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The role of television broadcasts on voters’ participation in Nigeria’s presidential election

Aririguzoh, Stella A. (2015) The role of television broadcasts on voters’ participation in Nigeria’s presidential election. . KSU Journal of Mass Communication, 4. pp. 53-73.

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Abstract

Television's perceived power includes its subtle effects to induce behaviour. This study seeks to know if the exposure of residents of Ado Odo / Ota communities to television broadcasts increased their participation in the Nigerian presidential election in 2007. The study establishes that, indeed, television broadcasts have had a positive influence on the participation of residents in this particular election. They became more engaged in the election than they would ordinarily have done. Statistically, positive relationships were established between their exposure to television broadcasts and their increased political participation. The survey carried out indicates that their watching television broadcasts led to an increase in their involvement in this election, by making them take specific steps such as going out to register to vote; seeking out more information about contesting candidates and their parties; voluntarily joining campaign teams and political parties; and even persuading others into joining campaign teams and the voting exercise. Television broadcasts also brought about an increase in the number of topics raised for discussion between these residents and the people significant in their lives. It is therefore suggested that politicians, their parties and even the government can get voters to become more active participants in the electoral processes by packaging political messages and broadcasting them on television. Voters heightened interest in public elections will destroy growing public apathy to participating in elections and their low concern for who may emerge as the winner. Keywords: Ado-Odo/Ota residents, participation, apathy, television broadcasts.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Humanities
Depositing User: DR STELLA AMARA ARIRIGUZOH
Date Deposited: 15 Feb 2017 10:39
Last Modified: 16 Oct 2017 15:27
URI: http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/7788

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