Full Project – AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF NEWS COMMERCIALIZATION ON NEWS DISSEMINATION BY BROADCAST MEDIA IN ABUJA

Full Project – AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF NEWS COMMERCIALIZATION ON NEWS DISSEMINATION BY BROADCAST MEDIA IN ABUJA

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CHAPTER ONE:

INTRODUCTION

  • Background of the Study

The mass media are tools for mass communication that have unique responsibilities to keep members of the society informed, educated, and entertained. It is through the mass media that the society gets to know what is happening within the country and around the world, and it is through the mass media that the society can respond appropriately.

News commercialization refers to the practice where news content is influenced by commercial interests, often leading to the prioritization of profit over the public’s right to unbiased information. This phenomenon has been widely studied in various contexts, including its impact on the quality and integrity of news dissemination. In Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, the effects of news commercialization on broadcast media have become a subject of significant concern. Scholars argue that the commercialization of news can lead to biased reporting, reduced investigative journalism, and a focus on sensationalism over substantive issues (McManus, 1994).

One of the primary effects of news commercialization is the potential for biased reporting. When news organizations rely heavily on advertising revenue, there is a risk that they may cater to the interests of their advertisers rather than the public. This can result in the suppression of stories that may be unfavorable to advertisers or the promotion of content that aligns with commercial interests. In Abuja, this dynamic is particularly pronounced given the competitive media landscape and the reliance on advertising revenue to sustain operations (Bagdikian, 2004). Consequently, the public may receive a skewed version of events, which undermines the role of the media as a watchdog of society.

Another significant impact of news commercialization is the decline in investigative journalism. Investigative reporting is resource-intensive and often requires significant time and financial investment. However, in a commercialized news environment, there is a tendency to prioritize stories that can generate immediate revenue, such as entertainment news or sensationalist content. This shift in focus can lead to a reduction in the coverage of critical issues such as corruption, governance, and social justice in Abuja. According to Hamilton (2004), the economic pressures faced by news organizations can result in a “dumbing down” of news content, where complex and important stories are overlooked in favor of more commercially viable content.

Sensationalism is another byproduct of news commercialization that affects news dissemination. Sensationalist news, characterized by exaggerated or lurid content, is often used to attract viewers and increase ratings. In Abuja, broadcast media may resort to sensationalism to capture the attention of audiences in a highly competitive market. This can lead to the trivialization of important issues and the promotion of a culture of infotainment, where entertainment value is prioritized over informative content. The emphasis on sensationalism can distort public perception and contribute to a less informed citizenry (Thussu, 2007).

The influence of news commercialization on the diversity of viewpoints presented in the media is also a critical concern. In a commercialized news environment, there is a risk that minority voices and alternative perspectives may be marginalized. This is because commercially driven news organizations may focus on content that appeals to the broadest possible audience to maximize revenue. In Abuja, this can result in a homogenization of news content, where diverse viewpoints are underrepresented. The lack of diversity in news coverage can hinder public discourse and limit the range of perspectives available to the audience (Baker, 2002).

Finally, the ethical implications of news commercialization cannot be overlooked. The pressure to generate revenue can lead to ethical compromises, such as the blurring of the line between editorial content and advertising. In Abuja, there have been instances where news organizations have been accused of accepting payments in exchange for favorable coverage, a practice known as “brown envelope journalism” (Omenugha & Oji, 2008). This undermines the credibility of the media and erodes public trust in news organizations. The ethical challenges posed by news commercialization highlight the need for robust regulatory frameworks and professional standards to ensure the integrity of news dissemination.

The commercialization of news has profound implications for the quality and integrity of news dissemination by broadcast media in Abuja. The potential for biased reporting, the decline in investigative journalism, the rise of sensationalism, the marginalization of diverse viewpoints, and the ethical challenges all underscore the need for a critical examination of the impact of commercial interests on the media. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including regulatory interventions, support for public interest journalism, and a commitment to upholding ethical standards in the media industry.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

Major issues that are inherent in the broadcast media as a source of news and other information have been identified as major problems by critics. These issues include the distortion of the news, imbalanced reporting, and the growing tendency for the public to not believe the media news (Onyisi, 2022). In addition, the commercialization of the news makes it more open to manipulation by special interest organizations, who are able to buy their way into the media in order to promote an ideology that they want people to adopt, regardless of whether or not it is good.

The commercialization of news has the potential to skew the news. It’s common practice for the individual who foots the bill to call the song(Idowu, 2018). The commercialization of the news renders it vulnerable to manipulation by special interest organizations, who are able to buy their way into the media in order to promote a notion that they want people to adopt regardless of whether or not it is good. The commercialization of news has the potential to skew the news. It’s common practice for the individual who foots the bill to call the song. Therefore, the study will assess the effect of news Commercialization on news dissemination by broadcast media in Abuja.

  • Objective of the Study

The broad objective of the study is to examine the effect of news Commercialization on news dissemination by broadcast media in Abuja. The specific objectives is as follows:

  1. To examine the effect of news commercialization on the perceived “Brown envelope syndrome.
  2. To find out whether news commercialization will contribute the spread of fake news.
  3. To investigate whether news commercialization thrive in the Nigeria broadcast media.

1.4. Research Questions

The following questions has been prepared for the study:

  1. What is the effect of news commercialization on the perceived “Brown envelope syndrome?
  2. Has news commercialization contribute to the spread of fake news?
  3. Does news commercialization thrive in the Nigeria broadcast

1.5.  Research Hypothesis

The research hypothesis is buttressed below:

Ho: News commercialization will not contribute the spread of fake news.

H1: News commercialization will contribute the spread of fake news.

 

1.6 Significance of the Study

This research is crucial because it intends to educate professionals working in the media as well as students studying broadcasting on the significance of professionalism and commercialization in the media industry. The notion of commercialization in media houses will be aided by the study of commercialization in media houses, and knowledge of its role in boosting the success or failure of broadcasting industries would be gained.

The study is significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

  • Scope of the Study

The study will examine An Analysis of the effect Of News Commercialization On News Dissemination By Broadcast Media In Abuja. The study will also find out whether news commercialization will contribute the spread of fake news. Lastly, the study will investigate whether news commercialization,thrive in the Nigeria broadcast media. Hence,this study is delimited to Abuja.

  • Limitation of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.9. Definition of Terms

news Commercialization: any action intended to boost profit that interferes with a journalist’s or news organization’s best effort to maximize public understanding of those issues and events that shape the community they claim to serve’

broadcast media: different communication methods such as television, radio, newspapers, magazines and any other materials supplied by the media and press.

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