EVALUATION OF 'SPORT TODAY' ON CHANNELS TELEVISION, ABUJA AS A TOOL FOR NATIONAL UNITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

It has been argued over the years that through their information dissemination function, amidst other powers to influence and shape public opinions, the media worsen conflict situations in the society. This study examined television sport broadcasting as a tool for national unity in Nigeria: study of sport today Channel TV. The agenda setting theory supported the position of the research. The study was a survey. Hence, data were collected through the administering of questionnaire to 375 sampled respondents in Abuja Municipal Area Council. The data were analysed with simple percentages and table formats. The study shows that showed that 344 (67.5%) of the respondents believe that sport today Channel TV has contributed to national unity in Nigeria moderately, 31 (8.3%) of the respondents believe that sport today Channel TV has contributed to national unity in Nigeria very immensely, while 58 (15.5%) of the respondents believe that sport today Channel TV has contribution to national unity in Nigeria is very low. The study concludes that the press has contribute to the escalation of conflicts which raises concerns about peace-building. Therefore, broadcast media plays a vital role in national unity considering the handful of conflicts that have occurred and are still occurring in Nigeria; such as the IPOB, Farmer/ Herdsmen conflicts; indigene /settlers crises; banditry and
Boko Haram insurgency. In the light of the above, the study recommended the following: Media in Nigeria to report violent conflicts, the media are required to provide greater analytical depths and skills in reporting without giving rise to further violence or overlooking peace building opportunities. In other words, media coverage of conflicts in Nigeria should keep an eye on opportunities that will promote possible dialogue, better communication between the residents of AMAC and add to conditions for building trust.