NTA NETWORK NEWS VIEWERSHIP AMONG RESIDENTS OF IBIONO IBOM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Broadcasting in Nigeria is a process of communication through which the individual shares in the world around and beyond its immediate vicinity. Over the years, broadcasting exists as an essential part of the society to serve the citizenry.
News and information are vital to the sustenance of a complex civilization. We turn to the media everyday not only because we want to be entertained but also because the events that we reported and the facts that are communicated have direct consequences on our lives and on the action that we must take to survive.
According to Heirbeti R. E. Donald, F, and Thompson W. B. (1998) “the need for information is basic to almost all human beings”. Individuals need information, which is contained in the news broadcast in order to broadcast and react knowledgably to personal, environment, national international conditions as well as be in a position to take informed decisions.
However, different communication scholars have defined communication in various ways based on their different perspective but the word of Biagi (1994, P. 4) expenses communication as sending out ideas and attitude from one person to another and receiving same the recipient.
Udokah (1998, P. 1) defines communication as a process through which needs emotions, desires, goals and sentiment are expressed among human beings using codes, symbols and languages understood by the parties involved in the process. It is a process in which human survival relationship and development are rooted. Without communication, the world is nothing.
Television as a medium of communication is immensely popular throughout the world. It has been regarded as the most effective and spontaneous electronic message carrier right from inception. Television has power to bring to focus, pictures and sounds around the world to millions of homes.
It is known as an audio visual medium of communication. The society as a whole cannot survive or develop without properly informed about social, religious, educational, political culture and economic affairs as local and international events.
Therefore, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) was established as part of the broadcasting media to serve the people. It undertakes the basic functions of the media which is to inform, educate and entertain the audience.
For the purpose of consistency, this research work will examine “NTA network news viewership among residents of Uyo Local Government Area”.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
News being a timely and accurate report of facts and occurrences is given to members of the audience to get them informed about the happenings within and around them to enable them make valuable judgment and take right decisions.
Inspite of the fact that Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Network News has come to be regarded as a source of information which individuals require to enable them take appropriate and informed decisions. Why do residents of Ibiono Ibom seek news from sources other than NTA Network News? It seems there exist level of skepticism and reluctance among
