MASS MEDIA AND POLITICAL MOBILIZATION: AN ASSESSMENT OF DEMOCRACY IN PRACTICE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0   Background of the study

Political development in Nigeria has taken a centre stage in recent times. This is anchored on the fact that since May 29, 1999, the country has maintained a stable democratic dispensation.

The mass media have exerted, and are still exerting great influence on a wide range of political and social issues as powerful communication tools. On the one hand, mass media can be used as political instruments for building a nation and promoting the legitimacy of a regime by shaping the nation’s political culture and influencing its public opinion Mass media serve as the watchdogs of governmental performance, realizing that mass media can play very important roles in influencing politics; scholars in both political science and communication studies have conducted considerable research to explore the interaction between media and politics, Black (1982). Mass media have the ability to serve both illiterate and literate people unlike the traditional media.

Mass media have played major roles in greasing the wheels of the country’s political mobilization. They made unbeatable contributions to the enhancement of the country’s growth as exemplified in its massive political education, enlightenment, awareness, consciousness and provision of discussion platforms, debates and presentations.

These functions were manifested during campaign towards local, state or general elections. It therefore provided the electorate the opportunity to project the manifestos and political parties programmes for the elections.

The mass media are organized means of communication designed to reach large numbers of people without the necessity of personal contact. It is regarded as the guardian of the public that examines the political policy and programs, educates the masses, motivates and mobilizes them for active participation in political programs and activities.

The mass media are indispensable to the political system in a democratic society. They constitute the fourth estate of the realm, independent, free and responsible to the Public. They create awareness in order for the citizens to know the problems and issues confronting the state and their possible solutions and consequences. They also help people with information they need and can stimulate them by presenting the ideas of others.

In Nigeria, the mass media have become instruments of political transformation of the masses. According to Akpan (1987), media information has a tremendous energy for change. Change in this context refers to learning which manifests mostly where a good number of people are wallowing in ignorance. The media are needed for information to improve all aspects of life in the political sphere, the electorate need media information to participate fully in elections and learn their obligation.

Furthermore, Eze (1988)  notes that the politics of any nation depends heavily on the mass media as platforms of articulating and marketing of ideas and issues on national problems to the people.

The study will therefore examine the contributions of mass media in mobilizing and galvanizing the people towards putting in place a stable and acceptable democratic government.