Audience perception of the role of television in conflict management in the Niger Delta – case study of Eleme local government area of Rivers state

Description

Abstract

Audience perception of the role of television in conflict management in the Niger Delta – case study of Eleme local government area of Rivers state. The study appraises audience perception of the role of television in conflict management in the Niger Delta using Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State as a case study. The rationale behind the study is predicated on the perennial conflicts in the region. The study aims to unravel the appropriate mechanisms for managing Niger Delta conflicts using television as a key player. The study is anchored on two theories namely Structural-Functional Theory and Reception Theory. The study used questionnaires as the research Instrument. A total of 200 persons were selected for the study through randomization, out of which 196 respondents returned their questionnaire upon which data presentation and analysis were anchored upon using simple percentage as statistical instrument. Consequently, the following findings were made among others: There is a growing unfavorable audience perception of the role of television stations in conflicts management in the Niger Delta. Also, the study reveals that television stations focus more on publicizing Niger Delta Conflicts rather than emphasizing what can de-escalate the conflict in the region. To this end, the following recommendations are made: Television stations should evolve programmes that can stimulate harmonious relationships among the warring parties through collaboration with the Nollywood industry in the production and dramatizing of paradigms and techniques for conflict management in the Niger Delta, without necessarily engaging African voodoos. Television stations should continuously embark on aggressive advocacy campaigns on peace initiatives through its Public Service Announcement (PSA), jingle, discussion, talk show, documentaries, mediation and arbitration programmes, etc with the aim of identifying the immediate and remote causes of the conflicts and make appropriate recommendations on how to mitigate the scourge