International Journal of Integrative Humanism
Volume 13, Issue 1, March, 2021
Public Perception of Television Continental ‘Journalists’ Hangout’ Public Affairs
Programme in South West, Nigeria: Perspective on the Nigerian States of the Nation
Abari Ijuo Ogah, PhD
Department of Mass Communication
Federal University Oye-Ekiti
P.M.B. 373 Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State
abariogah@gmail.com (+2347033982266)
Stephen Afam Kenechukwu, PhD
Department of Mass Communication
Federal University Oye-Ekiti
P.M.B. 373 Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State
stephenafamkenechukwu@gmail.com (+2348037780267)
Abstract
Public affairs broadcasting is a central part of national news media environments in most
advanced democracies. They are generally seen to enhance democratic culture, pursuing a more
serious and harder news agenda compared to commercial media. In examining audience
response in a given society, the impact of television on the behaviour or attitude of its audience
has been proven in various effects studied by researchers. Consequently, this study examine
public perception of Television Continental ‘Journalists’ Hang Out’ public affairs programme
in South West, Nigeria. The study was anchored on agenda setting theory and employed survey
design where a structured online questionnaire was sent out to various states in South-West,
Nigeria. This study has found that TVC Journalists Hangout programme enlightens the
Nigerian populace excellently. Topmost area of focus include politics and governance,
insecurity and terrorism. On the overage is corruption/fraud and at the bottom is education and
sports and entertainment. The study also found that TVC Journalists Hangout programme give
fair representation to all political views in the states of the nation. And has been able to satisfy
the Nigerian audience information needs over the years. The study also established that TVC
‘Journalist hangout’ public affairs programme set agenda for public discourse in Nigeria. The
study recommends that it is in the public interest to encourage the growth and development of
public affairs radio and television broadcasting, including the use of such media for
instructional, educational, and cultural purposes.
Key Words: Perception, Television Continental (TVC), Journalists’ Hangout Programme,
Public Affairs broadcasting, States of the Nation, Current Affairs, Media System.
Introduction
In recent times, the Nigerian states of the nation has been beclouded with numerous
insecurity challenges. The glitches in the country stem from political uncertainty, Boko Haram
terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, ethnic diversity and regionalism. The plethora security
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
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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 pay 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 human-interest 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 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.
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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). Accordingly, this study examines public perception of Television
Continental ‘Journalists’ Hang Out’ public affairs programme in South West, Nigeria.
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. 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. With the increasing citizens’ knowledge on current
affairs and happenings in Nigeria, ranging from governance, politics and terrorism, this study
examines public perception on the impact of TVC ‘Journalist hangout’ public affairs
programme in South West, Nigeria.
Objectives of the Study
Generally, this study examines public perception of Television Continental ‘Journalists’
Hangout’ public affairs programme in South West, Nigeria. Specifically, the study is guided
by the following objectives:
i. To find out how TVC ‘Journalist hangout’ public affairs programme has enlighten
viewers’ political development in the South West Nigeria.
ii. To find out if TVC ‘Journalist hangout’ public affairs programme gives fair
representation to all political views in the states of the nation.
iii. To ascertain if TVC ‘Journalist hangout’ has been able to satisfy the audience
information needs over the years.
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iv. To affirm the extent to which TVC ‘Journalist hangout’ public affairs programme set
agenda for public discourse in Nigeria.
Review of Concepts
This study clarifies and put into context two key concepts (Public Affairs Broadcasting
and Journalist Hangout) as follows:
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, 008).
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.
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
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(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.
Review of Literature
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
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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, & SalovaaraMoring, 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 inroad of TVC Journalist Hangout programme further exemplify 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.
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Theoretical Framework
This work is anchored on the agenda-setting theory propounded by Maxwell McCombs
and Donald Shaw in 1972. The theory posits that public agenda or the kind of things people
discuss, think and worry about are powerfully shaped and directed by what the news media
chose to publicize. The mass media force attention to certain issues. They build up public
images and constantly present objects suggesting what individuals in the mass population
should think about, know about and have feelings about (Anaeto, Onabajo and Osifeso, 2008).
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. Basically, the propositions of the theory agenda setting theory
(according to Anaeto, Onabajo and Osifeso, 2008) stem from:
i.
The number of times an issue is reported;
ii.
Using headlines and picture display; and
iii.
Reports that give room for point and counter-points.
Similarly, Folarin (1998) provides the following elements as being involved in the agendasetting process:
1.
The quantity or frequency of reporting;
2.
Prominence given to reports – through headline display, pictures and layout on
newspapers, magazines, films, graphics, or timing on radio and television;
3.
The degree of conflict generated in the reports; and
4.
Cumulative media – specific effect over time.
The 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.
Methodology
Foremost, the population of this study covers the six (6) States that make up the South-West
geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The States include Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo
States respectively. Accordingly, the study employs descriptive survey, using an online
structured questionnaire to generate data. Random invitations were sent to participate across
the South-West geo-political zones of Nigeria using social media applications with the link to
respond to the survey. A total of 4, 220 participants responded to the survey which also serve
as the sample size used in this study. The order of responses that Ekiti has 934, Lagos 563,
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Ogun 710, Ondo 600, Osun 885 and 528 respondents were Oyo State. The percentage
breakdown is shown in figure 1 as follows:
Figure 1: The Study Respondents Per State in SouthWest Geopolitical Zone, Nigeria
Oyo
13%
Ekiti
22%
Osun
21%
Lagos
13%
Ondo
14%
Ekiti
Lagos
Ogun
Ogun
17%
Ondo
Osun
Oyo
Data Presentation
Table 1: How TVC Journalists’ Hangout’ Programme Enlightens the Public
Items Response
1.
How often you listen to Journalists Hangout
Very Often
Occasionally
Not Always
Total
2.
Focus and area of Journalists Hangout
Enlightenment
Insecurity and terrorism
Politics and Governance
Corruption and fraud
Education and sensitization
Sports and Entertainment
Total
3.
Extent to which TVC Journalists hangout
Programme enlightens the public
Excellent
High
Average
Fair
Very low
Total
Frequency
Percentage
3142
1043
35
4220
74(%)
25(%)
1(%)
100(%)
1022
1221
946
517
514
4220
24%
30%
22%
12%
12%
100(%)
3325
895
4220
79%
21%
100(%)
Information in Table 1 shows how Journalists Hangout programme enlightens the
public. Foremost, item 1 on the table sought how often the audience listen to the programme.
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Result shows that more than ¾ of the respondents (3142, 74%) listened to the programme very
often. Result also shows that ¼ of the respondents (1043, 25%) occasionally listened to
Journalists Hangout and the remaining 1% (35 respondents) also listen but not always. Item 2
on the Table further shed light on key focused areas of Journalists Hangout programme. Results
shows that, current topical issues mostly focused centered on politics and governance (1221
respondents, 30%), insecurity and terrorism (1022 respondents, 24%). On the average,
corruption and fraud (946 respondents, 22%) falls at the middle scale. At the bottom is
education and sensitization (517 respondents, 12%), sports and entertainment (514
respondents, 12%). Lastly, item 3 on the Table shows the extent to which Journalists Hangout
programme enlightened the people. More than ¾ of the respondents (3325, 79%) said it is
excellent and about ¼ (895 respondents, 21%) said the extent of enlightenment is high.
Table 2: Extent to which Journalists Hangout give fair representation to all political views
Items Response
1.
Extent to which Journalists Hangout give fair
representation to political issues
Excellent
High
Average
Fair
Very low
Total
2.
Extent is Journalists Hangout objective and balance
on political issues
Excellent
High
Average
Fair
Very low
Total
Frequency
Percentage
2564
1656
4220
61
39
100(%)
2564
1656
4220
61
39
100(%)
Result on item 1 of Table 2 show that more than ½ (2564 respondents, 61%) affirmed
an excellent fair representation of Journalists Hangout programme on political issues.
Similarly, more than ¼ (1656 respondents, 39%) had a high rating on the fair representativeness
of Journalists Hangout programme on political issues. On item 2 on the Table, result further
showed a similar rating on objectivity and balance analysis of Journalists Hangout programme
on political issues. This result however, implies that TVC Journalists Hangout programme is
fair, objective and balance in political analysis, thus, upholding the tenets of journalistic
principles guiding public affairs broadcasting.
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Table 3: How Journalists Hangout has been able to meet the audience information needs
Items Response
1.
Has Journalists Hangout been able to meet the
audience information needs over the years?
Very well
To some extend
Very Little
Not at All
Total
2.
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
Total
Frequency
Percentage
3431
789
4220
81
19
100(%)
1022
1221
946
517
514
4220
24
30
22
12
12
100(%)
Information on Table 3 sought how Journalists Hangout programme has been able to
meet the information needs of the audience. More than ¾ (3431 respondents, 81%) attested to
a ‘very well’ extent, while the remaining less than ¼ respondents (789, 19%) attested ‘to some
extent’ option. On the whole, this however, shows that Journalists Hangout programme meet
the audience information need in the Nigerian society. On the areas of information areas
covered through the programme results shows that, topical issues regularly focused are politics
and governance (1221 respondents, 30%), insecurity and terrorism (1022 respondents, 24%).
On the moderate analysis, corruption and fraud (946 respondents, 22%) falls at the middle
scale. At the bottom is education and sensitization on a particular sector (517 respondents,
12%), sports and entertainment (514 respondents, 12%).
Table 4: Extent to which TVC ‘Journalist hangout’ public affairs programme
set agenda for public discourse in Nigeria
Items Response
Frequency Percentage
1.
Has Journalists Hangout programme been able to set
necessary agenda over the years?
Yes
4220
100%
No
Total
4220
100(%)
2.
How will you rate the agenda setting role of TVC
Journalists Hangout programme?
Excellent
2564
61
High
1656
39
Average
-
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Fair
Very low
Total
4220
100(%)
Table 4 sough the extent to which Journalists Hangout programme set agenda for public
discourse in Nigeria. The entire 4220 respondents of the study, representing 100% affirmed
this position. To further rate the agenda setting role of TVC Journalists Hangout programme,
more than ½ (2564 respondents, 61%) rated it as excellent, while more than ¼ (1656
respondents, 39%) placed Journalists Hangout agenda setting role at a ‘high’ rating scale.
Discussion of Findings
This study has found that TVC Journalists Hangout programme enlightens the Nigerian
populace excellently. Topmost area of focus includes politics and governance (30%), insecurity
and terrorism (24%). On the overage is corruption and fraud (22%) and at the bottom is
education and sensitization (12%), sports and entertainment (12%). Hence, in line with the
agenda setting theory used as the anchor theory for this work, TVC through Journalists Hangout
programme set key agenda for discussion at the public domain. The concern here is not merely
on entertainment, but on serious matters that are of public interest. This finding also agrees
with the position by UNESCO (2000) that 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.
The study also found that TVC Journalists Hangout programme give fair representation
to all political views in the states of the nation. And has been able to satisfy the Nigerian
audience information needs over the years. The study also established that TVC ‘Journalist
hangout’ public affairs programme set agenda for public discourse in Nigeria. These
affirmations found in the study are however indications of TVC upholding the tenets of
journalistic principles guiding public affairs broadcasting. It is in keeping with the assertion of
Orjiakor, Ani, Anyanwu, & Nnabuife (2015) that 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. The finding also agrees with Chima
(2015) that the essence of public affairs programmes is to serve 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.
The nature of the study finding is therefore a clear indication of what public affairs
broadcasting entails. This was further enshrined in the TVC Journalist Hangout programme.
Accordingly, as Charles (2011) posited, the mass media in carrying its functions as the fourth
estate of the realm must bring out governments policy to the knowledge of the public by their
agenda setting role. Consequently, the mass media by agenda setting role structures our
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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.
Conclusion and Recommendations
This study has offered a review of the arguments and evidence put forward on public
affairs broadcasting. In the light of this fact, it is necessary that citizens are frequently exposed
to the states of the country’s affairs beyond the hard or soft news stories to a more analytical,
evaluative and interpretative aspect of public affairs broadcasting. This way, there are more
knowledgeable about current affairs if they watch public service news, or news in publicservice dominated media environments. However, an important lesson to be drawn from this
work is that rather than concentrating in reporting what happen in the nation, there is also every
need for advocacy reporting (that is public affairs) to hold the government accountable for the
states of the nation. The only way to achieve this is to use programmes such of TVC Journalists
Hangout to set agenda by making people realized what the government is doing and what the
government inaction will result to if nothing is done about happenings in the states of the
nation.
As public affairs broadcasters convey their role through the media in the 21st century,
the audience also need to be kept abreast of whatever happen in the nation. Audiences have an
ever-increasing choice of media source, and their expectations may change in how news is
packaged and delivered. Consequently, the need for public affairs broadcasting. To therefore
uphold the social responsibility and the agenda setting function of the news media, this study
recommends that it is in the public interest to encourage the growth and development of public
affairs radio and television broadcasting; including the use of such media for instructional,
educational, and cultural purposes.
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