AN ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF NEWS COMMERCIALIZATION IN ABIA STATE BROADCASTING SERVICE UMUAHIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The term "news commercialization" refers to the practice of electronic media outlets reporting news or analysis as commercial messaging from an anonymous or unidentifiable sponsor, giving the audience the impression that the news is objective, fair, and socially responsible.

According to UNESOC, when it stated, "news has become a commercial commodity." Significant events in the country's history are pushed aside by inconsequential, even petty news stories about urban happenings and celebrity behavior." According to Majority and Azuka (2013), "although being over three decades old, UNESCO's argument clearly has credibility in the Nigerian media environment, since news items must be heard." is no longer about reporting timely events or interest groups. According to Dominick (2010), a journalist's fundamental obligation is to the audience to accurately convey the facts of a story. Similarity McQuail (2000) identifies three distinguishing characteristics of objective journalism. One is that it assumes a neutral posture toward the thing. Two is a lack of collaboration, which he defines as not taking sides in disputes or displaying prejudice. Thirdly, objectivity requires an unwavering commitment to honesty and truth.

In addition to the above, Risser (2000) states, "Money is the first thing we discuss." The final item we discuss is the readers. The Nigerian journalist's attitude is one of seeking information from news sources. News commercialization is a tendency of Nigerian journalists dubbed the brown envelope syndrome. While widely condemned in Nigeria as an extremely unethical practice, it makes it clear that stories are more akin to the official brown envelope or bribe offered to the media house as opposed to the individual reporter. All of these journalistic ethical standards are a burden in front of the audience. The vast majority of the audience feels that news is objective and balanced. Unaware that they were disguised as news. Bako (2000) asserts that "the ordinary Nigerian sees everything comes from the press as gospel," which he takes hook, line, and sinker. It would be impossible to persuade any Nigerian not to trust what he reads in their newspapers. Even if an individual apologizes for an inaccurate publication, he or she cannot be prosecuted. According to him, the journalist or the media may have been bought over by the government in order to "kill" the story.

All of these have severe ramifications for the media, particularly radio, since the audience is expected to believe the presenter only on the basis of his or her voice without seeing the presenter's face. As a commercial or government-owned radio station, credibility on the air is difficult to come by. The impact is felt by society.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

News is any accurate, factual, and timely report about events, persons, or locations. This means that journalists are obligated to report on events with the goal of remuneration in mind. However, news commercialization is the practice of charging for news. According to Lawrence and Ogbuoshi (2005), as mentioned by the majority and Azuka (2013), many news organizations have lost their concentration on investigative journalism in their quest to earn more money via the commercialization of news. This has increased public concern about the veracity of news reports disseminated by the media. News reports are meant to be factually accurate, objective, and free of errors or omissions. As a result, news commercialization exposes the news to misuse, results in news distortion, and disrupts information flow.

The purpose of this research is to assess public perception of news commercialization in Abia State broadcasting service Umuahia and the effect this trend is having on the station's performance.

1.3 Objective of the Study

1.        To examine the level of news commercialization in the broadcast news of ABS Umuahia.

2.        To examine public attitude of ABS Umuahia towards news commercialization.

3.        To determine the effect of news commercialization on the practice of journalism and journalistic ethics in ABS Umuahia.

1.4 Research Question

a.         What is the level of news commercialization in the broadcast news of ABS Umuahia?

b.        What is public attitude of ABS Umuahia towards news commercialization?

c.         What is the effect of news commercialization on the practice of journalism and journalistic ethics in ABS Umuahia?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study seeks to investigate the public attitude towards news commercialization in ABS Umuahia in order to provide journalistic knowledge between the perceptions and contents which the audience received. Through this study, the attitude and perceptions of the public will be x-rayed to give understanding of how the public mind set can control the contents of the media. This helps to give direction to journalists in maintaining ethical standard which in return make the mass media credible in the minds of the public. This study provides the public to have the negative impact of news commercialization to the public.

Finally, this study acts as knowledge, resources to other researchers on equivalent topic.

1.6 Scope of the Study

Population area of this study is stakeholders/pioneers of ABS Umuahia. The choice for Umuahia is as a result of the broadcast signal that is received in Umuahia.

1.7 Limitation Of The Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. More so, the researcher simultaneously engaged in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8 Definition of Terms

1. Accidence:

The groups of people who have gather to watch or listen to some thing.

2. Ethical Standard:

This is the codes that guide the performance of journalists in maintaining professional best practice and standard practice.

3. Objectivity:

The state of been fair and balance in news reporting with fear or favor

4. Broadcasting:

This is the acting of spreading information to the audience.

5. News Commercialization:

News that are paid for by the source in other to be aired in from of straight news.