THE ROLE OF KSMC TELEVISION IN ENLIGHTEN THE PUBLIC ON ELECTION [A CASE STUDY OF MAHUTA RESIDENT OF KADUNA STATE]
THE ROLE OF KSMC TELEVISION IN ENLIGHTEN THE PUBLIC ON
ELECTION
[A
CASE STUDY OF MAHUTA RESIDENT OF KADUNA STATE]
ABSTRACT
This study is basically an assessment of the
Impact of KSMC Television in Enlighten the Public on Election among Mahuta
residents of Kaduna State. The study
focused on the history of KSMC, history of Mahuta, analysis of various
programmes of Kaduna State Media Corporation, history of television, benefits
of television, characteristics of television, roles the media play in election,
the impact of television in enlightening the public on election in Nigeria, the
role of television in enlightening the public on election, the role the play in
pre-election and post election period and the impact of “KSMC Television in
Election” on the residents of Mahuta. The researcher used the indepth interview
method to collect data from 30 respondents on the research. The result showed
that “Political platform” a programme of KSMC has impacted greatly on the
public by educating, informing and enlightening them on political issues in the
country.
INTRODUCTION
According to Doki et al (2009) television is
a vastly important medium for number of reasons, the amount of time that many
people spends watching it, its ability to bring together diverse groups of
people in a sense of shared national identity, and the powerful role as a
source of information about experience other than the viewers own. It was first
medium to relay in a communication satellites, pictures across continents and
it is the prime route to the public for presenting news and current affairs,
including the progress of wars and national campaigns, it is thus a powerful
influence in public perception and opinion.
Media coverage is the very lifeblood of
politics because its hopes the perceptions that form the reality on which
political action is based. Media (Television) do more than depict the political
environment; they are like the political environment Doris (2001).
The role television plays in promoting and
influencing politics and political situations cannot be over emphasized
especially in a third world country like Nigeria. The role television play in
politics is either increasing or decreasing election and post election
environment (peace or violence) by what they relay to the public and viewers
depicts reality hence, influence the public opinion.
HISTORY
OF TELEVISION
A German Inventor named Paul Nipkon invented
the first rotating disk that would allow
pictures to transmit over wire in 1884. His discovery was the first electron
mechanical television scanning system in the world. This rotating disk would
rotate at a fast pace, while light passed through the holes to create a picture
on a screen.
John Bird invented first pictures in motion
that were televised in Europe in 1924. He later transmitted the human face into
a screen and during World War II, he invested the first colour picture tube.
While it would have be sometime before colour television became a shape in
America house hold his contribution to the history of television was enormous.
Charles Jenkins invented a mechanical
television that he called “radiovision”, which was said to have transmitted one
of the first moving images in 1923. This America inventor went into promote his
theories, the technology of the television along with other inventors, when
they transmitted the first live pictures onto a screen. This pilgrim in the
history of television is also famous for creating the first television station
in North America.
Vladimir Zwirykia invented the cathode ray
tube, which he named the kinescope and started a new era in the history of
television. Before, the kinescope, televisions in the 1920s were mechanical.
The cathode ray tube was not only needed for transmission, this device
transformed the television into an electronic device.
According to Dynamics of Mass Communication
by Joseph R. Dominick, pictures quality of the early television system as poor,
but technical developemtnd during the 1930s improved performances. RCA with
Zworykius help and a patent arrangement, that permitted it to used farsworth.
Invention, set out to develop television’s commercial potential to NBC, owned
by RCA, gave the first public demonstration of broadcast commercial television
at the 1939 world’s fair. Dominick (2004).
Finally, an American farmer named Philo
Farnsworth made a breakthrough in history of television at the age of 13, when
he discovered a way to transmit images into a screen by the use of 60
horizontal licies, which made the picture clearer. Farnsworth also invented
over 165 devices including the dissector tube which became ground work for
television we use today.
However, television broadcasting in Nigeria
can be traced down to the initiative of the first Western region premier, chief
Obafemi Awolowo who on October 31st 1959 launched television
broadcasting at Ibadan, the Headquarters of the region. The Western region
government went into partnership with overseas rediffusion limited. The Western
Nigeria Radiovision service limited was
created with the responsibility of radio and television broadcasting under one
management. A small transmitter of 500 watts power was mounted on Mapo Hill in
Ibadan and another at Abafon near Ikorodu. The television was therefore
established to disseminate information and entertain viewers. The television
station in the western region pioneered commercial broadcasting in Nigeria to
supplement government subvention.
In 1962, the Western region government task
full control of the WNBS/WNTV by buying over all the shares held by the
overseas rediffusion limited. In the same year, the Nigeria Television Services
was born in Lagos with the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) and the National
Broadcasting Company International Limited managing the station.
The federal military government of Nigeria
under General Olusegun Obasanjo took over the television stations in Nigeria in
1978 and changed it name to Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) today. Today,
Nigeria has thirty six states with each having her own television stations. The
Federal Government has also established a branch of NTA in each state.
CHARACTERISTICS
OF TELEVISION
Television appeals to the senses of sight and
sound and it is a comprehensive technique and the combination of audio and
visuals colour and motions which has the ability to captured the interest of
most viewers. Television has the ability to inform, educate and persuade the
general public to perform certain functions. Its ability to send pictures and
sound simultaneously to a large and widely dispersed audience makes it dramatic
in nature and captivating. That is why the government and other private bodies
gives much attention to it. The television serves as an intermediary between
widely through to have the most extensive influence over public opinion today.
Constock (1978) and Martin (1973).
According to Pra Krit (2010) television is
one of the most important and reliable means of communication. It is a medium
for everybody whether a person is old or young. It can help students learn many
things. Television today in the modern world is very necessary for everybody to
know about the outside world and changes that have come. Television is a means
which the public know or get to know about the latest news of their country and
others. Its impact and create political awareness with the view of all these,
television as a powerful fictional medium in contemporary society.
The mass media (television) force attention
to certain issues, they are constantly suggesting what individuals in the mass
audience should think about, know about and have feelings about Pre Kriti
(2010).
The mass media generates topical issues for
publics consideration and discourse through “agenda setting”, this they do in
order to effects the public belief and opinion about what is important. The
role of television in the public pre-suppose much more than acting as a checks
on the activities of government and it is true to say that television plays a
crucial role in naturing and consolidating a democratic ethics in Nigeria and
facilitating the enjoyment of fundamental freedom ones, which is the right to
free expression of though. Martin (1978).
BENEFIT
OF TELEVISION
1.
Informative: Television broadcast the news
about weather stations to keep you up to date on the current events. This is a
very good benefit since a person needs
to know what happens around them. Without it people would not have the
benefit of keeping on top of current events in their area as well as what is
happening in the political world.
2.
Education: Television can be very educational
for the watcher. They can learn new things through educational programs and
from television in general,
3.
Family bonding: the television makes for
great family bonding. It allows family to watch a show or movie together and
share a great time together.
4.
Intelligence: Complex television shows or
movies requires a great deal of intelligence to understand the show or movie.
Television isn’t about comedy, drama and fantasy.
5.
Lean about different cultures: Television
brings different kinds of people and culture into your family room, such as the
travel channel and the food networking channel
6.
Water cooler effect: Television brings in
many different things into the family room and gives people many different
things to talk who have little in common.
7.
How to do things: The television inform the
viewers on how to do things, either how to make, create or build things.
8.
Entertainment: With the different reality
television shows it makes for great entertainment.
9.
Exercise: Television makes exercise easier,
you don’t have to join a club or sign up for an exercised class to get
profession exercise help
10.
Memory: Many drama shows require you to
remember the plot from week to week. This will allow you to get the most out of
the shows. Palmer (2010).
HISTORY
OF KSMC
The Kaduna State Media Corporation was born
out of the former Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (N.B.C) Kaduna established
in the 1950’s following the re-organization of broadcast in the country in
1978, regional radio stations at Enugu, Ibadan and Kaduna which transmit on
short wave, were taken over by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria in
place of the then NBC station, except the National Station in Lagos were
handled over to respective state government of the location. Thus BNC Kaduna
was handed over to the Kaduna State government and rename Kaduna State
Broadcasting Corporation (KSMC through edict No. 7 Act of 1978.
In 1991, the Kaduna state government awarded
contract for the establishment of its own television station at the same time transferred
the publication of the weekly news monitor newspaper from the Ministry of
Information to KSMC. This necessitates the change in name from broadcasting
corporation to media conglomeration saddled with the responsibilities of AM
radio, FM stereo, television and news publishing services.
Accordingly, the present Kaduna State Media
Corporation (television) came into being under edict No 7 of May 28th
1991. The Kaduna State Television commended transmission on December 31st
1995 from Kufena house studio near the
Ultra –modern Sheikh Mahmood Gumi Central Market. Seven years later, KSTV
Kachia boaster station started transmission from the Southern part of the
state.
On the 5th of October, 2001 yet
another channel, Capital TV hit the air waves of Kaduna metropolis with fast
paced programming and great entertainment. KSMC has a great reach from high
masts and powerful transmitter with a pen chart for top quality documentaries
from the station, the station engaged in quite a lot of creative production that
include a wide range of commercial jingles, grassroot news, intriguing drama,
and entertainment programmes. Programming is in English and Hausa with a rich
variety of cultural festival and features (KSMC Library, 2013).
HISTORICAL
BACKGROUND OF MAHUTA AREA OF KADUNA STATE
Mahuta has been in existence since the
creation of Kaduna state. However, the population of inhabitants began to grow
around 1994. Prior to that time, there were only a few people inhibiting in the
area. The current population revolution in the area today is a factor of a
number of reasons which includes economic purposes.
Mahuta is located in Chikun Local Government
area of Kaduna state, along Kachia Road Opposite NNPC Junction Kaduna South.
Basically, Mahuta is headed by two district heads and theya re called “Dakaci
of Mahuta”.
The pre-occupation of people of the area is
farming, while others are traders and teachers. The inhabitants are peace
loving and have co-existed for a long period of time without community clashes.
They also make themselves available for
learning and also assist themselves in terms of developmental projects. The
structure of houses in Mahuta are modern houses with a few huts and primitive
houses. They also have a small market where one can purchase foodstuffs and
other valuables. In Mahuta there are several private schools for learning and
one government school (Mahuta Residents Interviewed).
REVIEW
OF KADUNA STATE MEDIA CORPORATION PROGRAMME
Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC) has
various programmes that serve various audience, just as the saying goes
“variety is the spice of life”. Hence, each of these prorgammes has its own
target audience and rationale for producing such programmes. Some of these
political programmes broadcastes on KSMC television are politics today, Kaduna
today and political platform.
Politics today is normally broadcast on
Mondays, for 45 minutes (10:0am – 10:45am). A particular presenter anchor the
programme, though the anchor has fixed day of presenting the programme which is
usually on Mondays.
Politics today is aimed at uniting the
society, it addresses our everyday political life, knowledge, living and
interaction with one another on politics, celebrities from different political
party are normally being interviewed to enlighten the audience on political
background i.e from the grassroot level of politics. The mode of presentation
for this programme is through interviewing of guest and sometimes accompanied
by telephone calls.
Kaduna today is also a programme on KSMC,
aired once a week, for 30minutes. The main objectives is to discuss the current
happenings in the society (Kaduna). The mode of broadcasting of the programme
is mostly in discussion format in the studio and viewers making phone calls to
ask questions, contribute and to give their own opinion on a particular issue.
The programme also has the Hausa version of it which is called “Ayau”.
Political platform is another powerful
enlightenment programme broadcast on KSMC television which is normally being
broadcast once a week. This programme is of two version, Hausa and English. The
English version is called political platform while the Hausa version is called
“Ceyesa Yache”. Various presenters this programme, though each presenterhas
fixed time of presenting having Hausa version taking off immediately after the
English version, for the purpose of clear understanding.
The aim of this programme is to create
awareness of party political candidate and also to discuss current happenings
during pre-election, the election, the election proper, post election and
political environment in the society.
Political platform is a 45minutes programmes
with weekly editions. The method of presentation of the programme is also in a
discussion, political experts, senators, different party chairmen are being
invited to the studio one-on -one discussion to enlighten the public on
election or the ongoing election. During the programme the different party
chairmen or candidate reveal their aim of contesting and also the senator warns
the public against election violence either before, during or after the
election. It is an educative programme because it enlightens people about
politics.
ROLES THE MEDIA PLAY IN ELECTION
The media play an indispensible role in the
proper functioning of a democracy. Discussion of the media’s function within
electoral contexts often focuses on their “watchdog role” by unfettered
scruting and discussion of the successes and failure of candidates, governments
and electoral management bodies, the media can inform the public of how
effectively they have performed and help hold them to account. Yet the media
also have other roles in enabling full public participation in election. Cairo
(2011).
1.
By educating voters on how to exerice their
democratic rights
2.
By reporting in the development of an
election campaign
3.
By creating a platform for political parties
and candidates to communicate their messages to the electorate.
4.
By providing a platform for the public to
communicate their concerns, opinions, and needs to the parties/candidates, the
NGO, the government and the other voters, and to interact on the issues.
5.
By allowing the parties and candidates to
debate with each other on television or other broadcast media.
6.
By reporting results and monitoring vote
counting
7.
By scrutinizing the electoral process itself,
including electoral management, in order to evaluate the processes fairness,
efficiency and polity
8.
By providing information that as far as
possible avoids inflammatory language, to help prevent election related violence.
Cairo (2011).
CONCLUSION
KSMC programme “political platform” has
impacted so much on residents of Mahuta area of Kaduna state by exposing them
to new and promising ways of solving their political problems, thereby helping
to build and sustain existing political.
The programme also impact on young, adult,
skills on how to vote for their right choice political party, hence, the
programme has help members of the society to broaden their knowledge on
political understanding and co-existence among parties.
The programme has also helped to re-unite
political parties as those affected has being able to right their wrongs,
hence, the need for peaceful co-existence was re-emphasized. Moreso, the
programme has become an educative segment for most publics where different
political party members react to letters read by the presenters thereby,
bringing party closer and getting to know one’s feeling or thought about issues
of politics.
The messages from “political platform” a
programme of KSMC will go a long way in enhancing political orientation,
parties information, candidate’s profile and antecedents from one generation or
tenure to the next.
RECOMMENDATION
In
an attempt to build on the weakness of the study, the researcher made the
following recommendations:
1.
The media (KSMC) should focus more on
political programmes in their programme content, this will help in addressing
political corruption or problems occurring during political campaigns and
frequent problems between parties in our society.
2.
Political platform is an interactive
programme which has high level of viewership but its time is short, hence other
organization should help sponsor the programme as to have more time for
viewership.
3.
The rate of controversy in politics in our
society is alarming forcing people to vote for candidate that is not their
choice in the polling unit/thieving of ballot box, the government, media and
policy makers should initiate porgrammes or policy aimed at reducing the rate
of this so that there will be understanding among all.
4.
There should also be fully assurance of no
NEPA failure when a programme is on air (being broadcast) to avoid
discouragement or getting the viewers distracted from watching their programme
5.
The KSMC media should work on their
electronics used in passing messages to the audience to avoid mechanical noise
which distort the messages sometimes during their programme.
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