve development or change goals.
Therefore, this project seeks to examine the impact of Nigeria Television Authority
(NTA) in the economic development of Enugu metropolis.
1.2 Statement of the Research Problem
As stated earlier, the impact of the electronic media especially television is enormous despite, the
problem facing them in discharging their responsibility. One thing certain is that electronic
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media especisally helps in electronic development due to its easy reach and penetration to
diverse and scattered listening audience, the literacy level notwithstanding.
But of all these impact and contribution to the economic development of Nigeria, there
are still cases of poor funding and poor management of the electronic media to effectively carry
out these impacts of economic development. Then one begins to wonder how possible for these
media to contribute the economic development when they are underfunded and expend their
revenue on surviving the business.
Hence, this project seeks to examine the impact of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
in the economic development of Enugu metropolis.
1.3 The Objectives of the Study
The objectives of the study are the following:
1. To ascertain the significant relationship between Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
and economic development of Enugu metropolis.
2. To find out the impact of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on the economic policy
of Enugu government.
3. To ascertain the role of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in mobilizing the people
toward economic development of Enugu metropolis.
4. To ascertain the role of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in setting agenda for
economic development in Enugu metropolis.
5. To find out how Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) contribute to the economic
development of Enugu metropolis.
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1.4 Research Question
Based on the objectives above, the following research questions will be carried:
1. Is there any significant relationship between Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
and economic development in Enugu metropolis?
2. Does Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) have impact on the economic policy of
Enugu state government?
3. To what extent does Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) mobilize the people
towards economic development in Enugu metropolis?
4. To what extent does Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) set agenda for discussion
on economic development in Enugu metropolis?
1.5 Significance of the Study
Upon the completion of this project, it will be made available to the students of mass
communication, researchers and scholars who are interested in further research work. It will also
help to thoroughly evaluate the impact of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on economic
development in Enugu metropolis. The project will also help to examine the agenda setting roles
of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on economic development of Enugu metropolis.
In other wards, it will look into the level of prominence the media give to the issues of
economic development in Enugu State.
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1.6 The Scope of the Study
The study will cover only Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Enugu state. It will
also focus on their staff as the population of the study. It will also cover the roles of radio and
television and its implication on the economic development. In other words, the project will
thoroughly research into economic development in Enugu metropolis in relations to the role of
the media. It will examine how Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) mobilize the people and
set agenda for economic development.1.7 Limitation of the Study
Inadequate fund and insufficient time may constitute limitation to a thorough research
work. This is because embarking on the project of this nature requires adequate time and
sufficient fund. Thus, inadequate fund and insufficient time may constitute limitation of this
project work, the time and the available fund will be judiciously utilized.
Another factor that may constitute limitation is inaccessibility to adequate and relevant
materials. However, effort will be made to gather relevant materials from available libraries and
internet for the project.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Electronic Media: This includes Television, Radio, Film and cinema which are used to pass
information to a large available. Television and Radio media pass information from the studio
which goes through the transmitter then to the television or radio of the audience.
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Economic Development: Is a holistic all embracing and ongoing phenomenon, the
manifestation of which is measured by the level of position socio-cultural, geo-political,
economic, educational and religious transformation of people or nation.