CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW AND
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 Introduction
Much was said in the first chapter about
the necessity to take into account as regards to broadcasting in Nigeria; a role of regulatory agencies and
regulations in enthroning free and fair
media. This chapter deals with a review of various literatures and theoretical
framework. Pertinently, this chapter used more of secondary data from text
books, journals, government gazettes and previous related works.
2.2 Conceptual Framework
2.2.1 Historical Background
For
the perspicacity of this work, a brief incursion into the past of broadcasting
in Nigeria will suffice at this juncture. Beitang (2006) states: With the
natural backdrop of three vegetation zones and a varied colourful topography,
Nigeria has an impressive historical location, traditional festivals and durbars,
which provide a rich tapestry and backdrop for Broadcasting (television and
radio production). There is also a rich multi-cultural setting of about 400
indigenous cultures to fertilise creation and creativity in the area of
programming.
The
coming of BBC Empire service in 1932 marked the beginning of broadcasting in
Nigeria. The Empire service which utilized radio signal Re-diffusion Service,
RDS, was designed to enhance economic, political and cultural relationship
between Britain and its colonies. The outfit became Nigeria Broadcasting
service (NBS) in 1951.
Furthermore,
ordinance No. 39 of 1956 enabled the conversion of NBS to Nigerian Broadcasting
Corporation
NBC, in April 1, 1957. The same act
provided for the external service of NBC, the Voice of Nigeria, which began operation
in January 1, 1962. However, the three regions established TV stations as
follows: West (WNTV: 1959); East (ENBS-TV: 1960); and North (RKTV: 1962).
In
1979, all the regional radio stations came under one umbrella: Federal Radio
Corporation of Nigeria (Betiang 2006). Prior to that time the regional TV
stations were harmonized to become Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in 1976 (Owuamalam, 2006). All along the ownership, control and
operation of broadcasting in Nigeria were preserved exclusively for the various
governments – Federal, Regional, and State (Media Rights Agenda, MRA, 2001). In 1992, the Deregulation of Broadcasting
Decree No.38 was promulgated by the administration of General Ibrahim
Babangida.
The
expression of that presidential ipse dixit which established the
National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, also created a new pattern of ownership
and control as well as injected competition in the broadcast industry.
Corroborating, NBC (2009) submits that “as a result of the revolution in the
Nigeria broadcast industry, the number of broadcasting stations in Nigeria has at
the last count, risen to 394 from less than 30 before deregulation”.
2.2.2
The Broadcast Media
This is the activity,
or product of journalists or others engaged in the preparation of written,
visual, or audio material intended for dissemination through public media with
reference to factual, ongoing events of public concern (Dare, Uyo & Uyo
2006).
It is intended to
inform society about that would otherwise remain private. The essence of
broadcast media is to provide citizens with reliable information
(Anegbode, & Azelama, 2003).
Access to information
can play a key role in a system of checks and balances designed to limit the overreach
of powers concentrated in governments, businesses and other entities and
individuals. Access to verifiable information gathered by the independent media
sources adhering to journalistic standards can also provide ordinary citizens
with the tools they need to participate in the political process (Ajayi, 2008).
2.2.3 What is Regulation?
Bringing the concept into perspective, Harvey (2009),
regulation involves intervention by the government in areas of economic, social
or cultural life according to whatever political norms and characteristic of
that nation. Regulations may be issued by presidential decree, by religious
prescription or by legislative action within a system of representative
democracy. Regulations may be
administered directly by government, as it was in Nigeria before 1992. It could
also be through statutory agencies that enjoy some degree of independence from
government.
This
is exemplified by National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), of Nigeria; the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) of USA; and Independent Television Commission
(ITC) of Britain. At the basic level of
broadcasting, regulation involves the issuance of permission, that is, the
granting of licence to broadcasting organizations. In most countries like Nigeria,
the licences are costly to acquire by private organizations. For instance, in
2006, the lowest licence fee for private radio was 15 million Naira; as against
the lowest for public stations: 10 million Naira (NBC; 2006).
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