THE CONVENTIONAL MEDIA IN NIGERIA AND DEMOCRATIC TENETS

Abstract

This study is a secondary analysis of the role of the conventional media and democratic tenets across the four republics in Nigeria. The attempt tries to evaluate the power structure and balance, as well as shifts between the media and Nigeria governments towards understanding the democratic tenets which dominated each republic. The democratic history of Nigeria is therefore briefly reviewed and analysed in line with an incisive narration of the role of the media in Nigeria. To this end, the Development Media; Social Responsibility; Democratic-Participant; and Agenda Setting theories are found relevant towards understanding the logic of this study thereof. Findings show that the media in Nigeria have been unanimous in the fourth [4th] republic than any other. And have shifted more into issues of good governance than institutions of government. Therefore this study recommends among others that Nigeria’s government-media relations, though often amidst competing interest, must be mutual towards the most common good since a strong, responsible but free media is not just seen as a template for democracy, but is also its’ strength.