APPRAISAL OF BROADCAST MEDIA CODE OF ETHICS COMPLIANCE IN DIGITAL ERA

IN NIGERIA ( A STUDY OF SELECTED RADIO STATIONS)

BY

ADETONA RONKE ELIZABETH

MATRICULATION NUMBER: H/MC/22/0355

PROJECT PRESENTED IN FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA

SUPERVISOR: MISS AYOOLA

DATE: 22ND APRIL 2024

 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY

1. Introduction

This chapter introduces the whole study; the general statement of the problem, the research question,
explanation of why the topic is important, and the research approach of the study. It is divided into eight
separate sections. The chapter begins by summarising the background that framed the study. The
second section that follows explores the theoretical framework leading to the study. The third section
provides the goals of the study. The fourth section covers the research questions. The fifth section
explores the rationale and significance for undertaking such research in Nigeria, as well as providing a
statement and justification of the research problem. The sixth section outlines the scope of the study.
The seventh section examines the limitations of this research. The final section concludes this chapter.

1.1 Background

Nwabueze (2008:4 states that broadcasting is the transmission or dissemination of information through
electromagnetic gadgets spectrum, stepped down to the audience by electromagnetic gadgets spectrum
, stepped down to the audience by electronic gadgets. This combines sight, sound or the use of only
sound to get messages across to the audience. MCQuail (1990) identifies broadcasting as having
developed out of pre-existing technologies of telequines, telegraph, moving and still photograph and
sound recording, for radio, it has that initial importance of having been a technology looking for use
rather than a response to a demand for a new kind of service or content, Owuamalam (2007: 1)
Broadcasting deals with the transmission of message from a station to heterogeneous audience,
scattered across a reasonable sphere of coverage, Okunna(2002: 134) the failure or success of any
broadcasting station is determined by the nature of the programme content, Agbanu and Nwammuo
( 2009:17-18) defines broadcasting as tool that transcends in to personal or groups transmission of
information through the satellite, to transmitting for large, heterogeneous and dispersed audience,
Okoye ( 2008: 1) sees broadcasting ad the dissemination of information, ideas, attitudes, and opinions
through the use of air waves to a heterogeneous and widely dispense audience simultaneously,
owuanlam ( 2006;1) broadcasting involves the use of electro magnetic signals, which are transmitted
through space by means of radio frequencies and are received as visual or aural signals by a mass
audience, Broadcasting is defined by the international Telecommunications Union ( ITU) as a radio
communication service in which transmission is intended for direct reception of the public, the service
may include sound transmission TV transmission or other types of transmisson, E.M Irukwu defines
broadcasting as a medium for prompt delivery of information through carefully designed and selected
programmes covering news, information, and music. Broadcasting has simply been defined as the
electromagnetic transmission of radio and television signals for general public reception, Radio and
television are the two major broadcast media alongside the Internet. The fact that radio and television
were first driven by political and educational concerns, and that their growth and proliferation had
political overtones in Nigeria and other African, Asian, and Latin American countries, which highlights
the significance of broadcasting generally. Later, the utilitarian values of broadcasting media
incorporated serving people's economic, social, and cultural needs among others; in other words,
broadcast mass media have more than served both societal and individual needs at a rate that no one
could have predicted prior to the industrial technological age.The ability of broadcast media to
simultaneously reach tens of thousands of millions of people makes its impact more evident.
Information from them can be obtained by people from diverse cultural backgrounds who are dispersed
over great distances.for example, in 1961, Russian space officials utilised radio to contact cosmonaut
Yuri Gagarin during his space mission, and in 1969, a radio transmission conveyed words spoken by a
man on the moon to Earth.

HISTORY OF BROADCASTING IN NIGERIA

Nigeria's first broadcasting history dates back to the British colonial era, when they founded radio
stations mainly for propaganda and administrative functions.
The British colonial administration founded the Radio Diffusion Service (RDS), Nigeria's first radio
station, in Lagos in 1932. Later, in 1951, the RDS changed its name to the Nigerian Broadcasting Service
(NBS), which had stations in Ibadan, Lagos, Kaduna, and Enugu. News, educational information, and
entertainment content were the primary broadcast content on these stations, Following Nigeria's 1960
declaration of independence, the broadcasting industry saw substantial transformations.The first
television station in Africa was established in 1961 when Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) was
established in Ibadan. This was a significant turning point in Nigerian broadcasting history. In 1962, the
Nigerian Television Service (NTS) was founded by the Federal Government and subsequently renamed
the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). With television services available all around the nation, NTA
rose to prominence as the nation's broadcaster.
As more stations were opened by the government and private sectors, radio broadcasting kept growing.
Broadcasting Infrastructure and Content Diversity underwent a substantial expansion during the 1980s
and 1990s. A more diverse media landscape resulted from the emergence of private radio and television
stations.The introduction of satellite technology allowed for the transmission of signals beyond national
borders, leading to the launch of satellite television services.
The broadcasting industry was deregulated in the late 1990s, which opened the door to increased
private rivalry and involvement, which spurred innovation and higher-quality content production. With
the goal of moving from analogue to digital broadcasting formats, Nigeria started its digital broadcasting
transition in the early 2000s.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is essential to the regulation of the broadcast industry
since it upholds standards and encourages diversity.Digital media platforms have emerged as a result of
the widespread use of digital technology, especially internet streaming, posing both new opportunities
and difficulties for broadcasters.Nigeria now has a thriving broadcasting sector with a large number of
public and private radio and television stations serving a wide range of listeners and interests.Nigerian
broadcasting has changed throughout time from being a colonial administration tool to an essential part
of the country's identity, entertainment, education, and information sharing. The industry is still
developing, adopting new digital technologies and addressing challenges including media plurality,
content quality, and legal frameworks.

RADIO BROADCASTING
Nigerian radio transmission began in the colonial era in 1932 with the founding of the Radio Diffusion
Service (RDS).
With the establishment of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS) in 1951 and its subsequent evolution
into the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), radio transmission underwent a significant
transition during the post-independence era.
By giving a platform to a variety of cultural expressions and encouraging linguistic and ethnic diversity,
radio transmission has played a significant role in forging national unity and identity.
Radio played a crucial role in uniting people during important historical events including political
changes, civil wars, and independence by spreading knowledge and influencing public opinion. A vast
variety of programming, including as chat shows, music, drama, news, religious programming, and
instructional material, are available on Nigerian radio stations.
Radio programming incorporates a lot of music, and fans enjoy hip-hop, Afrobeat, highlife, and gospel
among other genres.
Additionally, especially in rural regions, educational radio programmes have played a critical role in
advancing health consciousness, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and literacy.
The government-owned radio network in Nigeria, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), has
stations all across the nation and offers a wide variety of programming in addition to national coverage.
Over the years, the number of private radio stations has increased, providing competition and a wide
range of programming. Radio stations such as Cool FM, Wazobia FM, and RayPower FM have
experienced a notable surge in popularity.
For public and private radio broadcasters alike, funding and sustainability continue to be major
obstacles. Budget restrictions frequently impact government-owned stations, which lowers calibre and
scope of their programming.
The development of technology has presented both possibilities and challenges. Digital technologies
have increased audience involvement and reach, but they have also created problems with content
regulation, piracy, and income structures.
Radio stations now have to adjust and reinvent their content distribution methods due to competition
from other media channels including social media, podcasts, and internet streaming services
Nigerian radio broadcasting is governed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which also
ensures that content quality, ethical standards, and broadcasting standards are followed. NBC's duties in
preserving an impartial and expert broadcasting environment include licencing, content monitoring, and
rule enforcement. Radio transmission in Nigeria is anticipated to be impacted by audience preferences,
regulatory dynamics, and digital revolution in the future. Podcasts, social media, and digital platforms
are being used by radio stations more and more to interact with younger listeners and adjust to their
shifting media consumption patterns.

It is believed that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has acted as a catalyst for the growth of
Nigeria's broadcast sector. There are many differing opinions regarding the effectiveness of the
Commission since its establishment in 1992. The Commission is forced to choose between acting as the
tool of a political process that is ultimately answerable to Congress and regulating a sector of the
economy that has to function in the public interest (Bitiner, J. 1989, 322).NBC has had a difficult time
figuring out what is appropriate for broadcast.However, even if it is acknowledged that the right to free
speech is essentially a human right, it is important to remember that laws also protects other rights that
belong to individuals as well as the entire society and its accepted values. In the end, a strong yet
impartial regulator is the only option, particularly in delicate industries like television. The NBC must
demand that the law be strictly followed .The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has had a
significant role in redefining and regulating broadcasting in terms of ethics and professional standards.
Television station performance can be used to gauge the effectiveness of this regulatory agency,
however radio stations remain steadfast
Innovation and sustainability in the radio broadcasting industry are anticipated to be fueled by
collaboration and partnerships between radio stations, content producers, and technology suppliers.
In conclusion, radio broadcasting has a long history in Nigeria and is still a crucial source of information,
entertainment, and communication. Despite its difficulties, the industry offers chances for development,
creativity and community involvement in the changing media environment.
The broadcast ethics code was introduced on 8 December 1993, entrenches the ethical values of
honesty, fairness, objectivity, accuracy, confidentiality, completeness, and cultural relevance as the core
of media self-regulation in Nigeria (Ihechu, Ebenezer & Saviour, 2022). Codes of ethics are now
inseparable from responsible journalism. Codes of ethics are at the core of Imedia self-regulation, as
they define the standards that are expected of the media in their reporting (Duncan, 2010). The codes of
ethics are traditionally regarded as declarations that radio stations or broadcasters will follow the best
professional practices and ethical standards, meet their social responsibility obligations, and accept
public accountability (Wasserman, 2020). In the same line of thought, Ezeigbo, (2014) presents a
different but complementary point of view, with the fact that the ethics code is regarded as the 'bible' or
'Koran' of the radio stations in broadcasting. Ezeigbo, (2014) was quick to add that some of the areas
being addressed by the ethics code are general programming, political coverage, news and current
affairs, religious programmes, children's programme, advertisements, sponsorship, sports and outside
broadcast, as well as technical requirements (Ezeigbo, 2014). In light of the unfolding discussion, Beli
and Inuwa, (2010) states that despite the provisions of this code, broadcast stations in Nigeria have
been accused in several cases of unprofessional and unethical conducts over the years. In the same vein,
Beli and Inuwa, (2010) acknowledges that the cases of biased political programmes and other unethical
commercials, violation of human rights, interference of politicians in broadcast stations, unbalanced
reporting, inciting statements and serious misdemeanor, biased reporting and much more have filled
the broadcast airwaves. Mass media, being a part of society have been polluted by the prevailing
societal ills, such as corruption, bribery and grafts (Beli & Inuwa, 2010). As a result, Beli and Inuwa,
(2010) concludes that the broadcast media stations in specific seem to have derailed from enlightening
the public because of monetization of their services. Udoakah, Senam and Udoh (2014) has shown that
despite the importance of media laws and ethical practice, complying to and enforcing ethics codes in
Nigeria is still very low. It was reveals by Udoakah, Senam and Udoh (2014) that journalist or reporters
sometimes contravened media laws and ethics codes because of sycophancy, security reasons,
desperation, greed, ethical ignorance of media laws and ethics, and laziness. This implies that
commendable level of complying with and enforcing codes of ethics in Nigeria is yet to be achieved
(Udoakah, Senam & Udoh, 2014). In the same line of thought, Vanguard (2019) writes that some
broadcast media stations have derailed from their career conduct as enshrined in the ethics codes of the
National Broadcasting Commission(NBC). In other words, despite avalanche of efforts by the NBC to
effectively regulate the broadcast industry in Nigeria, some broadcasting stations, journalists or
reporters have on different occasions indulged in diverse unethical conducts that are against the codes
of the Commission (Vanguard, 2019). For instance, at the end of the presidential election held on 23
February, 2019, the Commission sanctioned forty-five broadcast stations across the country for violating
the ethics codes (Vanguard, 2019). Similarly, (Ihechu, Ebenezer & Saviour, 2022) state that a report on
the 6 of June 2019, by the Sahara Reporters informs that the Commission suspended the licence of Daar
Communication, as a result of inability of the radio stations to abide by the broadcasting ethics codes.
This implies that though the broadcast stations in Nigeria are provided by the ethics codes for guidance
in their operations, but they seem not to be complying to and enforcing broadcast media codes of ethics
in the digital era (Ihechu, Ebenezer & Saviour, 2022).

1.2 Statement of the problem

Ward (2014) states that the purpose of the broadcast media code of ethics is to stipulate rules,
guidelines, norms, and principles that would guide the editors or broadcasters in making moral
decisions. As a result, Ess (2013) suggests that it is the responsibility of radio stations to uphold the
highest standards of ethical practices, most easily expressed through the traditional journalistic ethical
values of honesty, fairness, objectivity, accuracy, completeness, and cultural relevance. Given the
increased cases of ethical and legal violations related to broadcast media code of ethics infringements,
plagiarism, theft, and reuse of broadcasted material online or offline, this particular study focuses on
this issue within the Nigerian context. It is therefore prudent at no other time than now to investigate
how the radio stations in Nigeria are complying with and enforcing broadcast media codes of ethics in
the digital era and ascertain the level of impact on radio editors and broadcasters (Chari, 2019).

Yet, amidst all the reported ethical and legal transgressions, much of the literature surrounding
broadcast media code of ethics is written from a Western perspective, which disregards views from
Africa and the global South. In fact, digitisation of content has facilitated the easiest way of accessing,
using, reusing, sharing and reproducing broadcasted content online. In looking at the proliferation of
news, stories or information in the radio stations in Nigeria due the new digital media age revolution
and emergence of media convergence that has triggered new ways of content production, distribution,
and consumption for traditional radio stations. This study, therefore, endeavours to provide a thick
description of how Nigerian radio stations are complying to and enforcing ethics code, especially in the
era of media convergence and digitisation. The significance of this study lies in its attempt to contribute
to Nigerian’s perspectives on broadcast media ethics code in the digital age. This study also attempts to
assess how the radio editors or broadcasters are using the code of ethics in their day-to-day information
or news processing practices. It is also to ascertain how the ethics code are empowering radio editors or
broadcasters, especially in the era of media convergence and platformisation.

1.3 Objectives of the study

The main goal of the research is to broadly examine how the Raypower, Ilaro Federal Polytechnic
(Polyllaro), and Faaji radio stations in Nigeria are complying to and enforcing broadcast media codes of
ethics in the digital era. The main objectives are as follows:
• To analyze the broadcast media code of ethics governing the operations of radio stations in
post-independence Nigeria.
• To assess how radio editors or broadcasters are using the code of ethics in their day-to-day
information or news processing practices.
• To ascertain how broadcast media code of ethics are empowering radio editors or broadcasters,
especially in the era of media convergence.

1.4 Research questions

This research was guided by the following questions.
1. What are the code of ethics outlined for radio stations, editors or broadcasters in Nigeria?
2. How are radio stations, broadcasters or editors complying to code of ethics?
3. What are being done to enforce the code of ethics by broadcasters and editors?
4. What are the consequences or penalties for code of ethics infringement?

1.5 Significance of the study

The research will provide information on how the radio stations in Nigeria are complying with and
enforcing broadcast media ethics codes in the digital era, looking at the proliferation of news, stories, or
information in Nigeria. The study will also be used to ascertain how radio editors or broadcasters are
using the ethics code in their day-to-day information or news processing practices. The study will again
assess how the ethics code is empowering radio stations, especially in the era of media convergence and
platformisation. The beneficiaries of this research are the authors, creators, writers, journalists,
reporters, editors, or sub-editors that develop, produce, and broadcast news, advertisements, or
information stories for radio stations. In addition, students, lecturers, researchers, and public or policy
legislators will also benefit from this research in terms of protecting the online and offline creative works
of individuals that write or report for the radio stations in Nigeria.

1.6 Scope of the study

This study sought to investigate how Raypower fm, Federal Polytechnic ilaro (Polyllaro), and Faaji fm
radio stations in Nigeria are complying to and enforcing broadcast media codes of ethics, specifically in
the digital era. In fact, it aimed to investigate how radio stations are using the code of ethics in their day-
to-day information or news processing practices. These radio stations were specifically selected. As Ajayi
(2014) observes, the Ray Power Radio station is the Nigeria’s first independent and privately-owned
radio station started in December 1994 in Alagbado at Lagos State. It is owned and operated by Daar
Communications, which is reputed for its critical position on issues of public interest especially in areas
of holding government accountable to the people with fear or bias. Furthermore, Njoku (2018) writes
that in June 2019, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) shut down Raypower radio station due
to violations of broadcast codes and failure to meet other obligations to the regulator. However, the
NBC withdrew the suspension notice at the end of June 2019 (Njoku 2018). Faaji Online Radio is an
entertainment station that broadcasts in Yoruba and pidgin English in its 24-hour broadcast schedule.
The station’s signal is received in almost every location in the south-west geopolitical zone, dishing out
different traditional musical strains like fuji, apala, juju, sakara, and contemporary genres, including hip-
hop. It brings music entertainment from a variety of genres and presenters with interactive programs.
The station, located in Lagos, officially started full transmission in December 2012 (PMNews, 2023). The
PolyIlaro radio station is situated at the Department of Mass Communication of the Ilaro Federal
Polytechnic (see Odu & Alabi, 2023). The establishment of a station is part of the requirements given by
the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for reaccreditation of the departments of mass
communication, computer engineering, and electrical and electronic engineering. The non-commercial
station is purely for the training of media students and has Yewaland as its coverage area (see Odu &
Alabi, 2023). These case studies allowed me to get thick descriptions and an insider’s perspective on
how Nigerians radio stations are complying to and enforcing broadcast media codes of ethics,
specifically in the digital era.

1.7 Limitation of study

This study did not involve all the journalists and editors in Nigeria. Instead, the study drew its sample
from three radio stations, namely: Ray Power, Ilaro Federal Polytechnic, and Faaji. Because of the
limited sample of interviewees, it is difficult to generalise the findings of this particular study. Some of
the respondents refused to be interviewed because of their limited information, knowledge of or
familiarity with the broadcast media code of ethics in Nigeria. This meant that, in the end, the
researcher relied on convenience sampling.

1.8 Operational definition of terms

APPRAISAL

he term "appraisal" usually describes the analysis or judgement of a show, piece of media, or other

resource. This evaluation can be carried out for a number of reasons, including finding out how well it

was received by the target audience, analysing its influence or efficacy, judging its calibre and

applicability, or figuring out if it succeeded in achieving the set goals.

MEDIA
The term "media" describes a variety of communication channels that have a broad audience or impact.

In addition to more recent digital channels like websites, social media, podcasts, and streaming services,

this can also refer to more conventional media like newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and

movies. Media can be used for public communication, education, entertainment, news distribution, and

advertising. In today's world, it is essential for forming public opinion, disseminating knowledge,

advancing cultural values, and fostering social interaction.

Code of ethics

Codes of ethics are now inseparable from responsible journalism. Codes of ethics are at the core of
media self-regulation, as they define the standards that are expected of the media in their reporting
(Duncan, 2010). The codes of ethics are traditionally regarded as declarations that radio stations or
broadcasters will follow the best professional practices and ethical standards, meet their social
responsibility obligations, and accept public accountability (Wasserman, 2020). In the same line of
thought, Ezeigbo, (2014) presents a different but complementary point of view, with the fact that the
ethics code is regarded as the 'bible' or 'Koran' of the radio stations in broadcasting.
Compliance

Compliance is defined as conformity in fulfilling or following official, recognized, institutional

requirements, guidelines, recommendations, protocols, pathways, and related standards. It is to stick, to
remain loyal, to have fidelity or compliance in doing what is required by a law, rule, or regulation.
Adherence means, once again, faithfully continuing in actions for the implementation, application, or
putting into practice of the requirements of laws, regulations, guidelines, or codes of ethics.

Radio

Radio is the technology of using waves to carry information, such as sound, by systematically modulating
the properties of electromagnetic waves transmitted through space, such as their amplitude, frequency,
phase, or pulse width.

Digital Era

The digital age is also known as the information age. It refers to a historical era and information
technology-based society or economy originating in the twentieth century. The digital era is marked by a
rapid transition from the industrialized economy brought about by the Industrial Revolution (AI) to a
knowledge-based economy or society (StudySmater, 2024).

1.9 Conclusion

This chapter has laid out the comprehensive foundations of the thesis. It briefly introduced the
background of the study, the research problem, and its importance. Thereafter, the research questions
were presented, and the significance and scope of the study were articulated. Lastly, the limitations of
the thesis were also outlined. On this basis, the thesis proceeds to discuss the theoretical framework
and literature review, which form the basis of the forthcoming chapters two, three, and four of the
study.

CHAPTER 2

Theoretical Framework

2.0 Introduction

This research is influenced by the "Social Responsibility" theory as conceptualised by William Ernest
Hocking (1947). The theory was developed in 1956 in order to advocate for media freedom that comes
with media practitioners and institutions ordering their affairs and taking responsibility for their day-to-
day information or news processing practices. The theory argues that social responsibility is an ethical
theory in which individuals are accountable for fulfilling their civic duty, and the actions of an individual
must benefit the whole of society (Hocking, 1947). Again, Hocking (1947) argues that the theory allows
for complete freedom of the media and maintains an external control mechanism. Hocking (1947) also
emphasizes that the theory supported the development of highly professional media by establishing a
high degree of precision and truthfulness in the information the media was disseminating. Moreover,
the "Social Responsibility" theory acknowledges the process of formulating the media ethics code that
was in effect when it was developed. Hocking (1947) argues that another vitally essential consideration
for the theory is that it played a significant role in raising standards by providing criticism and
establishing sanctions for any media that infringed on any codes of conduct. Thus, it is a theory that
holds that people are responsible for carrying out their civic responsibilities and that an individual’s
activities must be beneficial to society as a whole. Furthermore, the theory supported the concept of
private ownership of various forms of media. This is because private ownership of the media, as
opposed to government ownership, could provide a higher level of public service. In terms of a
deontological approach to ethical frameworks, Hocking (1947) proposes that the media should aspire to
uphold ethical action obligations to society and that its ownership should be a public trust. It should also
be truthful, accurate, fair, objective, and relevant when reporting news or information. The media
should be free but self-regulating, and it should follow agreed codes of ethics and professional conduct
(Erzan-Essien, 2019).

In view of the foregoing discussion, Okunna and Omenugha (2012) advocates that the underlying
principle of the social responsibility theory is that the media should be free to perform the functions
which the libertarian theory granted it freedom to perform, but that this freedom should be exercised
with responsibility (Okunna & Omenugha, 2012). Thus, the theory conceives broadcast media codes of
ethics compliance for the reporters or journalists in their day-to-day information or news processing
practices. Its introduction was what gave rise to professional journalistic associations that have self-
formulated codes of ethics and official journalistic standards designed to encourage responsible
behaviour by their members (Uzuegbunam, 2013). In light of the above, this study utilizes the "social
responsibility" theory because it proposes that it is important to promote a just ethical dimension of the
social responsibility principle, to include accepting and carrying out certain societal duties, setting high
professional standards of truth, accuracy, objectivity, or balance information, and regulating in
accordance with the law to perform creditably (Okunna & Omenugha, 2012). Importantly, it should be
stated that just the same way the theory attracted the admiration of some scholars, it has continuously
attracted various criticisms. As part of the critique, McCarthy (2004) argues that the theory is profoundly
defective because it cannot separate the social and political topics that have an in-eliminable
interpretive dimension since social matters cannot be settled from the standpoint of a neutral observer
or person. However, Christians and Fackler (2014) reminds us that the theory’s argument is of minimal
help in addressing issues of ethical codes of conduct. Nevertheless, this aspect does not constitute an
analytical weakness on the part of Hocking’s theory because ethical codes of conduct issues demand a
comprehensive theory of social responsibility (Christians & Fackler, 2014).
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY THEORY
The theory traces its roots to the Hutchins Commission on Press Freedom, which was established in the
United States of America in 1947 with the goal of reevaluating press freedom and demonstrating its
anticipated advantages for society. Instead, the unanticipated advancement in media technology along
with the commercialization of the press had a tendency to restrict the access of individuals and groups
to the media while consolidating media power in the hands of a small number of businesspeople
(advertisers) and media professionals who could afford to build media empires. The theory seeks to
balance the three facets of media freedom with society's commitment to the media. There are two
primary approaches that have been proposed as solutions to press freedom and accountability: First,
building a dependable public institution for the control of broadcasting. Second, the media itself should
continue to advance professionalism in order to retain self-regulation while reaching greater
performance standards.
MC Quail D. (1987:77-118) summarizes the principles on while the social responsibility theory operates
these principles include:
1.That the media should accept and fulfill certain obligation to society.
2. That through professional standard of information’s, truth accuracy, objectivity and balance, these
obligation can be met.
3. That the media should regulate it self within the frame work of low and established institution to be
able to carry out its responsibilities.
4.That the media should reflect its society’s plurality, giving access to various points of view and grant all
the rights to reply.
ORIGIN OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY THEORY
The Hutchins Commission report, a seminal work issued by the Commission on the Freedom of the
Press, is credited with giving rise to the media's commitment to social responsibility. According to Ford
(1991), the project was ordered in 1942 by Henry Luce, the creator of Time Magazine, at a time when it
was thought that the spread of authoritarian regimes around the world was posing a growing threat to
First Amendment rights. According to Black (2008), the regimes believed that significant controls had to
be put in place to prevent the media from engaging in activities that they viewed as being too free,
notwithstanding what the libertarian press theory purportedly granted the media. Libertarian ideology is
predicated on the idea that human intelligence would always guarantee truth's triumph over falsehood
in the arena of open conflict, making any kind of press bridge useless. This, as noted by Idemili (2008),
sparked strange occurrences and unfathomable excesses in media activities, which showed up as
wholesome lies, lurid misinformation, character assassination, and malicious publications. In light of this,
authoritarian governments mobilised to restrain and censor the media. Henry Luce felt that something
needed to be done to establish the role and boundaries of press freedom because he was concerned
about the uncertainty around the degree to which the media may be suppressed and the ensuing
catastrophic effects on society. In the late 1940s, the social responsibility thesis rose to prominence.
In the wake of World War II, the social responsibility thesis rose to prominence in the late 1940s. Robert
Hutchin served as chairman of a commission that was supported by Henry Luce and Encyclopaedia
Britannica and consisted of a number of distinguished academics. A Free and Responsible Press was the
title of the Commission's initial report, which was released. As a result, the Hutchin's Commission was
the first to articulate press social responsibility in a logical and methodical way. This report served as a
model for numerous other investigations into press ethics and responsibilities that have been conducted
thereafter. The Commission, which held four years of deliberations, produced a comprehensive
guideline regarding the parameters of press freedom. The fundamental tenet of libertarian theory—that
human understanding will guarantee truth's triumph over lie in an open conflict—is rejected by the
panel. Rather, it stated that in addition to being a weak and frequently illogical human, man also lives in
a world that is becoming more and more complicated. Consequently, the Commissioned decided that an
accurate and thorough report of the news served as a benchmark for maintaining social order (Idemili,
2008).

Of the four conceptions of the press—authoritarian, libertarian, socialist, and social responsibility—
social responsibility emerged as the third. One essential aspect of the theories of Sietbert and Schramm
is their emphasis on the media's duty to utilise its influential position to guarantee that audiences
receive information in an appropriate manner.
Quoting Siebert (1956), Melisanda (2009. P. 5) avers that:

The power and near monopoly of the media impose on them an obligation to be socially responsible,
tosee that all sides are fairly presented and that the public has enough information to decide and
make inform decision for the general wellbeing and progress of the society

A close examination of the Hutchins report and the theory that followed, developed by Siebert and
Schramm, reveals that social responsibility is fundamentally based on the idea of the public interest.
This, in turn, emphasises how vital mass media communications are in influencing society
processes. The way that civic society movements, public opinion, and social and political growth
patterns are formed including more concrete processes like the course of election campaigns and
their results is greatly influenced by media coverage.

CHAPTER 3

Research Methodology

3. Introduction

Previous chapters of this study have provided the contextual background, literature review, and
theoretical influences, as well as the broader context of codes of ethics within the radio stations in the
digital era in Nigeria. The methodological approach of this study is principally anchored within
qualitative research methodology. The chapter starts with a brief discussion of the research paradigm,
research design, the case study approach, the research approach, sampling techniques, data collection
instruments, data analysis, and ethical considerations. The chapter discusses the three cases of radio
stations, which are Raypower, Ilaro Federal Polytechnic (Polyllaro), and Faaji. These case studies are
important for gathering "thick descriptions" and an insider’s perspective on the issue under
investigation. The study relied on primary and secondary data. The primary data was sourced through
in-depth interviews with editors, journalists and key informants, who are broadcast media scholars from
the Ilaro Federal Polytechnic. The secondary data was obtained from published documents such as
codes of ethics used by broadcast media organisations and other relevant ethics codes in Nigeria. Thus,
a document analysis of the radio station codes of ethics in Namibia was conducted.
3.1. Research Design

The research design and procedure is the general plan of how to answer the research questions
for this study. This study draws on the case study approach. Research design refers to the logical
plan that the research adopts to integrate the different aspects of the study in a systematic and
coherent way to ensure the research questions are effectively addressed; it comprises the blueprint for
data collection and analysis (Woodside, 2017). In this study, the researcher will adopt a flexible and
exploratory research design for the qualitative case study design to the development of the research.
This is informed by the research problem stated above for the study (Yin, 2017). The case study research
design is a systematic research process that demands careful and a high degree of depth with prudent
attention given to show how the evidence(s) supports the study’s conclusions (Swanborn, 2015). The
chosen research design helped this study in prioritizing the research elements, such as its philosophical
underpinnings, the research orientation and the nature of the research inquiry towards developing a
framework (Bryman, 2011). The researcher opted to use this research method considering the objective
to obtain first-hand data from the respondents. The study will rely on primary and secondary data. The
primary data will be sourced via in-depth interviews in Lagos and IIaro through questionnaires.
However, the secondary data will be obtained from published documents such as codes of ethics used
by broadcast media organisations and other relevant ethics codes in Nigeria.

3.2. Research Approach

Qualitative Research: Philosophical Underpinnings

This research will employ use of the qualitative study. The researcher opted to use this research
methodology considering the objective to obtain first hand data from the respondents . Qualitative
research aims to study a specific issue or phenomenon in relation to a certain population, location, or
context (Aspers & Corte, 2019). Qualitative research seeks to answer questions of how, where, when,
who, and why to build a theory by collecting non-numerical information and human subjectivity about a
phenomenon that are essential to the research process (Lawrence, 2015). In another words, Berg and
Howard (2016) define qualitative research as studies of specific issues, phenomena, or things. This
definition clearly shows that qualitative research contains all the necessary instruments that can evoke
recall, which supports problem-solving. In addition, qualitative research data instruments such as case
studies, observation, open-ended questions, in-depth audio or video interviews, and field notes are used
to collect data from respondents in their natural setting. Hence, the qualitative research approach
provides abundant information about real-life people and situations (Leedy & Ormrod, 2016). Moreover,
qualitative research lies in the interpretive or phenomenological approach (Creswell, 2017). This
research preferred qualitative research methodology because the data that would be collected is rich in
descriptions of how radio stations in Nigeria are complying with and enforcing broadcast media codes of
ethics, specifically in the digital era, which cannot be easily handled by statistical data and procedure. In
fact, the aims and goals of the study are what eventually determine the research methods and design
elements that are deployed for the research.

3.3. Study Population

The study interviewed interview editors, journalists, and key informants in order to gather relevant data.
Three radio stations, namely: Raypower Fm and Faaji Fm in Lagos with Polyllaro radio stations, were
purposefully chosen. These radio stations were purposefully selected because, as Kasote (2014)
observes, digital media has brought about a wave of changes for Raypower Fm, Federal Polytechnic
ilaro (Polyllaro), and Faaji Fm radio stations. These radio stations were specifically selected. As Ajayi
(2014) observes, the Ray Power Radio station is the Nigeria’s first independent and privately-owned
radio station started in December 1994 in Alagbado at Lagos State. It is owned and operated by Daar
Communications, which is reputed for its critical position on issues of public interest especially in areas
of holding government accountable to the people with fear or bias. Furthermore, Njoku (2018) writes
that in June 2019, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) shut down Raypower radio station due
to violations of broadcast codes and failure to meet other obligations to the regulator. However, the
NBC withdrew the suspension notice at the end of June 2019 (Njoku 2018). Faaji Fm Radio is an
entertainment station that broadcasts in Yoruba and pidgin English in its 24-hour broadcast schedule.
The station’s signal is received in almost every location in the south-west geopolitical zone, dishing out
different traditional musical strains like fuji, apala, juju, shekere and contemporary genres, including hip-
hop. It brings music entertainment from a variety of genres and presenters with interactive programs.
The station, located in Lagos, officially started full transmission in December 2012 (PMNews, 2023). The
PolyIlaro radio station is situated at the Department of Mass Communication of the Ilaro Federal
Polytechnic (see Odu & Alabi, 2023). The establishment of a station is part of the requirements given by
the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for reaccreditation of the departments of mass
communication, The non-commercial station is purely for the training of media students and has
Yewaland as its coverage area (see Odu & Alabi, 2023). The researcher also interviewed four key
informants, who are broadcast media scholars from the Ilaro Federal Polytechnic

3.4. Sample Techniques

Sampling techniques is defined as a means of identifying and choosing the main, unit or sample
respondents, groups or participants who are involved in a subject of study, with the intention of
collecting data or information to gain a deeper knowledge of a key phenomenon (Glen, 2015). The study
will employ a purposive sampling that the researcher will choose a number of people and according to
their status within their institutions or community. There are two main types of sampling techniques
that a research or study can use for data collection (Glen, 2015). Probability sampling is the
random choosing of individuals by a researcher to make statistical inferences or data analysis of the data
or information collected from the respondents in a unit or group (Creswell, 2017). Non-probability
sampling is non-random selection based on convenience or other criteria such as saving time and
resources for the researcher to easily collect data or information from the respondents or participants of
a unit or group (Creswell, 2017). It is important at this formative stage to highlight that a research or
study must make a choice between the two techniques or methods because each of the samples has
divergent meaning and purpose suitable to different research or study objectives (Bernard, 2017). This
particular study adopts the non-probability sampling because the researcher, based on knowledge
about the population or institution, chooses unit or sample respondents that represent the target
people or institute that are interested in the study (Glen, 2015). Meanwhile, convenience sampling
allows for the selection of research respondents or participants based on easy accessibility and
availability (Quinlan, 2015). The researcher deemed this sampling technique as appropriate, efficient,
and less costly to employ for the research (Quinlan, 2015). This simply involves identifying and selecting
individuals that are experienced, knowledgeable, and have the ability to communicate their viewpoints
or experiences in an articulate form with regards to the phenomenon of interest, as well as being
available and willing to participate in the research (Creswell & Plano, 2017; Bernard, 2017).

3.5. Research Instruments

The questionnaires and face to face interviews shall be used as instruments for this research. The semi-
structured questionnaire to explore the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of how radio station in
Nigeria are complying to and enforcing broadcast media codes of ethics, specifically in the digital era will
also support the research instruments. As a result, editors and journalists from Raypower Fm and Faaji
Fm in Lagos with Polyllaro radio stations were interviewed. A total of three editors and nine journalists
were interviewed. The researcher also interviewed four key informants, who are broadcast media
scholars from the Federal Polytechnic ilaro. Moreover, the study adopts a flexible and exploratory
research design for the qualitative case study design to the development of the research instruments.
This is informed by the research problem of the study (Willis, 2018). The case study research design is a
systematic research process that demands careful and a high degree of depth with prudent attention
given to show how the evidence supports the study’s conclusions (Willis, 2018).

3.7. Data Collection Techniques

The research employed a two-stage data collection process, which allowed inferences from one data
collection tool to be supplemented by another tool. The section that follows discusses two stages of the
data collection process in the following order:
i). Document analysis: codes of ethics used by broadcast media organisations and other relevant ethics
codes in Nigeria was collected and analysed.
iii). Individual in-depth interviews: this involved editors, journalists, reporters or writers and key
informant broadcast media scholars purposively identified and interviewed.

3.8. Data analysis

This research adopted inductive thematic analysis for this study. Clarke (2010) writes that inductive
thematic analysis refers to an approach that involves searching, identifying, analysing, and reporting
themes that are significant to the phenomenon being studied. Inductive thematic analysis is one of the
most popular and widely used methods in qualitative research (Smith, 2015). In this light, Braun and
Clarke (2013) state that inductive thematic analysis should be considered the primary approach for
qualitative analysis because it provides data analysis core skills for diverse approaches to a qualitative
study. Gray (2014) agrees that the flexibility of inductive thematic analysis means it can be used with a
wide range of different research designs and data collection methods because there is no ideal data type
in inductive thematic analysis. In a different fashion, Gray (2014) maintains that individual in-depth
interviews are one of the most common methods of data collection in qualitative research and are
excellent for gathering in-depth accounts of personal experience from respondents. Gray, 2014). In
answering the research questions, the themes emerged in the data analysis narrative after the
researcher conducted thematic analysis and data transcription to find out how radio stations in Nigeria
are complying with and enforcing broadcast media codes of ethics, specifically in the digital era. As such,
the transcripts were read through and rearranged under the research questions. After the arrangement
of the transcripts, relevant themes were identified. Then, similar themes were brought together to
reflect the research questions. The researcher presents and discusses the themes for this study to
ensure that they accurately reflect the meanings in the data and address the overall research questions.

3.9. Ethical Considerations

The researcher complied with the code of ethics of the Federal Polytechnic FM (PolyIlaro) and obtained
an ethical clearance certificate from the PolyIlaro’s research ethics committee before beginning
fieldwork.

3.9 Conclusion

This chapter has presented the research methodology chosen for the study. Particular attention was also
given to the qualitative research, which constitutes the mainstay of this study. It also established the
reason for using the qualitative method in the study and went on to explain why it used document
analysis as a procedure for data collection. The chapter also highlighted the use of individual in-depth
interviews in finding out the perceptions of radio stations in Nigeria are complying with and enforcing
broadcast media codes of ethics, specifically in the digital era. The chapter has also discussed the
sampling procedures, the use of data analysis of the primary and secondary sources, as well as the case
study design approach to be employed in the study. The next chapter presents and analyses the findings
of this study.