IMPACT OF JOURNALIST HANGOUT TV PROGRAMME AS A TOOL FOR PUBLIC
ENLIGHTENMENT IN ACHIEVING DEVELOPMENTAL GOALS
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background to the Study
In this era of digital technology and globalization of communication, the media industries have
crucial role to play in creating awareness and giving first class information to the populace on
issues emanating from different parts of the society. Thus, mass media generally regarded as a
channel of communication that is capable of reaching heterogeneous audience simultaneously
with uniform message. They regularly cover all sorts of issues such as health, music, fine art,
crime, sport, entertainment, political events among others (Meyer, 2002, Soela 2004). The mass
media transmits ideas and new information to target audience in the society. Tosanisunmi
(2004) has observed that the mass media educate, inform and entertain beyond these functions as
they also persuade and catalyze for social mobilization. In other words, the mass media can be
regarded as powerful service of information because they have the capability to penetrate every
segment of society. They have the ability to disseminate messages about issue, ideas and political
development.
Television is an effective and important part of the communication channels. Apart from being
unique in nature, it depicts the day-to-day life pattern of the society, serves as a source of
education, promotion, entertainment, as well as it provides instruction and information for the
masses. It has important roles to play in public enlightenment and mobilization of the masses for
development agenda of the society with its power of sound and pictures. Historically, television
broadcasting in Nigeria has been used as a medium of communication that seeks to enrich the
life of average Nigerian by positively influencing its social, cultural, economic, political and
technological thinking. It also provides news and information about national issues. Besides this,
it serves as a source of entertainment.
Television broadcasting promotes cultural awareness and seeks to preserve Nigeria’s rich
culture. Through this medium, artistic and intellectual creativity are developed. Therefore, all
programmes and coverages are audience oriented and guided by the nation’s social, political,
moral, cultural, scientific, education and economic goals. They do this through several
programmmes being aired.
In recent times, the Nigerian states of the nation have been beclouded with numerous challenges.
The glitches in the country stem from political uncertainty, economic meltdown, Boko Haram
terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, ethnic diversity and regionalism. The plethora happenings in the
country have also open up channels for media organizations to beam the watchdog searchlight in
the analysis and interpretation of events. The media set agenda through the public affairs
broadcast by giving in-depth analysis of happenings to justify their public affairs calling.
In Public affairs broadcasting, topical issues of concern are brought to the public domain,
through thorough discussion and examination of those issues, to enlighten the public and awaken
their sense of responsibility in the society and those of the government (Chima, 2014). By the
nature of critical issues put forward on the public domain, communication scholars have paid
closer attention to interpreting media systems in comparative studies (Esser & Hanitzsch, 2012).
One key reason behind this trend is that cross-national comparative studies allow scholars to
generalize their findings, moving beyond the narrow prism of a nation to explore patterns and
trends internationally (Aalberg & Cushion, 2016).
With an ever-expanding menu of information sources, concerns have been raised about the
democratic value of news provision and whether citizens are becoming better informed about
happenings or engaged with what is happening in the world around them (Aalberg, Soroka,
Curran, Hayashi & Shanto, 2013; Cushion, 2012). In other words, the enhanced quantity of news
is been expended by thorough analysis and interpretation. The study by Waldahl, Andersen &
Ronning (2009) confirmed that broadcast news become ‘softer’ by providing other background
on issues of human interest. The study also revealed that the majority of broadcast news in recent
times is classified as hard news, by the high impact level of the story in the society.
Consequently, the essence of providing other details and background, and the huge humaninterest angle are the crux of public affairs broadcasting.
The mass media, serving the watchdog function of the society, thus, provide vital information
which enhances knowledge and generates awareness on matters, issues, event or the happenings
as a requirement for organizing or restructuring public influences and action. These public affairs
programmes have helped in curbing societal ills such as, indecency, corruption, obnoxious
cultural practices, dehumanization etc. and have also raised alarm for the implementation of
policies for societal good. Consequent on the obnoxious states of the nation in Nigeria, public
affairs programmes have served as a forum for public debate on burning issues that affects the
society for mutual interest and general benefit. It creates a platform for effective participation by
members of the public which helps in widening their knowledge base about their immediate
environment and the world at large (Orjiakor, Ani, Anyanwu and Nnabuife, 2015).
In a democratic society like Nigeria, the media, especially television, is one of the major sources
of audio-visual communication in the society. The media through television stations disseminate
information, news items, showcase political programmes, developmental projects and pitfalls of
the various arms of government in a particular country. Television Continental, (TVC, the
Nigeria award winning station of the year, 2019 and 2020) has been known for promoting news
and information related to politics and major happenings in Nigeria. Specifically trending, is the
programme ‘Journalists’ Hangout’ which has caught the attention of many Nigerians in recent
times. Viewers not only listen to news, they also analyze, select, give opinions and make
comments on how they perceive media agenda on politics and other happenings in Nigeria.
Journalist Hangout, is a daily week-day political programme on TVC that is designed to
enlighten the public on national issues such as politics, security, business, sports etc. The
programme is a talk show-discussion that brings together journalists from different media to
enlighten the viewers on issues affecting National interest.
Consequent on the significant nature of television in the society, Baran (2006) states that the
growing influence of television news in the 1960s and 1970s drew researcher’s attention to the
role of television in the electoral process. In the early days of mass media, television was used
for presidential campaigns. The candidates needed to appeal to the public in their own individual
ways, so they would use the television to do it. This is as a result of the wide reach that it offers;
its ability to reach everyone with a television set at the same time. “In truth, broadcasting has
become an indispensable form for the practice of politics and governance in all modern nation
states. The reasons are quite simple. No other medium can deliver as large and instantaneous an
audience to the politicians or government as broadcasting can. It is also the belief all over the
world that broadcasting is an eminently persuasive medium; omnipresent in people’s homes,
working places even in transit. It is akin to a second skin through which most people stay in
touch with their immediate environment and the world at large (Udeajah, 2004). Through some
of these problems, the audiences are reminded of some of their responsibilities to the society and
how they can support the developmental goals of the government and other critical stakeholders
of the society. Accordingly, this study examines the impact of Journalist Hangout television
programme on Television Continental (TVC) as a tool for public enlightenment in achieving
developmental goals.
1.2
Statement of the Problem
The broadcast media play crucial roles in setting agenda and interpreting topical problems in the
society. Issues emanating from the states of the nation and governance are been analyzed and put
in the public domain for immediate action through public affairs broadcasting. Accordingly, the
political information environment has been used as a concept to interpret the overall flow of
news cross-nationally (Aalberg et al., 2010; Esser et al., 2012). The extent, source and
prominence of information about politics in news cultures can provide some insight into the
opportunities citizens have to learn about public affairs (Hallin & Mancini, 2004). In a
developing country (like Nigeria) faced with plethora cases of insecurity and unstable
democracy, public affairs broadcasting has become a central part of national news media
environments where people access their democracies and advance solutions to the country’s
problem.
For development to take place in the grassroots, there is a need for information carriers,
including television programmers to enlighten, sensitize and mobilize the people to participate in
the development process. Television is an influential and appealing medium, capable of drawing
the attention of viewers regardless of the literacy level of its audience. Although the cost of
television exceeds that of radio, nevertheless, it has proved to be an effective and powerful tool
for educational and development project.
Since people intend to choose the easiest way for learning, the simplicity can be found in
television enlightenment programmes (Buren, 2000). Television has proved to be a strong
communication means and can affect the society a great deal. Accordingly, since its inception,
Television Continental ‘Journalists’ Hangout’ programme has caught the attention of its
audience as a public affairs programme that addresses issues of societal importance in Nigeria. In
spite of its potentials to evoke desired positive response from the people for development, the
amount of existing literature on the relevance of Nigerian television programmes as tool for
public enlightenment and national development is very minimal. With the increasing citizens’
knowledge on current affairs and happenings in Nigeria, ranging from governance, politics and
terrorism, this study examines the impact of TVC ‘Journalist hangout’ public affairs programme
as a tool for public enlightenment in achieving developmental goals.
1.3
Objectives of the Study
Generally, this study examines the impact of TVC ‘Journalist hangout’ public affairs programme
as a tool for public enlightenment in achieving developmental goals. Specifically, the study is
guided by the following objectives:
1. To find out how TVC ‘Journalist hangout’ public affairs programme has enlightened
viewers.
2. To find out how TVC ‘Journalist hangout’ public affairs programme gives fair
representation to issues in the nation.
3. To ascertain how TVC ‘Journalist hangout’ has been able to satisfy the audience
information needs over the years.
4. To affirm the extent to which TVC ‘Journalist hangout’ public affairs programme set
agenda for public discourse in Nigeria.
5. To examine the extent at which TVC’s Journalist Hangout mobilize audience for
development
1.4
Research Questions
The research would be anchored to answer the following questions:
1. How does TVC ‘Journalist hangout’ public affairs programme enlighten viewers?
2. How does TVC’s Journalist Hangout give fair representation to diverse political and
economic issues in the nation?
3. To what extent has TVC’s Journalist Hangout satisfied audience information needs over
the years?
4. To what extent has TVC’s Journalist Hangout public affair programme set agenda for
public discourse in Nigeria?
5. To what extent has TVC’s Journalist Hangout public affairs’ programme mobilized
audience for national developmental goals?
1.5
Significance of the Study
This study aims at investigating the impact of TVC’s Journalist Hangout programme on public
enlightenment and as a tool for achieving developmental goals in Nigeria. The study would be of
great significance. Producers of current affairs programmes will benefit from this research work
as it will enable them know how audiences perceive the programme as well as what influences
their participation. Solutions and recommendations will help media practitioners improve on
programme production for audience suitability.
The study will also help to examine the agenda setting roles of Journalists Hangout on TVC on
public enlightenment and mobilization for national development of Nigeria. In other words, it
will look into the level of prominence the media give to the issues of national development. To
the society, the significance of this study cannot be overemphasized as it will be of great help in
shaping their perception about the role of the media in the society.
Finally, this work will add to general knowledge and serve as a reference material especially to
media practitioners, lecturers and students of mass communication and may encourage further
studies in the area.
1.6
Scope of the Study
The major focus of the study is to examine the impact of the public affairs programme on
Television Continental, Journalists Hangout on public enlightenment and as a tool for achieving
developmental goals in Nigeria; hence, the study is limited to viewers in Offa metropolis of
Kwara State. The researcher also considered Journalist Hangout as the public affairs programme
to use because of its relative popularity among a number of television viewers in Nigeria today.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.0
Introduction
This chapter will deal with the review of relevant and appropriate conceptual, theoretical and
empirical studies propounded by scholars, professionals and researchers in the fields of
communication.
2.1
Conceptual Model
The term conceptual model may be used to refer to models which are formed after a
conceptualization or generalization process. Conceptual models are often abstractions of things
in the real world whether physical or social. Semantic studies are relevant to various stages of
concept formation. Semantics is basically about concepts, the meaning that thinking beings give
to various elements of their experience. A conceptual model is a representation of a system,
made of the composition of concepts which are used to help people know, understand, or
simulate a subject the model represents. It is also a set of concepts. Some models are physical
objects; for example, a toy model which may be assembled, and may be made to work like the
object it represents. A conceptual model's primary objective is to convey the fundamental
principles and basic functionality of the system which it represents. Also, a conceptual model
must be developed in such a way as to provide an easily understood system interpretation for the
models users. The conceptual model developed for this study however is seen below:
Independent Variable
TVC’s Journalists
Hangout
Intervening Variables
Dependent Variable
Influence
Through:
Programme content
Timeliness of content
Audience participation
Public
Enlightenment
and
Development
2.2
Conceptual Review
2.2.1 Concept of the Media
The concept of media has been variously defined by different authors. Despite the variance in the
definitions, the primary meaning which media stands for as a major device of communicating
with large number of audience is not diluted. This possibility of reaching out to large audience at
the same time qualifies the device as “Mass Media”. McQuail (2005) describes media as “mass
media” because it makes mass communication possible through organized technologies through
which as noted by Bamidele (2015) and Quaribu (2016) the general public kept informed about
the daily happenings in the human society.
Moreso, the view of Bamidele and Quaribu on media above is broaden by Walter (1992) that
media is not only a device to keep public informed about happenings, it is also a basic source of
those pictures in our heads concerning the larger world of public affairs, a world for most people
that is out of reach, out of sight and out of mind. From the above definitions, media is a bridge
that links both the government and its subjects, and the platform in which both the government
and the people express and articulate their views for attainment of national goals. So, the media
is an extra-ordinary people’s parliament in ensuring good governance. Potter (2013) classified
media into three as follows,

Print media: This encompasses newspaper, magazines, periodic or newsletter, booklets
and brochures, direct mailers, handbills or flyers, billboards, press release, book among
others.

Electronic media: This includes television, radio, new-age media like internet, computers
and telephones among others. Electronic media permits interaction unlike one way
communication in the print media. It provides information and entertainment. User must
electronically connect to access electronic media.

New-Age media, which include Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. This media made
communication easier, informing, entertaining and interesting.
2.2.2 Brief on Broadcasting in Nigeria
The Nigerian broadcast industry is one of the most virile in Africa today having started with the
relaying of signals from the British Empire service from Daventry, England in 1932. Radio came
on stream in 1936 when signals from the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC were received
in few homes through redistribution services. This services were later extended to other parts of
the several regions that later came to be known as Nigeria through the Nigerian Broadcasting
Corporation, NBC. Television began just in the same way radio did. While radio was started by
the federal government however, television broadcasting was pioneered by the former western
region in 1959, a year before the nation attained political independence. It is worthy of note to
state that the 1960 constitution made government a monopoly owner of radio and television, a
situation, which continued until 1992 when broadcasting was deregulated in Nigeria through
decree 38.
Radio and television are potential catalysts of development in any social setting. The ability of
radio to reach millions simultaneously, the unique attribute of television to present messages
pictorially, recommend them as veritable tools for political development. Since they are tools,
they can be used to achieve both positive as well as negative ends depending on their users.
2.2.3 Public Affairs Broadcasting
Generally, broadcasting is to communicate or transmit (a signal, a message, or content), such as
audio or video programming, to numerous recipients simultaneously over a communication
network (like radio or television). In broadcasting, public affairs radio or television programmes
focus on matters of politics and public policy (Aufderheide & Clark, 2008). Public affairs
broadcasting is the form of broadcasting where members of the public exercise their right to
expression; right to know the things happening within and outside their environment; right to
seek and disseminate information and also right to information disseminated (Orjiakor, Ani,
Anyanwu, & Nnabuife, 2015). Public affairs programming, unlike news, offers a perspective on
events of the day and a commentary on the environment in which major events unfold. It
provides a glimpse behind the headlines and offers a voice to important issues, from the less
powerful in the society (Ian, 2004).
Appraising public affairs broadcasting, UNESCO (2000) asserts that it is the meeting place
where all citizens are welcomed and considered equal. Also, it is an information and education
tool accessible to all and meant for all, irrespective of their social and economic status. Public
affair broadcasting is the development and production of sustaining programmes by a media
house. Public affairs programme focuses on matters of politics and public policies that are
educational, informational, and entertaining. It addresses matters of public policy and interest.
This programming covers a wide range of topics important to the community (like educational,
informative, cultural, and appropriate for all listeners of a station). This ensures the public has
access to vital information that pertains to the community which is not primarily marketing,
advertising, or entertainment material. In addition, certain types of material, such as political
campaigns or children-friendly programming are also be accessible for audiences. The central
justification for public service broadcasting is that it strengthens the democratic process by
securing easy access to news and current affairs. Put simply, the argument is as follows:
commercial media need audiences and advertisers to survive; market incentives lead to the
overproduction of content that is popular, and a lack of information necessary to meaningfully
inform and empower citizens about public affairs. In short, public service broadcasters are
intended to help citizens get more of the information they need, particularly information that
commercial media cannot or will not provide.
In other words, public affairs broadcasting can be referred to as a form of broadcasting where the
public exercises right to expression; right to know the things happening within and outside their
environment; right to seek and disseminate information and also right to information
disseminated. According to UNESCO report (2000:4), public broadcasting can be defined as “a
meeting place where all citizens are welcomed and considered equal. Also it is an information
and education tool accessible to all and meant for all, irrespective of their social and economic
status.”
Public affairs programming, unlike news, offers a perspective on events of the day and a
commentary on the environment in which major events unfold. It provides a glimpse behind the
headlines and offers a voice to important issues, from the less powerful in the society (Ian,
2004).
Public affair broadcasting is the development and production of sustaining programmes by a
media house. This is the social responsibility of the broadcast media to the public. Public affairs
programme focuses on matters of politics and public policies that are educational, informational,
and entertaining. Public Affairs programme may be a special unit, separate from the news
department, dedicated to producing long-form public-affairs programming. These programmes
can be in form of; Voxpop, Documentaries, News Magazine, Public Panel, Human Interest
events, Interviews, Talks, Drama etc. (Orjiakor, 2015).
Public radio and television operate in very different ways, and their record of providing public
affairs and news is also very different. Public radio has consistently (since 1932) provided highquality, innovative, daily news programmes, which are the backbone of their service and attract
the largest proportion of listeners. Competition among public radio programme services has
helped to increase the diversity of voices and formats. Sets of topics or issues are being raised by
the mass media which stirs audience attention and gets public reaction. The issue being raised by
the mass media on daily bases focuses on public interest. The issues are handled or treated in a
way that makes impact on the lives of the public or society.
This actually shows that media contents set the media agenda that forms the basis of thinking and
discussion in the public sphere. Public affairs programme are mostly financed through private
donations and grants from the government.
2.2.4 Significance of Public Affairs Broadcasting
In public affairs broadcast programmes, issues of public concern are brought to bear, through
thorough discussion and examination of those issues, to enlighten the public and awaken their
sense of responsibility in the society. The treated issues equally give the public ample
opportunities to participate fully in the next discussion programme as at when it is due. Their
[public] contributions on issues of concern in the society will go a long way in tackling the
problems (Chima, 2015).
The mass media through public affairs broadcast programmes provide vital information which
enhances knowledge and generates awareness of matters, issues, event or the happenings as the
requirement for organizing or restructuring public influences, minds and opinions that are of
public interest.
Public affairs programmes have helped people discover their abilities, impact and improve their
own lives. Public affair broadcasting has also helped in curbing societal ills such as, indecency,
corruption, obnoxious cultural practices, dehumanization etc. It has served as a forum for public
debate on burning issues that affects the society for mutual interest and general benefit. It also
creates a platform for effective participation by members of the public which helps in widening
their knowledge base about their immediate environment and the world at large.
News is core function of public broadcasting. Hence, it is in the public interest to encourage the
growth and development of public radio and television broadcasting; including the use of such
media for instructional, educational, and cultural purposes.
2.2.5 Significance of Public Affairs Media in Enhancing Public Knowledge
In every democratic society, the media especially the television is the major source of
communication between the government and its citizen. The media through the television
stations disseminate information, news items, showcase political programmes, developmental
projects and pitfalls of the various arms of government in a particular country. The mass media
generally regarded as a channel of communication that is capable of reaching heterogeneous
audience simultaneously with uniform message. They regularly cover all sorts of issues such as
health, music, fine art, crime, sport, entertainment, political events among others (Meyer, 2002,
Soela 2004). In other words, the mass media can be regarded as powerful service of information
because they have the capability to penetrate every segment of society. They have the ability to
disseminate messages about issue, ideas and political development. The mass media in carrying
its functions as the fourth estate of the realm brings out governments policy to the knowledge of
the public by their agenda setting role. The mass media or press by agenda setting role structures
our perception on the society. The media provide us with frames that structure our perceptional
reality within which we develop our opinions about issues around us (Charles 2011).
Many studies have shown that public media systems provide greater opportunities for citizens to
encounter informative news and therefore learn from it (Iyengar, Lund, & Salovaara-Moring,
2009; Aalberg & Curran, 2012; Curran, Soroka et al., 2013). The democratic value of reaching
inadvertent audiences was first recognized by Blumler (1970), who praised the media as a smart
‘trap’ for catching and educating the politically uninterested. Appraising further the significance
of public affairs media, Orjiakor, Ani, Anyanwu and Nnabuife (2015) assert that treated issues
equally give the public ample opportunities to participate fully in the next discussion programme
as at when it is due. Their contributions on issues of concern in the society will go a long way in
tackling the problems. The mass media through public affairs broadcast programmes provide
vital information which enhances knowledge and generates awareness of matters, issues, event or
the happenings as the requirement for organizing or restructuring public influences, minds and
opinions that are of public interest. Public affairs programmes have helped people discover their
abilities, impact and improve their own lives. Public affair broadcasting has also helped in
curbing societal ills such as, indecency, corruption, obnoxious cultural practices, dehumanization
etc. It has served as a forum for public debate on burning issues that affects the society for
mutual interest and general benefit. It also creates a platform for effective participation by
members of the public which helps in widening their knowledge base about their immediate
environment and the world at large (Chima, 2015).
In truth, broadcasting as a public affairs media has become an indispensable form for the practice
of politics and governance in all modern nation states. The reasons are quite simple. No other
medium can deliver as large and instantaneous an audience to the politicians or government as
broadcasting can. It is also the belief all over the world that broadcasting is an eminently
persuasive medium; omnipresent in people’s homes, working places even in transit. It is akin to a
second skin through which most people stay in touch with their immediate environment and the
world at large (Udeajah, 2004). Corroborating, Antonoff (2007) in his findings also revealed that
television (as a public affairs media) is the most widespread form of communication in the
world. It gives the audience to observe experiences through the images in a television and serves
as a source of information and entertainment to its viewers.
Television represents a dominant medium education and mass mobilization in the society. It is
widely believed that television is most powerful medium of communication because of its dual
features which is audio-visual, providing the public with the opportunity of seeing and hearing
the programmers that comes on the screen. The realization of these enormous benefits of
television tends to explain why TVC use this medium for public affairs broadcasting. The in road
of TVC Journalist Hangout programme further exemplifies the true essence of public affairs.
Journalist Hangout, a weekly political programme on TVC that was designed to enlighten the
public on National issues such as politics, security, business, sports etc. The weekly programme
is a talk/discussion show that brings together journalists from different media to enlighten the
viewers on issues affecting National interest.
2.2.6 Challenges of Public Affairs Broadcasting In Nigeria
Orjiakor (2015) highlighted some challenges that characterize public affairs broadcasting in
Nigeria. These include:
1. Bias in Topic Selection: public affairs broadcasting originated through educational
programmes to educate, entertain and inform the public, but today most public affairs
programmes focus on matters of politics and public polices at the near exclusion of educational
programmes.
2. Funding: In Nigeria, the issue of creating an act that will incorporate public broadcasters,
producers of programmes, individual public television and radio stations in the disbursement of
federal budgetary allocation, which is obtainable in the United Staten of America, is a non –
existence factor as far as public broadcasting is concerned in the country. This poses a strong
challenge to public broadcasting in Nigeria.
3. High Cost of Production: Local production will cost more money, hence, funding presents
barrier to moving public broadcasting towards local issues.
4. Imbalance Flow: New World Information and Communication Order (NWICO) came about
owing to qualitative and quantitative imbalance in the flow of news programme. In Nigeria
media stations are not to be blamed for national programmes and /or foreign programmes, as
they are cheaper than producing local programmes.
5. Graveyard Slot: Most public affairs programmes are most times slotted when few
listeners/viewers tune in or are not even available. For example Christian programmes slotted
between 5 – 6am on Sunday; 12 mid night programmes etc.
6. Recycling: This entails the exclusion of new and more diverse programmes because of loyalty
to dedicated audience on old programmes.
7. Partiality: Most public affairs programmes aired in government-owned stations in Nigeria are
perceived by the audience to be partial because all that is being aired is towards the interest and
favour of the government in power.
8. Technological Innovation: Well-seasoned journalists are not technologically compliant. This
poses a great challenge when they occupy sensitive position like the Director of programmes,
Producers etc. Also, recent technological innovation in New Media is overshadowing the old
Media through the use of internet and satellite technology.
2.2.7 Profile of Journalists’ Hangout TVC Programme
Television Continental News (TVC) is a Nigerian 24-hour news television channel based in
Lagos, Nigeria. The TV station aired its first public broadcast on February 28, 2013 and as at
2020, the station has a wider reach of about five million households in Africa and Europe
through cable and satellite. The channel airs on British Sky Broadcasting Group Plc (BSKYb) in
the UK, Naspers Ltd. (NPN)’s DStv, Startimes in Nigeria and Multi TV in Ghana (TVC News,
2020). Most significant among the news and current affairs programmes of the station is
‘Journalists Hangout’. In an Interview with Festus Oluwatoyin Alabi who is the current producer
of the programme:
Journalists' Hangout is a flagship current affairs programme. The nationally and internationally
acclaimed talk-show is hosted by Ayodele Ozugbakun and airs weekdays at 5pm Nigerian time.
A Sunday edition has also been introduced from 1:30 to 3:30pm, since 25th of October, 2020.
There is a repeat broadcast at 11pm, as well as at 5am Nigerian time on TVC News. The
programme simulcasts on TVC News and TVC, but it is available to audience outside Nigeria on
other platforms like BSkyB and FreeTV (Alabi, 2021).
Alabi (2021) further revealed that, each episode of Journalists' Hangout focuses on various
topical national issues ranging from politics, insecurity, business, education to sports, where the
anchor engages top journalists, led by Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, a multi-award winning
journalist, to give fresh perspectives to issues for audience to have informed opinions. They
usually challenge authorities and raised questions about certain matters. It is an audience
participatory programme, where the viewer can make live phone calls to the show to ask
questions and make contributions. The audience can also join the conversation on social media
platforms like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Eminent citizens have participated in previous
episodes of the show by calling in live. The likes of former Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi
Babangida, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, First Lady, Aisha Buhari, elder statesmen, governors,
senators, army generals and many more, had at different times called in to the programme to
make contributions. Journalists’ Hangout offers television audience across Nigeria, Africa and
the world breathtaking analysis of socio-political issues in Nigeria. It has large followership,
with daily YouTube viewership of about 2,000 to 3,000 daily and has witnessed 5,000 live
audience on some special occasions. Journalists’ Hangout as a programme has won numerous
awards, as one of the most-watched programmes in Nigeria and by Nigerians in the diaspora.
2.2.8 The Concept of Development
Development as a concept is broad and therefore, does not subject itself to a single definition. It
indeed covers a wide range of human endeavours. According to Asemah (2011), development is
a process of change in attitude, social structure and general acceleration of economic of poverty
and inequality. Asemah (2011) notes that development in human society is a many sided process.
At the level of the individual, it implies increased skills and capacity, greater freedom, creativity,
self-discipline, responsibility and material well-being. The achievement of any of these aspects is
very much tied in with the state of the society as a whole. Development involves the creation of
opportunities for the realization of human potentials. Human beings have certain basic
requirements, which must be satisfied so that they can property function in the society. Among
these are enough food, employment and the elimination of the kinds of inequality, which lead to
poverty.
Asemah (2010) sees development as a gradual process of bringing about positive attitudinal
change in the people. It is a continuous process of improving their living conditions, through
positive change. The essence of development according to Asemah is the development of people
with change in their attitude, leading to change of habit. This means that just changing things
without concurrent change of habit or attitude is not a healthy development.
2.2.9 National Development
The term national development is a term that refers to a sustainable growth and development of a
nation to a more desirable one. National development is people oriented and its success is
evaluated in terms of the impact it has had in improving the lot of the masses. In defining the
concept, the third national development plan of 1980says;
True development must mean the development of man, the unfolding and realization of his
creative potentials, enabling him to improve his material conditions of living through the use of
resources available to him. It is a process by which man’s personality is enhanced, and it is that
enhanced personality creative, organized and disciplined-which is the moving force behind the
socioeconomic transformation of any society.
On his own part Enahoro, cited in Onabajo and M’Bayo (2009) says ‘national development
should be man oriented and not institution oriented, that is, individually in collectiveness and not
individual. To Elugbe, (2004), ‘national development refers among other things, to the growth of
the nation in terms of unity, education, economic well-being and mass participation in
government. In summary development entails the provisions of all the necessary materials and
equipment that will guarantee that man in every society make a living and essence out of life.
2.2.10 The Place of Media in Development
Development refers to a change process geared at improving or making better, the life and
environment of man. Development involves the creation of opportunities for the realization of
human potentialities. While economic development is a holistic, all embracing and ongoing
phenomenon, the manifestation which is measured by the level of positive socio-cultural, geopolitical, economic, educational and religious transformation of people or nation. In other words,
the concept of development generally refers to the sustained, concerted actions of policy makers
and communities that promote the standard of living and economic health of a specific area.
Development can also be referred to as the quantitative and qualitative changes in the life of
people. Such actions can involve multiple areas including development of human capital, critical
infrastructure, regional competiveness, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, health,
safety, literacy and other initiatives.
Where the media comes in development process is through what is called “development
communication”. This is the type of communication which is consciously packaged by the
sender so that the message content or the information sent could persuade, encourage or
convince the receiver or target audience to adopt an attitude and participate in actualizing a
development plan or goal. At certain instances, the message sent aims at making the target
audience adopt a positive attitudinal change towards a development purpose.
2.3
Empirical Review of Related Studies
A number of similar studies have been conducted and this section of the research examines them
and how they are similar and different to the current study. In the body of literature is the work
of Nsikan-Abasi S. Nkana and Mirriam C. Duruson (2016) on Audience Participation in and
perception of AIT’s current affairs programme “Focus Nigeria.” The investigated the perception
of people and their participation in current affairs programmes, with a spotlight on African
Independent Television’s (AIT) “Focus Nigeria”. The survey research method was used, with the
questionnaire as the major data generating instrument. The essence was to determine the extent
to which members of the audience participate in interactive programmes, as well as how they
perceive the programmes they participate in. A sample of 384 respondents was used for the study
based on Krejcie and Morgan’s sample selection procedure. However, 358 fulfilled the final
selection criteria. The result derived from the study reveals that despite the importance of
feedback in a democracy, and opportunity created for audience participation in current affairs
programmes, the audience failed to maximize the opportunity. It was also discovered that the
programme has not sufficiently provided the opportunity for meaningful dialogue due to the
political nature of issues, media screening of participants as well as timing. Most respondents
also perceive the programme as too political in concept and content. It was therefore
recommended that better audience enlightenment should be carried out for better participation,
and other issues than politics incorporated into it.
Also, Orjiakor, Ifeoma, Ani, Moses, Anyanwu, Joy Chinwe and Nnabuife, Nonso (2015)
conducted a study on Public Affairs Broadcasting in Nigeria: Myth or Reality? They note that
the need to serve public interest through broadcast media programmes is imperative and the
extent to which this can be achieved cannot be over-emphasized. Based on that, the paper
examines the status of public affairs broadcasting in Nigeria, particularly in south-east Nigeria. It
is undoubtedly evident that virtually all the broadcasting stations from federal to state level
package series of public affairs programmes on daily and weekly bases. These programmes are
designed for the general interest of the public. They are meant to address public problems,
challenges, values and aspiration. One of the major challenges facing public affairs broadcasting
in Nigeria is finance; others are: uneven flow, technological innovation and, lack of local
content. This review, therefore, recommends that public affairs programmes should always be
more of indigenous content than foreign. The content should be localized to fit into the Nigerian
environment. Also, Broadcasters, Directors, Producers and other key personnel in broadcasting
should be trained on recent technological innovations with regards to the use of Internet and
other New Media innovations.
In another study Okoi-Enyong and Godswill (2019) examined Television Programmes and
Political Enlightenment: An Appraisal of Youth’s Participation in Politics in Calabar
Municipality. The main objective of the study was to ascertain the level of youths’ exposure to
political enlightenment programmes by television stations in Calabar Municipality. The
researchers used relevant literature to gather secondary data while the survey method was used to
generate primary data for the analysis. The researcher adopted the Agenda Setting Theory as the
theoretical framework. The study adopted the multistage sampling technique. The data generated
during the course of the study were presented in tables and were exhaustively discussed to enable
the researchers to draw conclusion and recommendations. The researchers were able to retrieve
372 out of 384 copies of questionnaire distributed and administered to the respondents. The
findings in the study revealed that the majority of the youths are not exposed to political
enlightenment programmes by television stations in Calabar Municipality because the
programmes are inadequate. Further findings revealed that there is an increase to an extent in
youths’ participation in political activities, there is awareness on the political activities in the
state and some of the youths are politically inclined to their leaders and political parties as a
result of the two programmes but they are not effective enough in exposing more youths to
political activities in their locality. It is on this note that the researchers recommended that active
participation of the youths should be encouraged via CRBC and NTA political programmes, as it
leads to the election of a more robust government.
On their own part, Omavuaire Lucky Edewor, and Idamah Patrick Akpoghiran (2015) conducted
a study on Asaba Residents’ Perception of Broadcast Media Enlightenment Campaigns on the
Eradication of Child Labour.
The study was carried out to determine Asaba residents‟
perception of broadcast media enlightenment campaigns on the eradication of child labour. To
achieve the set objectives, the survey research method was adopted. Finding among others
showed that Asaba residents ‟perception of broadcast media enlightenment campaigns on the
eradication of child labour was very effective due to the level of exposure and knowledge of
television campaigns on child labour. This explains that residents‟ perception was higher in child
labour due to regular campaigns. It was recommended among others that broadcast messages
should focus more on the cultural and legal issues on child labour; local languages, and movies
should be used to make people more attentive when they are exposed to media contents on child
labour and other communication channels like the social media and free pamphlets.
Also, Nefi Wole-Abu (2018) examined the Role of Traditional Media in the Propagation of the
Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria. The author noted that the sustainable development
goals are a new, universal set of goals which United Nations member states are expected to use
in framing their agendas and political policies in the next fifteen years. These goals expand and
follow the millennium development goals adopted in the year 2001. The SDGs which were
adopted in September 2015 have a deadline of 2030. The goals are 17 in number and they go
further to examine the root cause of poverty and the universal need for development that works
for all people. Some countries recorded tremendous results in the achievement of their MDG
goals. Essentially the success of the SDGs will depend largely on the effective communication of
the goals through traditional media campaigns. The use of the traditional media especially in the
rural areas will go a long way in the propagation of the goals in Nigeria. Information and public
awareness tools are indispensable tools in making the public understand the concept and
importance of the sustainable development goals. The traditional media is also a platform for
giving practical meanings to the sustainable development goals and their relevance to daily life.
The traditional media has the power to provide the channel for dialogue and discussions between
experts, institutions and the citizens. The traditional media has the added advantage of reaching
people at the grassroots in Nigeria. The attainment of the sustainable development goals is
dependent on the communication tools used in reaching the people. The paper examines the role
the traditional media will play in the propagation of the goals. Relevant theories were used to
frame the topic, existing literature were reviewed and discussions and recommendations on how
to engage the traditional media were made.
Also in the body of literature is the work entitled Good Governance In Nigeria: What Role For
The Media by Ifeoma Dunu, (2013) who note that the media over the years have been globally
acknowledged as the watch dog of the society and their information/monitoring roles considered
a sine qua non for democracy and good governance. Nigeria like most other democratic countries
entrenched the principles of Good Governance as possible criteria for democratic governance in
her 1999 constitution. However, despite this constitutional provision, as well as the enormous
financial resources, and huge potentials of the country, good governance continues to be elusive
to Nigeria. This paper argues that media's potential to contribute to Good Governance depends
on the extent the media reflect and enforce the principles of good governance as an institution.
The paper also identifies why and how the media are critical sectors in shaping governance while
highlighting some of the principal opportunities and challenges to engaging with the sector. This
work also provides a critical discourse of the concept of good governance. The paper concludes
that for the media to contribute effectively in enthroning good governance, they must as a matter
of responsibility apply the basic principles of patriotism, accountability, transparency and
objectivity in the discharge of their duties and uphold the sanctity of truth and fairness at all
times.
Also relevant to this study is the work of Akinyooye Funmilola Elizabeth and Aransi, Waliyi
Olayemi (2020) on Influence of Mass Media on Sustainable Development Goal One Attainment
in Osun State, Nigeria. The study’s objective was to examine the influence of mass media on
Sustainable Development Goal one attainment in Osun State, Nigeria. Three specific objectives
and research questions as well as two hypotheses were enumerated, answered and tested. Simple
random sampling technique was employed to select two-hundred and seventy (270) participants
from the target popualtion. Descriptive and inferential statistics as well as thematic analysis were
used to analysis the data generated from research instruments. The empirical findings revealed
that there was an awareness through mass media towards various developmental projects
installed across the communities under investigation. Besides, the awareness necessitated
community stakeholders to give supportive hands to poverty-related projects. Also, it was
revealed that awareness through mass media would be a necessary condition but not sufficient
one for the attainment of the poverty targets of the Sustainable Development Goal one within the
studied araes. In addition, significant gender difference existed towards awareness about
implementation and community members’ participation which was in favour of female and male
respectively. The study recommended that prominent basic literacy programmes embellished
with poverty alleviation information should be disseminated on regular interval, constant
mobilisation of the needed physical and financial resources towards implementation of
developmental programmes by the concerned stakeholders, regular monitoring and supervision
of projects and involvement of the members of community during implementation of poverty
alleviation programmes to mention a few.
In a study on Impact of Community Radio on Public Awareness of Government Policy Agenda
in Nigeria Olusegun Hakeem Adebumiti (2018) observe that scholars have maintained that since
the advent of alternative media, community-based media have ensured media pluralism, diversity
of content and the representation of society’s different groups and interests. The research
examines the impact of community radio on public awareness of government policy agenda. It
discusses the functions and convergence views on community radio and community journalism,
and the argument on the need for community radio that would strictly be devoted to the coverage
of issues and events in the rural and semi-urban communities where people still have limited
access to media messages. The study further examines the functions of community radio, as well
as the objectives of community journalism in national development. We adopted the
Development Media theory as framework because community media create the atmosphere for
audience participation in relation to issues of rural and national development. The discourse
establishes the fact that community media, especially community radio, has become a child of
necessity for rural and community development in Nigeria. The research find out that community
radio provides a platform for the people of the community who are mainly grassroots oriented to
participate and make contributions on ways by which the government can go about achieving its
target and policy direction.
The study of Kola Adesina, Okunnu Ganiu and Olanlokun Sukurat R. (2018) was aimed at
assessing the role of television programmes on community development with a focus on
Lotunlotun programme on Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (B.C.O.S.) television. The
study attempted to assess how the programme was packaged to mobilize people at the
community level. It also attempted to determine the peoples’ opinion on Lotunlotun programme
and the influence of the programme on the target audience. The study adopted development
media theory and participatory media theory as its theoretical framework. The subjects of the
study were youths and adults who were target audience of Lotunlotun programme (people within
the age range of 18-50). The study utilized questionnaires and interview to solicit responses from
respondents. The study proved that television programmes play positive roles in community
development. It was discovered that the objectives of the programme were to improve the ways
of life of people and bring the government closer to the people. It was discovered that due to the
positive influence of the programme, majority of the respondents have started contributing to
developmental issues in the community.
2.4
Theoretical Framework
2.4.1 Agenda Setting Theory
The Agenda-Setting theory was propounded by Maxwell McCombs and Donald Shaw in 1972.
They were able to establish that the mass media influence the audiences. The theory states that
"the mass media do not instruct what people think but what they should think about." The agenda
setting theory posits that what the media finds important will eventually be mirrored by what
members of society will come to think are important. It facilitates the formation of public
opinions and the distribution of pros and cons of a particular issue. Agenda-setting shifts the
focus of attention away from immediate effects on attitudes and opinions to long term effects on
cognitions.
McCombs and Shaw define agenda setting as the impact the mass media have in shaping
cognitive changes in individuals by structuring their worlds. Indeed, what the public considered
to be the most important issues of the day are being shaped by the mass media (MCCOMBS &
SHAW, 1972). However, they regard this as normal and inevitable in the flow of news. This
makes McCombs and Shaw to assert that there is a positive relationship between what the media
emphasize by the coverage given and what voters see as important (MCCOMBS & SHAW,
1972). In the light of classic agenda-setting studies, campaign scholars like Brandenburg and
Van Aalst started focusing attention on the relationship between the media and the political
agenda to determine the extent media and political parties interact during the campaign and to
answer the question of who sets the agenda: the political parties or the media (Brandenburg,
2002; Van Aalst, 2004).
Litle-John (2002) further explains that agenda setting has two levels. The first level enacts the
common subjects that are most important, while the second level decides what parts of the
subject are important. These two levels of agenda setting lead into what the function of the
agenda setting theory entails. Agenda-setting therefore implies that the mass media predetermine the issues that are regarded as important at a given time in a given society. It does not
ascribe to the media the power to determine what we actually think, but it does ascribe to them
the power to determine what we are thinking about. The people have the right to think what they
want to think, but interestingly, people tend to think alongside those issues the media highlight as
important.
The agenda setting researchers believe that the media do not only tell the people what to do, but
can and do tell people what to think about through the coverage the media give or refuse to give
to events. McCombs stated that, “this is possible because the mass media have the ability to
transfer the salience of items on their news agenda to the public agenda” (MCCOMBS, 1994).
The media do this by assigning specific attributes to the potential objects of interests in the
issues, events or persons. This means that if the media assign, ascribe or credit somebody or
something with some qualities, the media consumers equally credit that person or something as
the media have so done.
The two basic assumptions of agenda setting are:
a. The press and the media do not reflect reality; they filter and shape it.
b. Media concentration on few issues and subjects leads the public to perceive those issues as
more important than other issues.
The agenda setting theory is relevant to this study because Journalists Hangout is a very useful
media platform in getting information about the current political, economic and social issues in
the country. Here, it is believed that the more the audiences in Offa are exposed to the public
affairs and enlightenment programmes on Journalists Hangout, the more informed they would be
above national issues and the more likely they are to participate in developmental activities.
In other words, the programmme can set the agenda for the public's attention to that small group
of issues around which public opinion is formed. They set the agenda of public discussion, and
determine what the public will think and talk about politics, economics and security of the
country. They inform and affect lives in the society. In addition to performing their primary
functions of informing, educating and entertaining, JH is a powerful tool for political public
discourse and debate. Another relevance of agenda setting theory to this work can be understood
from the perspective that in choosing and displaying news, journalists play an important role in
shaping opinion in the society (through various news frame). The listener and viewer learn not
only about a given issue, but also how much importance to attach to that issue from the amount
of information in a news story and its position. As the media present and analyze topical news
frames, they also create an atmosphere for people to react and give interpretation to the issues
discussed.
2.4.2 Development Media Theory
This theory states that media should be involved in development of agenda setting for the media,
government and society in general. It helps to show case areas that need development by the
government through its programmes and messages. Development media theory owes its origin to
the UNESCO’s McBride committee set up in 1979. This theory is opposed to dependency and
foreign domination and arbitrary authoritarianism. It accepts economic development and nation
building as over binding objectives. Press freedom should be open to restriction according to
economic priorities and development need of society in the interest of the development ends, the
state has the ultimate control. That is to say in simple terms, the fact about the inherent
influencing power of media, makes it to be seen and applied as important instrument in
developmental policies. The development media theory, according to Yaroson and Asemah
(2008), derives its strength from the need for the media to be active participants in the quest for
the development of a society. The theory sees the media as ready and prepared to champion
socially economic, political and religious development.
According to Samber, cited in Asemah (2011) the journalistic responsibility is that, information
in journalism is understood as a social good and not as a commodity, which means that the
journalist shares responsibility for the information transmitted and is thus, accountable not only
to those controlling the media, but ultimately to the public at large, including various social
interests. The journalist’s social responsibility requires that he or she will act under all
circumstances in conformity with a personal ethnical consciousness.
Be it as it may, the Nigerian journalist has maintained a standard of repute to the society, as well
as, a standard of dispute. The assertion above shows that the media are to be used to serve the
general good of the society. The media are seen as agents of development and social change in
any community thus, the theory says that the media should be used to complement government’s
effort by carrying out programmes that will level to positive behavioral change among the people
(Oyewole, 2006).
The development media theory arose for events in developing nations (Mac Quail 2005). The
major tenets of development media theory opined by Mac Quail (2005) are:

Media must accept and carry out positive development tasks in line with naturally
establishment policy.

Freedom of the media should be opened to economic priorities and development needs of
the society.

Media should give priority in the content to the national culture and language. Journalists
and other media workers have responsibility as well as freedom in their information
gathering and dissemination tasks in the interests of development purpose by speaking
the language of the people and promoting the interests of the people.
The development media theory is relevant to the study in that it places emphasis on using the
media for development purposes. The media, through their persuasive power can be used to
change people’s attitude toward development policy of the government.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0
Introduction
This chapter presents the research methodologies which were employed in the study. It includes
the sample size, population of the study and data collection instrument. This chapter also
describes the various criteria and techniques used in collecting and analysing data for the study.
3.1
Research Design
Research design is the structuring of investigation aimed at identifying variable and their
relationship to one another. In order to ensure an effective study, the researcher adopted the
survey method. Survey method is also a method structured for collecting data for the purpose of
describing a population too large to be observed directly. The survey method is the most
commonly used research method in the behavioural sciences and it involves drawing up a set of
questions on various subjects or aspect of a subject and a selected number of population are
requested to answer. The survey method was used for this study to aggregate the views of the
large human samples used. The survey method made it possible to study the samples and
variables as they are, without giving the researcher any room to control or manipulate them. This
method helped determine the relationship between the various variables studied.
3.2
Population of the Study
Population of the study is referred to as the aggregate of all the elements required for a particular
research study. Research population of study is a large collection of individuals or objects that is
necessary to aid the research study. That is to say, a study population can either be comprised of
objects or set/group of human beings, depending on the subject matter of the research study. For
the purpose of this study, the population consists of the residents of Offa in Kwara State that are
viewers of Journalists Hangout on Television Continental. The recent statistics of National
Population Commission (NPC) estimates the total population of Offa to 113, 841 people. This
means that the population of the study covers the 113, 841 people in Offa.
3.3
Sample Size
Sample size is defined as a process of selecting a portion of the population for the purposes of
generalizing the findings about the sample itself. It is a small group of elements or subjects
drawn from a definite procedure of a specified population. The sample size of 100 residents was
drawn from Offa for the purpose of this study. This is in order to get their views and reactions on
the impact of Journalists Hangout on Television Continental on public enlightenment and as a
tool for achieving developmental goals in Nigeria. The sample of this research is calculated by
using Taro Yamane formula with 95% confidence level. The calculation formula of Taro
Yamane is presented as follows.
Where:
n= sample size required
N = number of people in the population
e = allowable error (%)
Substitute numbers in formula:
n=
113841
1+ 113841 (0.10)2
Thus, n = 99.9 and it is however approximated as 100.
3.4
Sampling Technique
The study adopted the multistage sampling technique. Multistage sampling refers to sampling
plans where the sampling is carried out in stages using smaller and smaller sampling units at
each stage. It consists of the method used to select a subset of population that really represents
the whole population. The sampling technique for this study was multistage approach. It
involved first writing names of all major wards in Offa through random sampling technique.
Random sampling is the kind of technique that guarantees every member of the population equal
opportunity/chance of being selected to the extent that the choice of any one member does not at
all, affect that of another. Its procedure is that the population being sampled is numbered so that
random numbers are picked from the random number table. This selection is made to obtain a
fair representation of the sample in each of the streets selected.
3.5
Description of Instrument of Data Collection
The instrument used to elicit responses from the subjects is a structured questionnaire designed
by the researchers. The questionnaire is divided into two parts. The researcher designed a set of
questionnaire containing close-ended questions made of two part comprising of section A and B.
Section ‘A’ deals with identifying information such as gender, age, religion, marital status and
educational qualification while Section ‘B’ deals with current situation and future direction. The
close-ended question consists of prepared list of questions with possible answers. With these, the
respondents will be limited to choosing the opinions they deem adequate from the available
alternatives provided. It is aimed at providing very high objective data from respondents and also
to save time, energy which would have been wasted in asking the questions orally. The library
materials, books, journals, the internet all constituted the secondary method of data collection.
3.6
Reliability of Instrument
A study is reliable when repeated measurement of the same material results in similar decisions
or conclusion; Wimmer and Dominick (2003:156). A trial testing was carried out outside the
area of study but has the same characteristics with the study area. Copies of the instrument were
administered on 40 respondents. Data collected were analyzed using the Chronbach Apha. Based
on the analysis, reliability coefficients of 0.97, 0.97, 0.99 and 0.97 for cluster A, B, C and D
respectively were got. In this way, the questionnaire was tested for coherence, ability to elicit
responses, comprehensibility and consistency. The result was high enough for the instrument to
be deemed reliable.
3.7
Validity of Instrument
Validity is defined as the degree to which an instrument actually measures what it sets out to
measure. Wimmer and Dominick (2003:159). The instrument was first validated by an expert,
the supervisor who is a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic
Offa, Kwara State. The expert was given the initial draft of the instrument to check the
structuring adequacy of the responses. Based on the criticisms and suggestions made by the
expert, the initial drafts of the instrument were modified.
3.8
Method of Data Collection
For the primary source of data collection, the researcher used printed copies of questionnaire,
distribute to the respondents and collect it the same way it was administered. It was administered
face to face and was retrieved the same manner and same place. This is done to avoid loss of
some copies and to clarify the respondents who may face some challenges in understanding some
of the questions.
3.9
Method of Data Analysis
For the purpose of the study, frequency distribution tables and simple percentages was used to
present findings emanating from the research. Statistically, the table helped in displaying the
number of occurrence of each subject matter, while the simple percentage assisted to indicate the
frequency of each subject matter on the table.
3.10
Ethical Considerations
Ethics are a set of widely accepted moral principles that offers rules for, and behavioural
expectations of, the most correct conduct towards experimental subjects and respondents,
employers, sponsors, other researchers, assistants and students. Ethical issues considered in this
study include the rights of the respondents, the rights of the institution and scientific honesty on
the part of the researcher.
Informed consent was obtained from the participants. The participants were assured of
confidentiality and a research report would be published comprising the participants’ combined
responses to specific items in the questionnaires. No person would be identified in the report.
Also, nonparticipation in the study would not in any way affect the care they would receive after
information was provided about the purpose of the study.
No harm or discomfort was inflicted on any respondent or any non-respondent. The decision to
participate or not rested solely with each person contacted. The researcher’s telephone numbers
was provided in case any respondent wished to discuss anything with the researcher during or
after completing the questionnaire.
The researcher generated knowledge through honest conduct, reporting and publication of
research results. The researcher was aware that scientific misconduct has to be identified and
reported in order to maintain the quality of the research results and report.
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QUESTIONNAIRE
THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC OFFA, KWARA STATE
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION
Dear Respondents,
I am HND II Student in the Department of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic
Offa conducting a research on the Impact of Journalist Hangout Tv Programme as a Tool for
Public Enlightenment in Achieving Developmental Goals. You have been selected as one of
the respondents for this study; information given will be treated with confidence as it’s for
research purpose only.
Thank you
Instruction:
Kindly tick (√) the option that best suits your response to the question
PART A
1. To which age group did you belong? (a) Less than 20 years [
26-30 years [
] (d) 31-35 years [
] (e) 36 years and above [
2. What is your religion? (a) Christianity [
] (b) Islam [
3. What is your marital status? (a) Single [
] (b) Dating [
[
] (e) Divorced [
] (c)
]
]
] (c) Engaged [
] (d) Married
] (f) Widow [ ]
4. What is your occupation? (a) Student [
Trader [
] (b) 20-25 years [
] (e) Others, please specify
] (b) Artisan [
] (c) Civil Servant [
] (d)
.
5. What is your educational qualification? (a) Primary [ ] (b) Secondary [ ] (c) Tertiary [
]
PART B
1. Do you watch Journalist Hangout on TVC? Yes [ ] No [ ]
2. To what extent do you watch Journalist Hangout on TVC? Daily [ ] Bi-weekly [ ] Once
in a week [ ] Rarely [ ]
3. Are you satisfied with the way issues are analysed on Journalists Hangout? Yes [ ] No [
] Partially [ ]
4. Key information areas covered in Journalists Hangout. Insecurity and terrorism [
]
Politics and Governance [ ] Corruption and fraud [ ] Education and sensitization on a
particular sector [
] Sports and Entertainment [
]
5. Journalists Hangout is a veritable platform for public enlightenment. Strongly Disagree [
] Disagree [
] Neutral [
] Agree [ ] Strongly Agree [ ]
6. The programme is more elitist than general in its approach. Strongly Disagree [
Disagree [
] Neutral [
] Agree [ ] Strongly Agree [ ]
7. The programme is highly political and biased in it. Strongly Disagree [ ] Disagree [
Neutral [
]
]
] Agree [ ] Strongly Agree [ ]
8. The programme is educative and discusses issues of public interest. Strongly Disagree [
] Disagree [
] Neutral [
] Agree [ ] Strongly Agree [ ]
9. The programme provides a daily opportunity to contribute to burning issues in the
country. Strongly Disagree [ ] Disagree [
] Neutral [
] Agree [ ] Strongly Agree [
]
10. The moderation of Current Affairs Programmes attracts active participation. Strongly
Disagree [ ] Disagree [
] Neutral [
] Agree [ ] Strongly Agree [ ]
11. Epileptic power supply reduces the rate of viewership which, translates to low
participation
12. The timing of Focus Nigeria is suitable for viewership. Strongly Disagree [ ] Disagree [
] Neutral [
] Agree [ ] Strongly Agree [ ]
13. Extent to which Journalists Hangout give fair representation to national issues. Excellent
[ ] High [ ] Average [ ] Fair [ ] Very Low [ ]
14. Extent is Journalists Hangout objective and balance on political issues. Excellent [
]
High [ ] Average [ ] Fair [ ] Very Low [ ]
15. How Journalists Hangout has been able to meet the audience information needs? Very
Well [ ] To some extent [ ] Very little [ ] Not at all [ ]
16. Does enlightenment on Journalist Hangout mobilize the public towards achieving
developmental goals? Yes [ ] No [ ]
17. What is the extent to which Journalist Hangout mobilize for developmental goals in the
society? Very high [ ] High [ ] Low [ ] Very Low [ ] Undecided [ ]
18. Enlightenment on Journalist Hangout makes the public support government policies.
Strongly Disagree [ ] Disagree [
] Neutral [
] Agree [ ] Strongly Agree [ ]