AN EVALUATION OF THE NTA INTEGRATION PROGRAM

AN EVALUATION OF THE NTA INTEGRATION PROGRAM

Background of the study

The media, particularly television, plays a critical role in promoting national integration. Since its inception, television has grown to be a very essential and powerful medium of public communication. Its synchronized broadcast of audio and visual signals allows it to exert significant effect on society, earning it greater credibility and attention than other forms of media such as radio, newspaper, and magazine (Bozzi, 2013).

Television has evolved into a nerve that connects society and its activities. This is because it serves as an integrating tool, which is especially important in today's world, when ethnic, religious, political, and other differences are being brought together in a global community. The media transmits messages that individuals from many groups and countries need to know, comprehend, and respect one another (Folarinn, 2005). Furthermore, television raises societal understanding of other living types. This places a focus on life-style commonalities, which is advantageous to developing countries like Nigeria, where "loyalties seldom extend beyond the community, tribe, or religion" and where integration is typically viewed as identification with the broader total, i.e. the state (Folarinn, 2005).

In evaluating the role of television in promoting national integration, it should be noted that the media (television) informs every stratum of society about the dangers of a lack of unity among the different people of a community or nation state by creating a sense of identification and propagating common cultural values. In Nigeria, for example, NTA stations in various states of the Federation share programs on their people's lifestyles, which may be viewed as an attempt at national integration. People from one state might learn about and respect the way of life, perspectives, and goals of Nigerians from different states by viewing such programs. Understanding, for example, might reduce or even eliminate fear and ethnocentrism, which are often at the root of mistrust that divides people along cultural, religious, and other lines/diversities (McQuail, 2005).

The function of the media, particularly television, must be discovered and stressed for a growing country like Nigeria to attain real national cohesion and unity. National integration is a multi-faceted or, more accurately, multi-sectoral term that embraces all elements of our national, educational, cultural, social, religious, tribal, ethnic, political, and economic lives, and hence implies active engagement by everyone. The media educates the people about the importance of national unity and progress. "The function of the media cannot be disregarded in the evolution of any community with various culture, tribe, group, and other connections," Ndolo (2005) asserts. "The media is of great importance in the social, cultural, economic, and political development of every nation," he continued, "not because they are better positioned to serve the specific needs of the people, but because they make it easier for more people to have access to the media and thus participate in its affairs" (Ndolo, 2005).

For the media, particularly television, to make a meaningful contribution to national integration/unity and development, it needs a clear environment in which to carry out its traditional function of curbing community excesses that, if left unchecked, will stymie much-needed integration and development (Ursell, 2003). The media requires full cooperation from both the government and the general public in order to educate people about the importance of tolerating one another for the sake of peace and calm. Recent events in the Niger Delta, Jos, Kano, and Bauchi have demonstrated a lack of unity among the nation's many groups. These conflicts have not only hampered social and economic growth, but have also resulted in the deaths of innocent persons, as well as the damage of property (Ursell, 2003).

As a result, the media must play a critical role in improving these dreadful conditions. This can only be accomplished if the press is allowed to work freely, as a free press is the bedrock of national integration and progress.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Every country's growth depends heavily on national integration. Nigeria, despite its various ethnic, religious, and cultural differences, cannot be considered an exception (Bozzi, 2013). As a result, there is a problem of miscommunication among the country's numerous ethnic groups, which has frequently resulted in conflicts (Bozzi, 2013). However, despite executing its duty of national integration at this time, the mass media, particularly television, has come under fire. In light of this, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the function of television, particularly NTA Uyo, in creating national unity with the objective of promoting peace and harmonious coexistence among the many ethnic groups in the country.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of this study is to critically assess Nigeria Television Authority Integration Program. Specifically, the study will:

1. Find out viewers perception on  integration program.
2. Determine how often integration programs are presented on NTA Uyo Channel.
3. Ascertain the effects of television programmes on its audience.
4. Examine if NTA integration programme have been effective on the audience.

1.4 Research Question

The research is guided by the following research questions:

1. What are viewers perception on television  integration program?
2. How often are  integration programs  presented on NTA Uyo Channel?
3. Has NTA integration programme  been effective on the audience?
4. What are  the effects of  integration  programmes on its audience?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This research work will give insight to those who intend to undertake a similar research. It will also contribute meaningfully to literature both for students and media practitioners and generally in the field of mass communication. This study will also assist and guide NTA Uyo on how to design and package programmes on national integration. This research is also generally useful since it diversity which is cardinal to sustainable development.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is NTA Kaduna’s programmes on national integration and their influence on the residents of Uyo metropolis.The study will consider the frequency at which Television channel broadcast program capable of integrating ethnic groups and as well promote national development.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. An attempt was made to conduct a comprehensive research  on this  discourse so as to make it a board base text to all manner of people. However, the paucity of data  and limited time period allowed for the researcher to organize them in completion of this project was not considered enough and could not allow for a thorough and in-depth work to be done.

1.8 Definition of terms

TELEVISION: The Webster’s dictionary defines television as the exact and continues transmission of audio and visual image, still or in motion but without permanent recording. For instantaneous viewing at a distance: effected by a combine optical and electrical system for converting waves into corresponding electrical impulses which are converted into their visual form in a receiving set.

NATION: The oxford dictionary defines nation as a large community of people sharing common history, culture and language and living in a particular territory under one government.

INTEGRATION: Oxford dictionary define integration as combining two or more things in such a way that one because fully part of the other.

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