THE ROLE OF MASS MEDIA IN INFORMING THE PUBLIC ON HERDSMEN ACTIVITIES IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of Study

Mass media is a technology that aims to meet a large number of people. It is the most popular mode of communication for reaching the vast majority of the general public. Newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and the Internet are the most popular outlets for mass media. The general public usually depends on the media for updates on political, social, and entertainment topics, as well as news. The media has changed dramatically over time. Have you ever wondered how people used to get the latest news and information? There was a time before the Internet, television, and radio, when there was just the newspaper. The newspaper was the first medium of mass communication. For a long time, the public relied on local newspaper writers and journalists to provide them with information.Families will gather around the radio and listen to their favourite radio station programs about politics, social issues, and entertainment.The television was later invented. The most powerful medium for reaching the general public was soon to be replaced by television. The Internet is the most important medium of mass media today, and it has become a critical tool for news organizations. The general public can now access those same news sources in an instant with the click of a button, thanks to the development of the Internet.The Impact of the Media News outlets have a significant effect on the general public and on public opinion on some issues due to their use in mass media. In certain ways, the media is the only source of information available to the general public. For example, when Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon in 1969, the public was able to witness this landmark event thanks to the media. 

1.2  Statement Of The Problem

The Fulani were traditionally semi-nomadic cattle herders who travelled long distances along grazing routes in search of food for their herds. The Fulani are a Sahelian ethnic group that is considered to be the largest. The Fulani are largely concentrated in northern Nigeria. However, a combination of political unrest and drought is propelling them southward where they are in dispute with the local farming communities. The violent clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers have wreaked havoc on many Nigerian communities. Many people have died, many have been displaced, and property has been lost, including crops, livestock, homes, cars, and so on.

Herdsmen and crop farmers conflicts have been one of Nigeria's most significant security challenges, second only to the insurgency of Boko Haram (Okoro, 2018). The media have a powerful effect on successfully reducing and resolving conflict by assuming conflict-prevention roles, Via the process of information distribution, the media has recently emerged as an important weapon in fighting wars, crises, and acts of terrorism  (Pate, 2002). Information is regarded as a vital factor in escalating or way of curbing during periods of conflict. It is frequently argued in conflict that the misuse of mass communication in times of crisis, especially in complex and fragile societies like Nigeria, could have serious consequences.

Human security can be aided by the media. Through the autocratic functions of respectfully disseminating information, furthering understanding and knowledge, fostering participatory and open governance, and resolving perceived grievances, traditional and non-conventional media can both prevent and resolve conflict. According to Tahir (2009), it is important for the media to consider what conscious and unconscious roles they perform in their daily work of preventing or perpetuating conflicts.

1.3  Objective Of The Study

i. To learn if the radio stations inform the public on Fulani herdsmen attack.

ii. To determine if the informations provided by radio presenters was able to reduce the attack.

iii. To learn if the Fulani herdsmen were frightened by the knowledge provided by radio hosts.

1.4  Research Questions  

i. Do radio stations inform the public on Fulani herdsmen attack?

ii. Has  the Fulani herdsmen attack decreased as a result of public consciousness raised by radio personalities?

iii. Are Fulani herdsmen frightened as a result of the information provided by radio presenters?

1.5 Significance Of The Study

The significance of this research work focus on the role of the mass media in informing the public on herdsmen activity in Nigeria, and this research would also prove beneficial for other academics, intellectuals, and students that might want to organize similar research.

1.6 Scope Of The Study

This research work concentrate on the role of the mass media in informing the public on herdsmen activity in Nigeria, The study was carried out in Gboko, Benue state.

1.7 Definition Of Terms

Mass Media: Refers to a wide range of communications technologies that use mass communication to address a broad audience. There are a number of channels by which this communication is carried out.

Radio:  Radio is a piece of electronic equipment that enable you to listen to radio programs like music and news.

Radio Presenter: A radio presenter   provides information on news, weather, athletics, or traffic or explore musical styles, host a talk radio show that takes calls from fans, interview celebrities or guests, and so on

Information: Information is described as news or knowledge that is obtained or provided. What is presented to someone who asks for background information on something is an indication of information. The summarization of data is known as information. Data, in technical terms, are unprocessed statistics and figures that are transformed into content.

Fulani Herdsmen:  Fulani herder are nomadic or semi-nomadic Fulani people whose primary occupation is livestock raising.