Impact Of Newspapers In Political Campaigns (A Study Of Announcer Newspapers)

Impact Of Newspapers In Political Campaigns (A Study Of Announcer Newspapers)
Abstract
This study was carried out to examine the impact of newspapers in political campaigns (a Study Of Announcer Newspapers). The study was specifically carried out to find out the extent Nigerian citizens are interested in newspapers, the extent to which citizens are interested in political news of Nigeria, assess how knowledgeable citizens are about Nigerian politics, ascertain whether newspapers helps to stimulate the political interest of citizens, and ascertain whether newspapers enhances the political knowledge and engagement of citizens.The study was anchored on the uses and gratifications Theory, and Media System Dependency Theory. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. Hence, the questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using frequency tables. The hypotheses test was conducted using ANOVA statistical tool, SPSS v.23. A total of 264respondents were selected as sample size using convenient sampling method. The participants consists of residents in Ibadan, Oyo State. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings reveals thatthe newspapers enhances the political knowledge of Nigerian citizens, at β = 0.896, R2 = 0.952, P = .000. The study also shows that newspapers enhances the engagement of Nigerian citizens in politics at β = 0.768, R2 = 0.917, P = .000.The study therefore recommends that government should increase allocation of funds to the communication information ministries so as to enable news channels carry out more effective programmes on political education and engagement. And the news media companies in Nigeria should pick up the task to produce political mobilization programmes that will help to enhance political participation of the citizens.
Table of Content
- Title Page
- Certification
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Table of Content
- List of Tables
- Abstract
Chapter One:
Introduction
- 1.1 Background of the Study
- 1.2 Statement of the Problem
- 1.3 Objective of the Study
- 1.4 Research Questions
- 1.5 Research Hypothesis
- 1.6 Significance of the Study
- 1.7 Scope of the Study
- 1.8 Limitation of the Study
- 1.9 Definition of Terms
- 1.10 Organisations of the Study
Chapter Two:
Review of Literature
- 2.1 Conceptual Framework
- 2.2 Theoretical Framework
- 2.3 Empirical Review
Chapter Three:
Research Methodology
- 3.1 Research Design
- 3.2 Population of the Study
- 3.3 Sample Size Determination
- 3.4 Sample Size Selection Technique and Procedure
- 3.5 Research Instrument and Administration
- 3.6 Method of Data Collection
- 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
- 3.8 Validity of the Study
- 3.9 Reliability of the Study
- 3.10 Ethical Consideration
Chapter Four:
Data Presentation and Analysis
- 4.1 Data Presentation
- 4.2 Analysis of Data
- 4.3 Answering Research Questions
- 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
Chapter Five:
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
- 5.1 Summary
- 5.2 Conclusion
- 5.3 Recommendation
- References
- APPENDIX
- QUESTIONNAIRE
Chapter One
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
The mass media have always played significant roles across the globe as the general public typically relies on it to provide information regarding political issues, social issues, entertainment and news in pop culture. In advance democracies, the media is freer and more independent when it comes to journalisticcontent. The media are generally defined as those channels of communication which are capable of reaching heterogeneous audiences simultaneously with uniform messages (Oyesomi, Oyero, and Okorie, 2017). This diversified communication technologies are divided into traditional media and new/digital media. The three forms of traditional media are broadcast (television, radio), cinema (movies, documentaries), and print i.e. books, magazines, and newspapers, which is the major focus of this study.
The notion of the media(Newspapers included) as the fourth branch of government, as watchdog, as guardian of the public interest, and as a conduit between governors and the governed is widely claimed.
Newspaper is a mass media which communicates current information released at regular interval of time. As a mass medium, newspapers are beneficial for education, information, enjoyment, relaxation and entertainment. This is why Ola and Ola (2016), note that newspapers are crucial because they contain current information and they keep the readers aware of events and activities inside and beyond their local contexts. Okunna (2019) confirms this stance by arguing that the newspaper is crucial in that it acts as a transporter of current information or news. Obaid (2019) concurs that newspapers are the textbooks that provide up to date information on local, state, national and world affairs, the most current analysis and criticism of the executive and legislative decision making, the latest in music, theatre, television, fine arts and even column and comics to make readers laugh. Babalola (2021), believes that newspapers encourage literacy empowerment; it unavoidably fosters critical thinking, retention of knowledge, problem solving and the questioning of information source. Furthermore, newspaper consumption permits one to become a person who holds civic-conscious ideals, tolerance and connectedness to the community (Edegoh, Asemah, and Okpanachi, 2020). It is believed that an informed citizenry is beneficial to democracy.
The review and readership of newspapers(which is the major interest of this study), has been considered very vital in promoting citizens involvement in Nigeria politics. The newspaper in Nigeria are sources of political information, and avenue for political participation and discussion, right from the colonial era to the present democratic dispensation. Obasanjo (1992) cited in Babalola (2021), described it as any agency that operates for the articulation and dissemination of ideas and information, generally with the intent to influence an audience or the institution that constitutes legalized power and authority. Against this background, the contributions of newspaper to the political knowledge of citizens over time have been a focus of social scientists and media scholars.
Additionally, citizens who are informed and knowledgeable about politics tend to make decisions that reflect their real interests. Citizens only need to listen to the radio for news headlines, read the newspaper or browse the internet or social media to view online newspapersto be politically informed, and engaged (Snyder and Stromberg, 2020).
Citizens’ engagement in the political process is an important element of a democratic political culture. The engagement of members of a political community is usually influenced by the political information, attitudes, feelings and skills they possessed. Cognitive orientation or political knowledge about the political system of a nation is important to the quality of citizenship and health of the collective (de Vreesea and Boomgaarden, 2016).High political knowledge helps citizens to better understand the current affairs shaping their societies, contributes to more stable and consistent political attitudes. It also helps citizens to achieve their own interests and make decisions that conform to their attitudes and preferences, promotes support for democraticvalues, facilitates trust in the political system, and motivates political engagement(Galston, 2015). From the aforementioned, this study seek to examine the influence of newspapers on citizens political engagement.
1.2 Statement of the Study
The historical background of elections in Nigeria is characterised by the low turnout of voters, which has warranted the study role of newspapers as a mass medium in political mobilisation and the electoral process.
Often, newspaper publishers try to discuss issues relating to politics and elections, and this sets the agenda of topical issues for discussion in society among electorates. The different types of reportage, ranging from editorial, opinions, straight news, and investigative reports, allow the reader to learn more about candidates in elections, the electoral process, and politics in general.
The question of how those who are not very knowledgeable politically can be rendered more knowledgeable about politics by means of media exposure has been focus of research by communication experts, political scientists and other social scientists. A significant quality of political knowledge is required for citizens to be considered politically active, but most people’s knowledge about politics appears insufficient to meet the standards of a “competent citizen” (DelliCarpini and Keeter, 1996; Reichert, 2016). Hence, the Newspapers are well-known for their ability to provide readers with the most recent information about events occurring at the local, state, national, and worldwide levels. The great majority of readers of all ages and walks of life may find relevant and engaging information that satisfies their need for reading material intended for their enjoyment in the majority of cases in newspapers (Eamin, 2018). The most recent analysis, debate, and criticism of sociopolitical, economic, health, and a wide variety of other issues are provided by newspapers, which are an important print medium for the dissemination of mass communication.
The newspaper is, without a shadow of a question, one of the magazines that is read the most often and is available to everyone on a daily basis, both in printed and electronic formats. In spite of all of these factors, newspapers have recently been facing a number of significant issues as a direct result of the poor reading patterns, reviewing of newspapers, and the low patronage from readers. According to Olofin (2020), the number of people reading newspapers has been on a downward trend over the last several years. According to Udie (2019), less than half of Nigerians regularly read newspapers. This figure is far lower than what was previously thought. This lack of interest in reading and reviewing newspapers has been attributed to the poor engagement of citizen with the politics of the country(Zanib, 2015). Based on the aforementioned, this study seek to examine the influence of newspapers on citizens political engagement.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of newspapers in political campaigns (a Study Of Announcer Newspapers). Specifically, this study seeks to attain the following objectives:
- Ascertain the extent Nigerian citizens are interested in newspapers.
- Find out the extent to which citizens are interested in political news of Nigeria.
- 3. Assess how knowledgeable citizens are about Nigerian politics.
- 4. Ascertain whether newspapers helps to stimulate the political interest of citizens.
- 5. Ascertain whether newspapers enhances the political knowledge and engagement of citizens.
1.4 Research Questions
The following research questions guide this study:
- What extent are Nigerian citizens interested in newspapers?
- What extent are citizens interested in political news of Nigeria?
- How knowledgeable are citizens about Nigerian politics?
- Does newspapers help to stimulate the political interest of citizens?
- Does newspapers enhance the political knowledge and engagement of Nigerian citizens?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
- Ho1: newspapers does not enhance the political knowledge of Nigerian citizens.
- Ho2: newspapers does not enhance the engagement of Nigerian citizens in politics.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study will be significant to the several media houses in Nigeria as they will be exposed to the downward trend in the reading and buying of newspaper among the Nigerian populace and will also find the recommendation and findings of the study useful as it will shed light on how newspaper readership pattern can be improved among the Nigerian populace, hence help in closure of business for some media houses.
The study will further emphasize on the need to for newspapers among citizens and the necessity to be politically knowledgeable, and involved.
Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as literature review. This means that, other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regards to the influence of newspapers on citizens political engagement.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study will examine the impact of newspapers on citizens political campaign. The study will be extension find out the extent Nigerian citizens are interested in newspapers, the extent to which citizens are interested in political news of Nigeria, assess how knowledgeable citizens are about Nigerian politics, ascertain whether newspapers helps to stimulate the political interest of citizens, and ascertain whether newspapers enhances the political knowledge and engagement of citizens.
Geographically, this study will be delimited to Ibadan, Oyo State. While the respondents to the study will be obtained among Nigerian citizens residents in the study area.
1.8 Limitation of the Study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint was the scanty literature on the subject owing that corruption discourse is vast thus the researcher incurred more financial expenses and much time was required 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 covering civil servants in Rivers State. Thus findings of this study cannot be used for generalization for other states within Nigeria. Additionally, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work will impede maximum devotion to the research. Howbeit,despite the constraint encountered during the research, all factors were downplayed in other to give the best and make the research successful.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Newspapers:
A printed publication consisting of folded unstapled sheets and containing news, articles, advertisements, and correspondence
Readership:
The readers of a newspaper, magazine, or book regarded collectively.
Political Engagement:
This involves political interest and participation intention.
1.10 Organization of the Study
This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows.
- Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study.
- Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature.
- Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study.
- Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.
- Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.
Chapter Five
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
5.1 Introduction
This chapter summarizes the findings into the impact of newspapers in political campaigns (a study of announcer newspapers). The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, recommendations and suggestions for further studies.
5.2 Summary
In this study, we examined the impact of newspapers in political campaigns (a study of announcer newspapers). The study specifically was carried out to find out the extent Nigerian citizens are interested in newspapers, the extent to which citizens are interested in political news of Nigeria, assess how knowledgeable citizens are about Nigerian politics, ascertain whether newspapers helps to stimulate the political interest of citizens, and ascertain whether newspapers enhances the political knowledge and engagement of citizens.
This research is reported in five distinct yet interrelated chapters. In the chapter one we describes the study objectives clearly by stating the motive behind this study. Research hypotheses were developed for testing while the scope of this research was defined as well.
In the chapter two, a review of related and relevant literature were carried out. The concept of mass media, concept of newspaper, concept of readership,newspaper and its usefulness in society, state of newspaper readership, the concept of politics, engagement: interest and participation, political knowledge,news media and political knowledge, newspaper and political knowledge, etc.were reviewed from the perspective of Chukwuma, (2015), Okunna & Omenugha, (2019), Nwabueze,(2019), Obaid, 2019), Okoro (2020), Akobundu, (2019), Nwabueze, Okonkwo, and Nweke (2018), Ashong & Henry, 2017), Delli Carpini, (2016), Alesina & Giuliano, (2018), Sylvester & McGlynn, (2020), Delli Carpini and Keeter (2016), Dahlgren (2020),etc.
The study was anchored on the uses and gratifications Theory(Katz, Blumler and Gurevitch, 1974), and Media System Dependency Theory.
Empirical works were also reviewed in the review. Notable works such as studies conducted by Tanimola D, Feyikemi A, and Tamarapriye T.(2022), and Anyawu and Ebenezar, (2021),were reviewed. Further studies carried out by Abiodun and Malaleke(2022), and Njoki (2019),were also recognized.
Adopting the survey research design, responses were obtained from residents in Ibadan, Oyo State,using the convenient sampling technique, the researcher selected a sample of 209 participants as the sample size participants.
Responses received were analyzed using frequency tables. While the hypotheses were tested using the ANOVA statistical tool SPSS v23.
5.3 Conclusions
Our findings from this study revealed that;
- The extent Nigerian citizens are interested in newspapers is quite low. On the hand hand, the extent of their interestedness on political news of Nigeria is somewhat high.
- Nigerian citizens are somewhat knowledgeable about politics.
- The declining newspaper readership among citizens negatively affects their political knowledge.
- Newspapers help to stimulates the political interest of citizens.
- Newspapers also enhances the political knowledge and engagement of Nigerian citizens.
5.4 Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are proffered.
- Press companies in Nigeria should take adequate advantage of radio stations social media and other traditional media as those are far reaching medias which will help the citizens to actively participate on News consumption.
- Government should increase allocation of funds to the communication information ministries so as to enable news channels carry out more effective programmes on political education and engagement.
- The news media companies in Nigeria should pick up the task to produce political mobilization programmes that will help to enhance political participation of the citizens.
- Non- governmental organizations (NGO)should pick up the task to produce political mobilization programmes that will help to enhance political participation of the citizens.
- These mobilization programmes should be repackage with the involvement of local languages so as to reach the rural areas.

The Complete Material Will Be Sent to You in Just 2 Steps
Quick & Simple…
![]()
Make Payment (Through Transfer) of ₦6,500 to the Account Below
![]() | Acc No: 0811003731 |
| Samphina Academy | |
| Current Account |
Or CLICK HERE To Pay With Debit Card
| FOR STUDENTS OUTSIDE NIGERIA | |
| CLICK HERE To Pay With Card ($15) | |
| FOR GHANA STUDENTS (GHS 100) | |
![]() | MTN MoMo |
| 0553978005 | |
| Douglas Osabutey | |
![]()
Send the Following Details on WhatsApp ( 07062590260 ) After Payment
- Payment Details
- TOPIC: Impact Of Newspapers In Political Campaigns (A Study Of Announcer Newspapers)
The Complete Material Will Be Sent To You On WhatsApp After Receiving Your Details
T & C Apply
Students Review
List of Related Works
The Role Of Broadcast Media In Mobilizing The Youths For 2023 Electioneering Campaign In Nigeria
Political Party And Election Spending In Nigeria 2019-2023
Impact Of The Social Media On Political Campaign / Awareness In Nigeria
The Influence Of Nigeria Mass Media On Political Campaign
Effect Of Twitter Ban On Political Campaign
The Role Of Social Networking Sites On Political Campaigns In Nigeria
A Comparative Study Of The Use Of Traditional And New Media In Political Campaigns In Edo State
Newspaper Coverage Of Drug Abuse In Nigeria: A Study Three Selected News Papers
Assessment Of The Effectiveness Of Newspaper As An Instrument For Political Education
Audience Perception Of The Punch Newspaper Cartoons
A Pragmatic Analysis Of Selected Cartoons In Vanguard Newspaper
The Impact Of Photography In Newspaper Productions: A Case Study Of Bayelsa Waves
Effectiveness Of Newspaper Cartoons In The Promotion Of Politics In Nigeria
Audience Perception Of Nigerian Newspaper On The Internet
Influence Of Online News On The Traditional Newspaper Patronage Among University Community
Effect Of Radio News Paper Review On Patronage Of Newspaper In Nigeria
Analysis Of Newspaper Coverage Of Security Issue In Nigeria (2021-2022)
A Pragmatic Study Of Newspaper Comic Strips; An Example Of “Efe And Jude”
Effects Of Ownership Pattern And The Editorial Content Of Nigerian Newspapers
Audience Perception Of Newspaper Reportage Of Female Gender Participation In Politics
Impact of Online News On Newspaper Production In Nigeria
The Impact Of Advertisement Revenue On Media Sustainability: A Study Of Vanguard Newspaper
Impact Of Print Media As Indices Of Sports Development In Nigeria (A Case Study Of Sun Newspaper)
Technological Advancement; Threat To The Future News Paper And Production
Impact Of Urhobo Voice Newspaper On Development
Newspaper Readership Among Youth
The Guardian And The Nation Newspapers Coverage Of Development Issues
Effect Of New Media Technology On Newspaper Production And Circulation In Nigeria
Impact Of Television And Newspaper Advert In The Marketing Of Consumer Product
Assessment Of Newspaper Readership Of Fashion Pages In Sunday Punch
Usage Of News Pictures In Newspaper
The Misuse Of The English Articles In Selected Nigerian Newspapers
A Stylistic Analysis Of Bank Advertisements In Nigerian Newspapers
Relevance Of Newspaper In Enhancing Reading Ability Among Students
Influence Of Graphical Cartoons In Newspaper Publication
The Influence Of Print Media In Creating Awareness Against Drug Abuse In Nigeria
An Analysis Of Guardian Newspaper On Coverage Of Crime In Nigeria (July – December, 2008)



