ABSTRACT

This study was designed to critically examine “the role of the press in Nigeria’s polarization and National Developmentâ€

The method of content analysis was adopted and also, three Nigerian daily newspaper were selected. This include, the New Nigeria Newspaper a federal Government owned newspaper published in Kaduna state, 

The National Concord and The Champion, each being privately owned by differently individual (s) but published in Lagos.

Three publications were selected per week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays covering April, August and December between 1997 – 1993. Five years were analysed. These are 1981, 1984 1987, 1990 and 1993.

The result were then carefully analyzed and interpreted. The analysis revealed that the Nigerian Press jettisoned the much-admired doctrine of fairness and impartiality and tend towards biasness and sycophancy.

At the end, it was recommended that in order to address the polarization of the press owners and operators of mass media, irrespective of their ethnic geographical and political difference must create an avenue where they could rub minds with one another so as to eradicate the misconception held against each other. And that the press and government relationship must improve hence seeing other as partners in progress.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page

Approval page

Dedication 

Acknowledgement

Abstract

Table of content

CHAPTER ONE 

Introduction

1.1Background of study

1.2Research problem

1.3Objective of the study

1.4Significance of the study

1.5Scope and limitation

1.6Research questions

1.7Hypothesis

1.8Definition of terms

CHAPTER TWO

2.0Literature review

2.1Source

2.2Theoretical frame work

2.3Concept of mass media

2.4The role of mass media

2.5Concept of development

2.6The post independent press

2.7The Nigerian press and political influence ouring 

second republic 1979 – 1983

2.8Democratic political consent of 

Nigerian press 1985 – 1993

 

CHAPTER THREE

3.0Research methodology

3.1population

3.2Sampling

3.3Data gathering method

3.4Content analysis

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0Data analysis and interpretation

4.1 Discussions and interpretation

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0Summary, recommendation and conclusion

5.2Recommendation

5.3Conclusion

Appendix

Reference