Mass Media and Democratic Stability in Nasarawa State a Study of Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (1999-2006)

Abstract

The research investigated the relationship between the mass media and democratic stability in Nasarawa State using Nasarawa Broadcasting Service as a case in point. The research thus examined the impact of the mass media on democratic stability in Nasarawa State. Methodologically, survey research design was adopted where the study utilized both primary and secondary sources of data collections. Under the primary sources of data collection, the study utilized both questionnaires and oral interviews while the secondary sources of data was the review of textbooks, periodicals, internet sources, monographs and other unpublished materials relevant to the study. The study was anchored on social responsibility theory as a framework of analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the role of mass media in the stability of democracy in Nasarawa State has not been as desired arising largely as a result of the constraints to it. It is evident from the study that so many factors and forces have militated against its operations such as inadequate budgeting allocation or poor funding, victimization of journalists, poor remuneration, serious censorship of NBS programme by the government, bias nature of station, inadequate professionals and many others problems. The study therefore on the basis of the above recommends amongst other things required funding that will address the operational challenges of the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service for effective promotion of democracy.