THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN PROMOTING GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA

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ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to assess the role of media in promoting good governance in Nigeria, Using
The Sun newspaper as the case study. Descriptive survey study with mixed research approach i.e.
Qualitative and quantitative was employed for this study. Purposive sampling and Data gathering
instruments such as questionnaires, interview, and document analysis where employed. The data obtained
through questionnaires was analysis using statically tools such as percentage and numerical by table and
charts. And the data obtained through interview, data analysis and from semi structured questions where
analyzed qualitatively description and narrations were made. From the study the concept of good
governance has gained significant attention in developing countries and Nigeria was no exception. The
actual practice the role of media has been questioned in every society. This is mainly due to fact that in a
young democracy, media faces a number of challenges to ensure good governance. The result of study
reveals that the role of The Sun newspaper in promoting good governance was not effective. This was
because of the station faces a number of challenges when it tries to foster this role. The studies have also
Assessed the actual practice of media for promote of element of good governance. Accordingly the study
reveals that Media used guiding principle the element of Good governance. The result was under
questionable and identify the kind of relationship that media has with government and the public.
Accordingly, it reveals that there is close and friendly relationship of media with public but the relation
with the government was not positive. The challenge faces The Sun newspaper for fostering good
governance. I.e. lack of awareness, lack of active involvement public media concerning good governance
issue, high government officials are deliberately shielded from embracing questions, influence of
government on media content and programs, government regulation restrict the media to promote good
governance.

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

In modern day governance globally, the issue of Good Governance has assumed the front burner

as an indispensable requirement for social, economic and political developments (World Bank,

1989, UNESCO, 2005; Nanda, 2006; Hout, 2007; Gisserlquit, 2012), yet better governance

continues to be a source of worry and a big challenge to most countries including Nigeria.

Interestingly, Nigerian government in a bid to ensure good governance in the country had in, the

1999 Nigerian constitution in Section 16 (1) a, b, c, and d, and Section 16 (2) entrenched some of

the principles of Good Governance as a possible criteria for governance in the country.

Despite these constitutional provisions, as well as the enormous financial resources, and huge

potentials of the country, including the social and economic policies that have been implemented

by successive administrations, good governance continues to be elusive to Nigeria. In another

attempt to enthrone Good Governance in the country, recent democratic administrations,

organized Good Governance tours, where officials of the Federal Ministry of Information

alongside Journalists from various media houses, inspect the progress of work on the projects

executed by the different agencies of the federal and the state governments. The objective of the

tour is for the media to assess the performance of elected public office holders at both the federal

and state levels. The Nigerian constitution in section 22 made provision for such an exercise

where it stated inter alia; “The press, newspaper, television and other agencies of the mass media

shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and

uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people”. This links the

media to the establishment of good governance.

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The relationship between media and governance has been viewed as being influential in

unstable developmental tide in the African continent (Okoro, 2013). Media scholars have made

concerted effort aimed at examining the role of the media in the development process which is

coordinated by government and its structures. These efforts have led to widely accepted view

that good governance is crucial to sustainable development but linkage of good governance to

sustainability of such development through media is yet to be fully appreciated (Langmia, 2010;

Okoro, 2010).

The role of the media in promoting good governance is clear. All aspects of good governance are

facilitated by a strong and independent media scape within a society. Only when journalists are

free to monitor, investigate and criticize the public administration’s policies and actions can good

governance take hold. Independent media are like a beacon that should be welcomed when there

is nothing to hide and much to improve. Indeed, this is the concrete link between the functioning

of the media and good governance – the media allow for ongoing checks and assessments by the

population of the activities of government and assist in bringing public concerns and voices into

the open by providing a platform for discussion.

Instead, all too often governments devise laws and informal means of keeping their activities

hidden from public view or only available to media favorable to their viewpoint. In recent years,

many governments have tried to co-opt journalists by paying part of their salaries or by giving

them certain kinds of access on condition that they will not report from other perspectives. If the

media are to function in the public interest, governments have to protect the independent

functioning of the media and allow various viewpoints to flourish in society.

The role of independent and pluralistic media in fostering participation is critical as the media

report on aspects of the decision-making process and give stakeholders a voice in that process.

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Freedom of the media allows for the formation of a public sphere in which a wide range of

debates can take place and a variety of viewpoints be represented. The citizenry can thereby use

the media to express their assent or dissent or explore aspects of issues not considered through

official channels. Government has a responsibility to allow the media to contribute to the

participation process, especially in arenas where face-to-face participation is not possible. This

will only be allowed to foster Good Governance and by a good government.

Good governance is an essential framework which serves as a means of achieving wider goals

such as social and political development, alleviation of poverty and protection of the

environment. It is about security of life and property, peace and prosperity. Without good

governance, social, economic and political progress is difficult to attain and impossible to

guarantee. In fact, it is the bedrock of any modern democracy. Promoting good governance is not

an easy task as it is much more involving than organizing elections and appointing people into

public offices. A free and critical media is essential to the growth and development of any

democracy. As a watchdog of the society, the media owe it as a duty to monitor governance

closely and hold public office holders accountable to the people who elected them as required by

the constitution. Given the appropriate situation, the media are key factors in the overall strategy

to promote good governance, rule of law, ensure probity and accountability, wipe out illiteracy

and eradicate poverty. It is against this backdrop that this research examines the role of the media

in promoting good governance and some of the challenges facing the media in meeting up with

this task. This study will explore the nexus between media and governance and how this

translates into Good Governance.

1.2 Statement of Problem

The role of the media in promoting good governance cannot be over emphasized. The media

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acts as check and balances to any government in terms of its reportage of the activities of

governance to the people. Sometimes, the government makes certain efforts to conceal their

activities from the media and may even go as far as removing the enabling environments for the

media to flourish. Due to such wrong media censorships, the freedom of the media is jeopardized

and the society invariably suffers its consequences. But the media in Nigeria, particularly, has

been going through a lot of challenges especially in terms of checkmating the activities of the

government. Just recently, AIT and DAAR Communications were shut down by the Federal

Government due to some of their media reportage on the actions of government. Given some of

the challenges of the media, one cannot deny their role in promoting good governance. This

study examines the role of the media in good governance of Nigeria and some of the challenges

facing the Nigerian media.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to examine the media and good governance in Nigeria. The following

objectives will strengthen the study:

1. To Assess the actual role of The Sun newspaper in promoting good governance.

2. To Assess the Newspaper promote element of good governance.

3. To examine the relationship that exists between the media with the government and also the
public with media to promote good governance.

4. To identify the major challenges that have The Sun newspaper faced in the process promote
good governance.

1.4 Research Questions

The research will be guided by the following research questions:

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1. What is the actual role of The Sun newspaper in promoting of good governance?

2. How does the newspaper promote element of good governance?

3. What kinds of relationship have the media with the government and the public with the media
to promote good governance?

4. What are the challenges faced with the media during fostering good governance?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for the following reasons:

It will give insights to readers on the role of the media in promoting good governance in Nigeria.

Members of the media and government officials will also find the findings of this study useful

and informative in terms of the perception of Nigerians on the roles the media play in good

governance of the country. This research will thus serve as opinion polls for both media

practitioners and the government.

Also, students and researchers who may want to carry out future research on similar topics will

find this study as useful source materials for their work. Lastly, this research is useful for its

contribution to knowledge as it will increase the literatures in media practices.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study adopts the social responsibility and agenda setting theories of the mass media to

access the objectives of the research which are an examination of the role of the media in

promoting good governance in Nigeria and some of the challenges facing the Nigerian media.

Only The Sun newspaper will be examined for data collection. The study will not go beyond the

objectives stated above.

1.7 Limitation of the Study

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The inability of the researcher to sample opinions from all the media practitioners in Nigeria

limits the findings of this research. As a matter of fact, only a small population of data from the

Sun Newspaper was sampled.

Time constraints also pose a limitation for this study as the researcher is not able to cover more

grounds that would have been insightful for this research. Also, finding media practitioners and

convincing them to collect, fill and submit the questionnaires was a difficult task that poses a

limitation to this study, not to mention the financial constraints in moving from one place to

another within Abuja to sample opinions.

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CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Good Governance

According to Ojenike (2016), governance is defined as the manner in which power is exercised

in the management of a country’s economic and social resources. The World Bank (2002) has

identified three distinct aspects of governance: 1) The form of political regime, 2) The process by

which authority is exercised in the management of a country’s government to design, formulate

and implement policies and discharge functions. UNDP conceptualizes governance as the

exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage a country’s affairs at all

levels. It comprises the mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens and

groups articulate their interests; exercise their legal rights met their obligations and mediate their

differences. Going beyond the mediating role, another document of UNDP embraces the

definition of governance from political dimension. According to this, “Governance is a political

issue. It deals with power relations between central and local governments, between various

actors in society (government, private sector and citizens) and between donor agencies and

countries in which they work”. (UNDP- Paragon, 2002).

Good governance is not only for a type of government and its related political values but also for

certain kinds of additional components. It implies government that is democratically organized

within a democratic political culture and with efficient administrative organizations, plus the

right policies, particularly in the economic sphere (Smith, 2007). At the constitutional level,

good governance requires changes that will strengthen the accountability of political leaders to

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the people, ensure respect for human rights, strengthen the rule of law and decentralize political

authority. At the political and organizational level, good governance requires three attributes that

are common to the governance agenda of most aid agencies: political pluralism, opportunities for

extensive participation in politics, and uprightness and incorruptibility in the use of public

powers and offices by servants of the state; and most importantly, one that allows for freedom of

the press. At another level of understanding is Administration. Administratively, good

governance requires accountable and transparent public administration; and effective public

management, including a capacity to design good policies as well as to implement them (Smith,

2007).

The UNDP defined good governance as: “The exercise of political, economic and administrative

authority to manage a nation’s affairs is the complex mechanisms, processes, relationships

through which groups articulate their interests, exercise their rights and obligations and mediate

their differences (Ncube, 2005). Good governance generally implies a number of institutions,

which regulate the behaviour of public bodies, stimulate citizens, participation in government

and control public- private relations (Villadsen, 1999). Good governance has several major

components. Those components assure the minimization of corruptions. Good governance is

responsive to the present and future needs of society. For better understanding of good

governance it is necessary to know what poor or bad governance is. A World Bank booklet

lucidly summarized the major symptoms of poor governance. These are: 1) Failure to make clear

separation between what is public and what is private hence a tendency to steal. 2) Failure to

establish a predictable framework of law and government behaviour conducive to development

or arbitrariness in the application of rules and laws 3) Executive rules, regulations, licensing

requirements and so forth, which impede, functioning of markets and encourage rent seeking. 4)

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Priorities, inconsistent with development, resulting in a misallocation of resources. 5)

Excessively narrow based or non-transparent decision making. The other symptoms of poor

governance are “excessive costs, poor service to the public and failure to achieve the aims of

policy. Most importantly, a bad government does not guarantee the freedom of the press. The

main elements of good governance are: a) Accountability b) Participation c) Rule of law d)

Consensus oriented e) Respect for human rights f) Judicial Independence g) Transparency h)

Abuses of corruption i) Freedom of information j) Administrative competence k) Administrative

neutrality: merit-based public service (Plumptre and Grahm, 1999). With regard to the topic of

this research, Good governance allows for press freedom where the activities of government are

reported to the public and decisions and public opinions are made regarding the availability of

information given by the media. Any government that does not allow for this cannot be said to be

good, as it is typical of dictatorial regimes.

2.2 The Media and Good Governance

Ike (2005) simply sees mass media as “the institutions of mass communications such as

newspaper, television, newspaper and magazine”. On the other hand, Imhonopi and Urim (2009)

define the mass media in the following words: “the mass media play a major role in promotion

and sustenance of the norms and values of a society”. Nwanne (2012) defined mass media as “all

the gadgets, tools, instruments of mass communication, professionally deployed to reach

heterogeneous audiences spread across disparate geographical areas. They include newspapers,

magazines, television, newspaper, outdoor and the recent wonder of our times, Internet, among

others”.

In order to strengthen governance in developing countries, effectiveness of the media has been

suggested. But, the extent to which media can contribute to governance rests on its ability to

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coordinate and focus more on investigative journalism (The World Bank, 2009). It also needs to

negotiate for access to information and freedom of expression and dissemination through

legislative processes. Critical roles expected of the media in good governance drive include

exposure of illegal, corrupt and unethical activities of the government and its agencies. To this

end, it is important for media agents to engage professional and ethical cadre of investigative

news sources (Okoro 2013). It is expected that such approach would engender publication of

information that is well-articulated and thoroughly investigated without any fear of harassment.

While media role in good governance is desired, it is essential to address possible militating

factors such as ownership of media outfit. Media agencies financed directly or indirectly by

political class might be grossly defective in playing role of disseminating useful information,

exposure of corrupt practices and provision of adequate and well investigative information for

public consumption. In such cases, good governance would be defined by the media subject to

the interest of their sponsors. As highlighted by World Bank (2009) the relevance of the mass

media is the distinction between private and public ownership of the media system, and the need

for improved protection and security of media staff (reporters and journalists) in their bid to

investigate and expose corrupt practices and activities in countries.

The role of an independent media does not only raise public awareness about corruption and

unethical behaviors of government, it also exposes their causes, consequences, and impact on

democratic and political process in a country. The role of the media is essential in promoting

good governance and discouraging, controlling, and curbing corruption in a political system.

Historically, the root of corruption and unethical practices are grounded in the social and cultural

history, political, and economic inheritance of many developing nations. Consequently, the

presence of investigative media structure is critical to sustaining political governance.

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The important role of media in good governance could be demonstrated with an increase in

atmosphere of transparency. Thus, media agents are expected to liaise with governance agencies

in a mutually reinforcing manner. This, as noted by World Bank (2000) would ensure the

achievement of national objectives that serve the interest of disparate communities.

Okoro (2013) substantiates that citizens depend on the media for an understanding of issues, it

would be appropriate that the mass media, as watchdogs, are involved or have access to policy

formation and implementation processes in countries where leadership credibility is either

questionable or nonexistent. It is noteworthy that some policies of governments are complex or

even challenging to the citizenry; therefore, it is important to allow the media to analyze program

objectives. In the wake of democratic reforms in the newly independent African nations towards

sustainable political agenda, research on democracy and media demonstrated that all forms of

media should embark on the fundamental role of analyzing and evaluating political issues and

needs in the region (Nwanko, 2000).

Essential to this role is ensuring that political leaders are accountable and transparent in the

performance of their duties. Election processes should be refined and made more rigorous in

order to reduce the tendency to abuse the system by overzealous party members. Recent studies

and debates on media and governance clearly indicate that post-independence initiatives in some

African countries point to an urgent need for effectiveness of the mass media to challenge any

governance that would support or establish a political environment against ethnic and social

integration. With this objective, sustainability of political development becomes a realistic goal

in a developing continent. For example, more recent events in many parts of Africa (Okoro,

2010) demonstrate that effective use of the media, especially the news media, can improve the

quality of governance and foster accountability at all levels.

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Studies spanning over three decades have consistently argued for freedom of the press as a pre-

requisite for democratic good governance. The media in developed nations are seen as

watchdogs of the public interest than as merely conduits of government agenda and information.

The watchdog function of the mass media is protective of stakeholders’ interest and ensures that

accountability and transparency exist in a democracy. It, therefore, stands to reason that political

development and press freedom are intertwined in the effort to establish stability in a civil

society. In advanced democracies, private media stimulate national reforms by exposing

mismanagement and abuses at all levels of government, and reveals corrupt practices as well as

questionable behaviors and standards in public sectors of the economy. Graber (2010), Okigbo

(2000), and The World Bank (2009) strongly indicate that better governance and effective public

policy are inseparable and are the foundation of democracy. Olowu et al. (2002) emphasized that

successful capacity building and democratic renewal in Africa is the function of an independent

media. Therefore, the desire for a sustainable political development and governance is realistic as

long as it includes the role of strong and vibrant mass media.

2.3 The Media and Good Governance in Nigeria

The relationship between media and governance clearly requires a significant improvement. The

media plays a key role in improving governance by providing two-way communication between

citizens and the state. There is nothing new about recognizing the importance of the media for

development and good governance in Nigeria. There has been a long trajectory of media

development initiatives by a multiplicity of actors, and much fruitful debate surrounding their

evolution and implementation. Yet, much work remains to ensure that the Nigerian media

becomes independent, self-sufficient and widely acknowledged as a public good for the benefit

of the people.

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This is not just work for journalists alone, or for politicians, or for the Communications for

political NGOs. Networked journalism in this way can contribute to policymaking, as effective

policies are more likely to result from integrated inclusive public discussion. Arguments among

the social and political elites must be permitted to enter the public domain. At delivery level,

networked journalism can improve Nigerian government’s responsiveness, accountability and

capacity for effective implementation of policy. The media assists in making politics work not

just for elites but for the poor too, by making governance transparent, and making it accountable.

Mainstream civil society organizations in Nigeria need to see the media as something more than

a deliverer of their messages, and more as a critical component of democratic debate (Uddin,

2010). The Nigerian media should be given the opportunity to advocate, criticize, and not be

overwhelmed by government monopolies of election coverage.

Because good governance and media are intertwined, it is not easy to isolate strategies that are

exclusively relevant to one or the other. Independent economic and financial institutions,

including academic researchers, have argued favorably to reposition the mass media to play the

central role of supporting democratic governance and reforms, especially in Nigeria, where press

freedom has faced serious problems in the past even as it is now in some quarters like the recent

shutdown of AIT by the Buhari government. As The World Bank (2009) explained, the 20th

century was a period of mass media development as well as an expansion of global media. An

era in which news sources were involved in one-directional, top-down content coverage, and

dissemination of issues to stakeholders. Interestingly, the twenty-first century is experiencing a

dramatic improvement in the role of the media, especially in providing transformational and

expanded structure of news dissemination across the globe with the assistance of media

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technology. Nigeria is not left out as the media has being an influence on the decision making

process of the polity. The improvement of media’s effectiveness in sustaining democracies in

Nigeria has not only increased public confidence in the electioneering campaigns, but it has also

engendered ethnic/tribal interests and participation in political activities, which was extremely

difficult in the twenty century. The difference between the role of the media in the 20th and 21st

centuries is clearly the digitalization of content and its world-wide distribution over digital

platforms through digital mechanisms and devices. A digital transformation mechanism employs

new devices that supplement and effectively by-passes traditional communication platforms that

utilize two-way, bottom up, and lateral content production and dissemination. NTA as a

government media outfit has recently gone digital in its broadcast as against its old form of

disseminating information.

The media in Nigeria is influencing public opinions about the government through its agenda

setting as more and more people are becoming enlightened by the politics and policy

implementations of government. In another attempt to enthrone Good Governance in the country,

recent democratic administrations, organized Good Governance tours, where officials of the

federal ministry of information alongside Journalists from various media houses, inspect the

progress of work on the projects executed by the different agencies of the federal and the state

governments. The objective of the tour is for the media to assess the performance of elected

public office holders at both the federal and state levels.

The nature of the relationship of the mass media with governments in Nigeria is fundamentally

important in order to achieve sustainable democratic governance. Deliberate marginalization of

the communication channels of news sources is disingenuous and should be considered the

single most important factor that has for decades affected and discouraged the citizenry from

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participation in the political process. Indeed, studies conducted in the eighties and nineties

(Okoro, 1993) determined that the hostile relationship between the two entities (media and

government) has been instrumental to the unsustainable democracies in the regions of Africa

with Nigeria inclusive. In his past and recent study (Okoro, 1993) maintained the position that to

achieve and sustain political development in Nigeria, the concepts of “free enterprise” and the

“marketplace of ideas” should be nurtured by the political system in the country. He further

emphasized that democratic transformation in Nigeria should be tailored toward increasing

public awareness and participation of various stakeholders in political development.

The rate of progress in developed nations (United States, United Kingdom) has continued to

evolve because of the sophistication and independence of their media systems. Citizens of these

countries depend on the media for information and knowledge and to hold governments

accountable for their actions. In Nigeria today, there is a growing public confidence in the ability

of the mass media to expose corruptions and wrong-doings in public and private sectors as well

as the media’s capacity to investigate and reveal sensitive issues associated with public policies

and their implementation. The development of new media has greatly expanded the functions of

the media especially in the United States. Kabumba (2005) noted that the new media did not

emerge to replace the old channels, instead, the new- and old media systems should work

together and simultaneously to achieve the objective of news production and distribution around

the world. For example, hard copy newspapers and books are still in use and accessed on the

Internet. News items are retrieved on newspapers, watched on television stations, and accessed

on laptop computers and various mobile cellular telephones. On the contrary, in developing

societies of Africa like Nigeria, especially in the rural parts of the countries, newspaper and

television stations are the only means of communicating to people mainly in areas with low

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literacy. Increasingly, traditional newspapers and television channels have remained the most

effective sources of disseminating or delivering news and information on critical matters

affecting education, health-care, culture, and other social activities of government.

The 1999 Nigerian constitution in Section 16 (1) a, b, c, and d, and Section 16 (2) which

strengthens the establishment and functions of the media to entrench some of the principles of

Good Governance as a possible criteria for governance in the country. Despite these

constitutional provisions, as well as the enormous financial resources, and huge potentials of the

country, including the social and economic policies that have been implemented by successive

administrations good governance continues to be elusive to Nigeria and the media is not doing

much in this regard due to some of the challenges militating against the Nigerian media. One of

this is the fact that most of the media outfits in the country are owned by one political big shot or

another and this makes it difficult for an independent free and fair media in objective reportage.

While one media outfit criticizes the current government, others uphold the government and this

brings a power-tussle between some of the media outfits and government, especially in the recent

case of AIT that was shut down by the government.

The recent Good Governance tour organized by the government to checkmate and balance some

the government’s activities at all levels was a welcome development. The Good Governance tour

organized by the Nigerian government identified two major issues. First, the Nigerian

government’s concern and determination for better governance in the country. This concern

possibly stems from the importance attached to the Good Governance concept as highlighted in

the United Nations Millennium Declaration, which articulates that the Millennium Development

Goals must be achieved through Good Governance within each country and the international

level, as well as in this well- cited quote, from Kofi Anan, that, “Good Governance is perhaps the

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single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development” (UN, 1998).

Second, it identifies the symbiotic relationship between the media and Good Governance. The

media are a critical link in the accountability chain between the government and the governed,

providing information for the citizens to hold those in authority accountable and also articulating

citizens’ voices and preference for government to use in policy formulation. Given this

assumption, this researcher argues that the media’s contributions to Good Governance in the

society is played out within the ambit of the principles of Good Governance and that media's

potential to contribute to Good Governance depend on the extent the media reflect and enforce

these principles as institution and in the discharge of the fundamental roles of the journalists.

The roles of the media, including the social media, in promoting Good Governance are being

recognized by the governments and policy-makers in various countries. In the UK, a “Survey of

Policy Opinion on Governance and the Media” published by BBC (2009) reveals that although

the emphasis on Good Governance in the development agenda is questionable, “there seems to

be increasing recognition of the media’s role in governance in the development community.

There are also some indicators that media are being more recognized by the policy-makers as

having a central role in development.” The role of the media in promoting Good Governance is

obvious. All aspects of Good Governance are facilitated by the existence of a strong, pluralistic

and independent media within the society (UNESCO, 2005). Fortunately, the Nigerian media

terrain to a large extent could be adjudged to qualify. The significance of the media in how well

or not governance can be executed in the society is best captured in this more than a century

argument by Joseph Pulitzer, in 1904. Pulitzer summarized his views thus:

Our Republic and its press will rise or fall together. An able, disinterested, public-spirited press,

with trained intelligence to know the right and courage to do it, can preserve that public virtue

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without which popular government is a sham and a mockery. A cynical, mercenary, demagogic

press will produce in time a people as base as itself. The power to mould the future of the

Republic will be in the hands of the journalists of future generations (1904).

What Pulitzer was essentially saying here is that the media can make or break a society by the

way and manner it functions. In our information-based society the media has a disproportionately

visible and influential role in fostering an environment where Good Governance will flourish. As

the watchdog, agenda setter of public discourses and interpreter of public issues and events, the

media have a special role in governance. The main responsibility of the media as is widely

acknowledged is to provide comprehensive, analytical and factual news and opinion to the

people on everyday issues and events of popular concern. The Nigerian media has been awash

with various reports that criticize the Buhari-led government in tackling the incessant

kidnappings and killings within the northern part of the country. Some media experts have

criticized the government especially for not proscribing the herdsmen who carry out wanton

attacks on villages in Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, etc. This has also influenced public opinions

about the present government as some adjudge it as one of the worst government Nigeria has

ever had. Objective information dissemination is indeed the critical link between the functioning

of the media and Good Governance. The media are the only institution with the capacity to allow

and facilitate regular checks and assessment by the population of the activities of government

and assist in bringing public concern and voices into the open by providing a platform for public

discussion. In fact the nature and character of the media greatly impacts on the governance

process in any society. For it is only when the media report, monitor, investigate and criticize the

public administration's policies and actions as well as inform and educate the citizens can good

governance be enthroned.

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Even the greatest critic of the mass media must acknowledge its institutional role of informing,

entertaining and educating the citizens of any country. This is anchored on the right of the people

to know. Writing recently in The Guardian on Sunday, the Nigerian journalist and well known

columnist, Dan Agbese had this to say: “President Mohammed Buhari should make an informed

citizenry the cardinal principle of his administration. The reasons should be pretty obvious. An

ignorant or uniformed citizenry is deleterious to the health, the growth and the sustenance of

democracy. No modern government thrives on the ignorance of the people.”

Despite the above, it would seem that government in Nigeria thrives on the ignorance of the

people. So it is to achieve their selfish aim of exploiting the people. Ignorant and unemployed the

people are not in a position to demand their right or even call those in power to order. For

instance, a lot of violations of court judgments by Buhari abound but even with the various

reportages and public outcry, the media has not been able to influence the president’s decisions

of disobeying court rulings.

The media have been known all over the world to encourage democratic participation. The

electronic voting is a form of communication of the voter’s preference. As Baran (2002) has also

noted, “the internet is characterized by freedom and self-governance, which are also the hall

mark of true democracy”. Again, Agbese (2016) argues convincingly, that: “An informed

citizenry in a democracy is a product of free flow of vital information between the government

and the governed. It packs three critical elements considered as parts of the pillars of democracy

namely: openness, transparency and accountability.”

The media in democracies are charged with the responsibility of ensuring openness, transparency

and accountability in the system. The media in Nigeria have endeavoured to attain the above

objectives to some extent. This has often led to an adversarial position by authorities in Nigeria

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which regards the media as meddlesome. Government has often done this to protect the interest

of the ruling class. This explains the draconian laws aimed at “clipping the wings” of the media

right from the colonial era. In 1906, for instance, a press gag law was enacted to keep the media

in check. That did not deter the fiery mass media from being a “thorn in the flesh” of British

Colonial Administration. In fact, it is to the credit of the press in Nigeria that there was no

bloodshed in the fight for independence. Such nationalists as Dr. Nnamdi Azukiwe and Chief

Obafemi Awolowo and others “deployed” their media arsenal in the fight against colonialism.

The attainment of Independence did not stoke the fire of agitation by the press. This is because

no sooner did local politicians take over than it became obvious that many of them were largely

driven by personal and ethnic considerations in running the affairs of the nation. By January

1966, there was the first military coup which overthrew the Government of Abubaka Tafawa

Balewa, snowballing into the Nigeria civil (1967- 1970). From 1966 to 1999, Nigeria was ruled

by the military with only a civilian “interregnum” between 1979-83 and the 82 –day Interim

National Government (INC) in (1993) headed by Ernest Shonekan, a former czar of the United

African Company (UAC), the economic arm of British Imperialism in Africa.

During those years of military dictatorship, Nigerians lost access to basic fundamental freedoms

as the military churned our Decrees which ousted the jurisdiction of the courts on many political

issues. It was an absolute rule. One of the Decrees that were churned out during those dark days

was the Notorious Decree No. 2 under which Nigerians could be detained at the pleasure of those

in power and Decree No. 4 which criminalized any criticism of Public Officers. Momoh (2002)

points out that the colonial laws, which have remained in our laws through several amendments,

were aimed to suit the whims and caprices of those in power, irrespective of the colour of their

skin (Nwanne, 2008).

22
As time went on, the struggle against Military Rule became more vociferous because military

rule had become oppressive and corrupt. Besides, the “gale” of democracy was sweeping across

the world and Nigeria could not afford to be left out. There was a near consensus that military

rule was anathema and should be discontinued. (Momoh, 2002) The long and often bloody

confrontations, coordinated by the private arm of the press, eventually led to the handover of

power on May 29, 1999, to Olusegun Obasanjo, a soldier turned politician. The role the media

play in the historical trajectories of Nigeria is one that cannot be undermined. However, the

media is still lagging behind in meeting up with its responsibilities and complete independence

due to factors such as the interference from government.

2.4 Theoretical Framework

The study adopts the social responsibility and agenda setting theories of the mass media to

discuss the objective of the research. Research literature has it that the social responsibility

theory was born as a result of problems created by its predecessor, the libertarian theory of the

press. This was in the twentieth century. The libertarian theory of the press as the theory that

held sway at the time, gave journalists excessive freedom to publish whatever they like. At the

time, political authority rests with the individual. Government’s role is to provide the domestic

and foreign peace, but the individual is supreme in politics, a belief spelled out in the US

Constitution. With these assumptions, Patterson and Wilkins (2005) posit that the theory reflects

Milton’s concept of the “marketplace of ideas” where anyone could operate a printing press,

particularly anyone aligned with a political group. Anyone who ran the presses of the day,

because they were partisan, would provide partisan versions of reality. With time, people started

finding faults with the prevailing theory due to factors like the industrial revolution, multimedia

society, and growth of intellectualism. By this time, the press was observed to have abused this

23
freedom; it had become irresponsible and the victim of a number of negative practices which

culminated into a negative media operation christened “yellow journalism”. This was epitomized

by sensationalist practices, irresponsibility and character assassination by the media practitioners.

Then came a clarion call for the revisitation of the libertarian theory. Thus in the 1940s, a group

of scholars were commissioned to look into this issue – the Hutchins Commission – funded by

the founder of Time magazine, Henry Luce. The commission which had no journalist as

member, was led by the then-president of the University of Chicago, Robert Hutchins. This

commission deliberated for four years before settling in 1947 on five guidelines for a socially

responsible press. They first observed that the number of media outlets is limited and that people

are often self-interested and sometimes lazy. After reviewing what the real functions of the press

to society should be, the Social Responsibility theory was proposed and introduced. They came

out with a report they titled “A Free and Responsible Press”. The commission listed five goals

for the press, including the need for truthful and complete reporting of all sides of an issue. The

commission concluded that the American press’ privileged position in the Constitution means

that the press must always work to be responsible to society. The rise of the social responsibility

theory also gave rise to journalism professional associations such as the American Society of

Newspaper Editors, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Sigma Delta Chi (Bittner,

1989). And in Nigeria, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other more segregated

associations for advertisers and public relations practitioners. It is also worthy of note that the

United States, Japan, Britain, and many other European countries subscribe to this theory.

This theory, regarded as a western theory incorporates part of the libertarian principle and

introduces some new elements as well. The underlying principle of the social responsibility

theory of the press is that the press should be free to perform the functions which the libertarian

24
theory granted it freedom to perform, but that this freedom should be exercised with

responsibility (Okunna & Omenugha, 2012). If the media fail to meet their responsibilities to

society, the social responsibility theory holds that the government should encourage the media to

comply by way of controlling them. Bittner (1989) has it that the theory held that “a press has the

right to criticize government and institutions but also has certain basic responsibilities to

maintain the stability of society”. In the same vein, but in a slightly different angle, Dominick

(2009) writes that, this approach holds that the press has a right to criticize government and other

institutions, but it also has a responsibility to preserve democracy by properly informing the

public and by responding to society’s needs and interests. The press does not have the freedom to

do as it pleases; it is obligated to respond to society’s requirements.

The Commission on Freedom of the Press which formulated the Social Responsibility theory

while noting that the press does not fulfill her basic societal roles of providing information,

enlightenment, serving as watchdog, advertising, entertainment, and self-sufficiency, called on

the media to: Provide a truthful, comprehensive and intelligent account of the day’s event in a

context which gives them meaning; Serve as a forum for exchange of comment and criticism;

Project a representative picture of the constituent groups in society; Be responsible for the

presentation and clarification of the goals and values of the society; Provide full access to the

day’s intelligence. These goals according to Peterson and Wilkins (2005) were troublesome to

journalists who think that these goals are ambiguous and unattainable at the time. In view of this

present study, one wonders how well the media has kept its role in being responsible to the

public by objectively influencing government policies and laws for the promotion of good

governance in Nigeria.

25
The Agenda-Setting Theory says the media (mainly the news media) are not always successful

at telling us what to think, but they are quite successful at telling us what to think about. The

theory was postulated by Maxwell McCombs and Donald L. Shaw in the year 1972/1973.

This theory is good at explaining why people with similar media exposure place

importance on the same issues. Although different people may feel differently about the issue at

hand, most people feel the same issues are important. The Agenda-Setting Theory comes from a

scientific perspective, because it predicts that if people are exposed to the same media, they will

place importance on the same issues. According to Chaffee and Berger’s 1997 criteria for

scientific theories, Agenda-Setting is a good theory.

 It has explanatory power because it explains why most people prioritize the same issues as

important.

 It has predictive power because it predicts that if people are exposed to the same media, they

will feel the same issues are important.

 It is parsimonious because it is not complex, and it is easy to understand.

 It can be proven false. If people are not exposed to the same media, they won’t feel the

same issues are important. It is meta-theoretical assumptions are balanced on the scientific side.

The agenda setting theory of the media works in line with the role of the media to objectively

report news which will guide the decisions and influence the opinions of the Nigerian citizens

about good governance in their country.

2.5 The Sun Newspapers

The Daily Sun is a Nigerian daily print newspaper founded and published in KiriKiri Industrial

Layout, Lagos, Nigeria. As of 2011, The Sun had a daily print run of 130,000 copies, and

26
135,000 for weekend titles, with an average of 80% sales. This made The Sun the highest selling

newspaper in Nigeria. (Chuwudi 2016)

The Daily Sun was incorporated on March 29, 2001. It started production as a weekly on January

18, 2003, and as a daily on June 16, 2003. The target audience is young adults in the 18 – 45

years age bracket and in the B and C social economic class. The paper is similar in format to the

popular Sun newspaper of the United Kingdom.

The chairman of the publishing house is Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, a former governor of Abia State.

The first Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief was Mike Awoyinfa. In January 2010 there was a

shake-up in which Tony Onyima succeeded Awoyinfa, and the first Deputy Editor-in-Chief,

Dimgba Igwe, was replaced by Femi Adesina. Awoyinfa and Igwe remained as directors on the

company’s board. Adesina replaced Onyima in December 2013. In June, 2015, Mr. Eric Osagie

succeeded Mr. Femi Adesina as Managing Editor/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing

Limited. Mr Osagie is currently rebranding the Daily, Saturday and Sunday Sun respectively to

meet international standards. Its official Website is http://www.sunnewsonline.com

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter is aimed at highlighting the method employed by the Researcher in carrying out this

study. Research according to Salau (1998) has to do with an inquiry into the unknown. In other

27
words, it is a systematic and objective method of finding solution to a particular problem. In any

research work, therefore, there must be a procedure to follow. This procedure in general is

referred to as Research Methodology. Research Methodology according to Onumonu (1985) is

defined as a controlled investigation of the theoretical and applied aspects of measurement,

mathematics and statistics, and the ways of obtaining and analyzing data. However, this study by

its nature requires much information from a real life of practical situation beyond what various

authors on media and good governance have written, which are essentially more of principles

and theories.

3.1 Research Design

The study which relies on both primary and secondary data adopted the qualitative design as its

research design. The qualitative design embraces various research methods and techniques that

are available for interpreting data. It allows for collecting sample data from larger ones and from

the analysis, generalizations and inferences can be generated.

In the words of Johnstone (2010), the qualitative design particularly in the sociolinguistic sense

also “involves both the researcher’s personal familiarity with the community and his/her use of

introspection and intuition.” Giving the fact that the researcher is a media practitioner who is

informed about its role in Good Governance in Nigeria, the adoption of the qualitative design for

the study thus provides the researcher with the opportunity through interviews and newspaper

reviews to explain the phenomenon under review

The relevance and application of the qualitative research method in this investigation is

emphasized by Olaofe (2010) who posits that in qualitative research, “representative samples of

small population are studied in order to determine the character of the whole population, which

28
may be of interest to the researcher.” This design combines the use of interviews, observation,

questionnaires, recorded reviews or a combination of all these in analysing the data.

3.2 Sources of Data

Two sources of data were employed, namely: Primary and Secondary. To achieve the primary

data, the researcher undertook personal interviews amongst media practitioners; and sampled

various editions of the Sun newspaper, all selected at random. Also, questionnaires were used to

collect necessary information to avoid bias. The sources of secondary data used by the researcher

include, Library research, Journals and Brochures on related subject, opinions and views of

various authors in related subject, conference/seminar papers, etc.

3.3 Design and Administration of Questionnaire

Taken into cognizance of the difference in assimilation of various respondents, the questionnaire

was designed in a very simple way to ensure ease of answers. Also, some of the questions were

designed in such a way that gave room for the respondents to answer in the affirmatives, “Yes or

No”.

3.4 Sample Size

In determining the sample size, two factors were put into consideration.

a) The larger the sample size, the more adequate, qualitative and precise will be the information

given about the population logically.

b) Above a certain size, extra information is given by increasing the size.

Given the above factors, the researcher was of the opinion that a sample size need only be large

enough to reasonably represent the population. In view of this, the questionnaire has ten (10)

critical questions concerning the Sun newspaper as a media agent and their contribution to good

29
governance. A total of 21 questionnaires were distributed and only 20 where returned filled

while 21 were not filled thus given in percentage as follows:

20 X 100

100 1 = 99%, while 1% declined

In determining the sample size therefore, the formula as given in Asika (1991) will be adopted at

5% confidence level.

Thus, Ns = Z2 x P x Q

e2

Where

Ns = Sample size

Z = Constant value (1.0462)

p = positive response

q = negative response

e2 = Tolerable error

Therefore, Ns = (1.0462)2 x 0.21 x 0.21

(0.05)2 = 20

Copies of the Sun newspaper between January to May, 2021 were sampled. The newspapers

were collected but bought from a newspaper kiosk in Central Area, Abuja at the request of this

researcher.

3.5 Sample Technique

The researcher adopted the random sampling technique in order to avoid bias. The population

however, shows that a good number of those who have a stake in the media practice were

virtually present and willing to respond to questions for valid conclusion purpose of this work.

30
3.6 Data Analysis Technique

The collected data were analyzed in tables and percentages, while the hypotheses were tested

using the chi square technique. It is thus applied as follows:

X2c = (O-E)2

Where,

X2c = Chi square calculated

O = Observed frequency

E = Expected frequency

Consequently, a significant level of 5% was applied while the degree of freedom was ascertained

by: d.f = (m-1) (n-1)

Where,

d.f = degree of freedom

m = number of rows

n = number of columns

31
CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Introduction

This chapter deals with presentation, analysis and interpretation of the data gathered through
questionnaire, interview and document analysis which were prepared question and answer the
basic questions of the study, to followed interpretation, the chapter further presents the research
finding, discussion them and draws conclusions and finally pointing out recommendations. It
mentioned the third chapter; the study was conducted based on both qualitative and quantitative
data. questioner and interview which aimed to identify the role of The Sun newspaper to assess
the media for fostering good governance, actually preparing five forms of question which is
focus on the issue related role of media promote good governance.

Therefore, the role of Newspaper in promoting good governance, the actual role of The Sun
newspaper in fostering good governance, the actual role media in promote the elements of good
governance, the relation between Newspaper and the government, the relation between the
Newspaper and the public and the challenges of media when trying to promote good governance.
However, the question focuses with good governance issues have prepares each question, give to
the respondent and properly interprets data, finally by these four basic issues used researchers
used to assess the role of media in promoting good governance. My respondent’s have20
journalist, The Sun newspaper editor and editor of The Sun newspaper the chief and using
document analysis.

4.2 Journalist age and sex profile

Table 1Table 4.1: Age and Gender Journalist

Years Frequency Percentage

20-25 1 5

Age 26-30 6 30

31-35 7 35

36-40 3 15

32
 41-50 2 10

Above 50 1 5

Total 20 100

Male 11 55

Gender Female 9 45

Total 20 100

The above table shows that 35% percent of the respondent where found in between 31-35 years
,30% percent of the respondents where in the age between 26-30 years , 15 % percent where in
the age between 36-40 years , 10% percent where in the age between 41-50 .while as 5% percent
in the age 20-25years and above 50 years. From this demographic have understand with around
35% of the respondent where youngest stage and the most productive section of society live.

The majority of the respondent as table indicates that where males constitute 55%and 45%
respondents are females. These indicate that from studying participants are majority male, but
with less than one participant females has participate. Based on this 35%of the sample size were
found on the age of 31-35 years old.

From the above chart and table understanding to the researcher have major source of the data in
youngest generation or the most productive part of the community and this data may be help to
show the current role The Sun newspaper for promote good governance of respondent have
giving equal chance and to see the age of respondent the majority live under the age of 31-35
years. so that the worker of The Sun newspaper have youngest worker the majority and give
chance for the experienced workers, I have important for gate more relevant and tactful data for
my dissertation. 4.2 level of education of the respondents

33
Table 24.2: Level of Education of the respondents

Respondents Frequency Percentage

PHD 1 5
Level of Education

MA 5 25

BA 13 65

Diploma 1 5

SSCE 0 0

Total 20 100

Source: from research analysis of the researcher (2022).

The above table indicates that majority of respondent where BA/BSC degree holder make up 65
percent have MA degree holder with 25 percent where next PHD and diploma holder’s
respondents below diploma level of holder with 5 percent and null respondents with SSCE.

So, The Sun newspaper worker see the level of education was the majority respondents
graduated in the field required position so the researchers collect data more understandable about
good governance issue.

4.3 The respondents by their field of study

Table 3: the respondents by their field of study

Field Frequency Percentage

Journalist and public communication 12 60

34
 Natural science 1 5

Other social science 6 30

Other field of the study 1 5

Total 20 100

The above table indicates that for my respondents the majority graduate has under the field of
journalist and public communication. So that, important for the researcher in order to gate
relevance data collects for the profession of the field in journal.

Table 4.4: Experience of the respondent

Experience Frequency Percentage

6
30
0-5 years

6-10 years 5 25

6
30
11-15 years

3
15
Above 15

100
Total 20
.

From the above table and charts indicates for the majority of respondent have experienced. So
that, the researchers have relevance to gate tangible idea from respondents because respondents
have more experienced for position of work and more skillful.

4 .4 Focus on issue of respondents

35
Table 5 : Focus on issue of respondents.

Focus issue No Frequency Percent

Social 20 3 15

20
Economical - -

Political 20 - -

Social, 20 17 85
economic,
political issue

Total 20 20 100

SOURCE: from the researcher analysis, 2022

From the above table enumerate with related focusing issue of the media respondents were asked
to identify the issue they focus when producing a newspaper program to understanding with this
to helps what connection the respondents media promote good governance role in the process of
serving to the public issue, what focusing issue more priority to response transmission. when to
look the content of The Sun newspaper the major respondents make up 85% said that the media
focus issue of program has both social, economic and political, while as, 15 percent focusing
Newspaper focus with social issue and the least null respondent with issue related with political
and economic program.

Indicates the above table indicates that The Sun newspaper programs focuses with social,
political and economic issue. These indicate that important to assess media’s role for fostering
good governance the issues related to political, social and economic issue transmitted newspaper
program and to know with media how to contribution good governance.

36
Therefore, in order to assess the role of media journalists asking for questions and interview
Newspaper editor and auditor of the chief Newspaper about promote good governance issue. The
researcher has asking five section questioners for journalist; including interviews concerned
body and interprets document analysis. These is the role of The Sun newspaper in promoting
good governance, The actual role of The Sun newspaper in fostering elements of good
governance, the relation between Newspaper and the government in the role of promote good
governance, the relation between Newspaper and the public for fostering good governance and
the Challenges of media when trying to promote good governance.
These five basic agenda havening prepare each of them have own questions.

4.5 The actual role of The Sun newspaper in promoting good governance

Table 6: the role of The Sun newspaper in promoting good governance.

Items Number Replied % Replied %

say YES Say
NO
IS can media has a forum of 20 9 45 11 55
discussion and debate on different
issues?
IS media is serving as a watch 20 9 45 11 55
dog over the wrong deeds of the
government and other?
Media is providing necessary 20 16 80 4 20
information to the citizens on
governance issue?
IS media is general contributing 20 14 70 6 30
to enhance good governance by
creating active and informed
citizens?
Media can serve to struggle for 20 9 45 11 55
injustice occurs with one’s
country?
As indicated in the above table from focusing issue of Newspaper for promoting good
governance from total respondent 57 percent of respondent replied that said “yes”. Whereas 43
percent of the respondent said “no” which showed the majority of the respondents agreed that
The Sun newspaper has playing it’s the actual role of promote good governance.

To illustrate the above table The Sun newspaper providing necessary information to the citizens
on governance issue 80% said “yes”. It indicates as the program of newspaper has disseminated

37
information with to the audience to inculcate good governance. While as Newspaper was general
contributing to enhance good governance by creating active and informed citizens respondents
70% said “yes”. So The Sun newspaper as to fostering good governance necessary creates active
involvement of society. In addition to media has a forum of discussion and debate on different
issues the respondents 45% said “yes “while the remain55% said “no”.

From above table understand to the researchers have the actual role of Newspaper promote good
governance as principle practiced, But, some problems have obstacle to foster media good
governance. These is media has a form of discussion and debate on different issues, Media
struggle for injustice with ones cause and media serving watchdog role for promoting good
governance.

4.5.1 Media serving as a watchdog over government wrong doing

Media is serving as a watch dog over the wrong deeds of the government and other respondents
45% said “yes “ Media serving as watchdog the wrong deeds of the government have not
interested to properly answered the government officials and media straggle for injustice have
facing problem to foster media to fostering good governance.

According to informant The Sun newspaper editor said that:

I believe that media as using role implement watchdog role. When the cause suspect the
government officials act like corruption, maladministration, bias act. The media exposed that
wrong doing the government. But during this time the journalist may be sanction by that exposed
government official. For my country more of government officials not more democratic and that
exposed journalist see evaluation political problem, loss position of work, pro-long loss of life
because the media have run by the interest of the government. And the media to conduct
watchdog serving exposed that wrong doing act of the government officials and the institution
during this time the most stake holder groups have not properly answer. Due to this media not
want to be exposed there wrong deeds by media. The government most time use media wanted to
the entertain achievements than failures and the media more influence by the government in the
most practice.

The media acts expose with bias, corruption wrong act of government, missing government
conduct transparency, and accountability and. The Most democratic Media has promote to
struggle against maladministration, abuse of power, corruption act by watchdog role to promote
good governance.

Moreover, news media exercise an indispensible investigative function on the behalf of citizens
as the “Watchdog‟‟ of government and no government will earn trust of its citizenry without the

38
assurance certified by a watchdog press. Clearly, every media organization does not fulfill these
roles and in every country there are media who are more “unquestioning” than “watchdog” From
the finding and scholars point of view it was possible to say in many emerging democratic press
in part of political process and it was hard to imagine how government would manage to function
without it. Despite constitutional guarantees and wider public support, media in untried
democracies have been disabled by stringent laws, monopolistic ownership and sometimes brute
force.

Both my respondents argued that:

the Newspaper is not fully playing watchdog role of media promote good governance having
with different challenge like; the official and media organization did not fully interpreting media
law, unwillingness to give information, media own by government, lack of awareness with the
public to struggle when see government officials act failures like maladministration, corruption
and lack of openness. By this cause the media role become failures the informant Newspaper
editor agreed with informant editor of chief so Newspaper is not playing the role as expected.
However he observes for different reasons; this is advance that media in order to achieve the
roles doing with free from restrictive laws, rent seeking, government influence and Media
dependence.

The above finding both respondents agree that Media using guide role facilitating watchdog for
role promote good governance. But Media serving as watchdog the wrong deeds of the
government have not interested to properly answer. The government officials and other
stakeholder institution conduct media straggle for injustice have facing problem with the media.
Like, lack clear information gate the media, wrong door enemy the journal, lack of safety for
media worker, stakeholders& lack of evidence for wrong act, this problems coming result role of
media passive struggle for wrong actors. For these understand the researchers democratic media
have greater contribution for fostering good governance by active involvement of media play a
significant role to investigating corruption, maladministration, wrong act of government
officials, mediating the public and the government policies and application.

Therefore, The Sun newspaper for fostering good governance used as guided principle exercise
this role of media watchdog role, but by different problem influence the media practice for foster
of good governance. The cause of interference government, lack of transparency and
accountability of government official, lack of willingness for struggle wrong acts,
maladministration ,bias and dependency of judiciary of government. In addition the media adjust
different program, in order to promote good governance. But, the practice acts lapdog than
watchdog. Means media has passive for exposed wrong act.

Generally the researcher understanding from the respondents and document analyses Newspaper
acts promote role of watchdog have under question. Because the practice of media watchdog role
occur facing problems. Like, lack of transparency and accountability that wrong acts, media

39
struggle injustice have obstacle by corruption, maladministration, lack of independency and lack
freedom of press etc. In addition, the media adjust different program, in order to promote good
governance. But, the practice acts lapdog than watchdog .it means the media promoting good
governance under infant stage.

4.5.2 The role of media in facilitating public debate and discussion

The concerning the role of media in facilitating public debate and discussion was the civic forum
role, the press can strength public sphere by mediating between citizens and the state, facilitating
debate about the major issues of the day and informed. The Sun newspaper from the above
finding shows that, the media was facilitating public discussion and debate on different issues.
However, the coverage of Newspaper on good governance issue was good. Similarly, table 4.6
indicates The Sun newspaper providing necessary information to the citizens on governance
issue 80% said “yes”. It indicates as the program of newspaper has disseminated information
with to the audience to inculcate good governance.

According to informant of Newspaper editor side that:

However, as the government media, Newspaper does not give extent that the media should play
and give enough coverage on governance issue. Media was possible now most the informants
agreed that media was facilitating and discussion mostly other than governance issue. Therefore,
Newspaper was facilitating discussion and debate the extent that the media could give the
coverage of governance issue was good. But, coming result fruit of good governance have live
under minimum level.

Furthermore, that to facilitate this function of the media, journalists can include those powerful
issues in their news files by giving balanced space and duration arraigning special weekly and
daily programs for discussion this social issues. This can strengthen the process of creating
informed and active citizens which was most crucial steps for building democracy and good
governance. Thus, the above discussion showed that the media was playing its role in promoting
good governance but it ignores the role of watchdog and does less practice active citizens in
active involvement in good governance issue.

Generally, the role of media in facilitating public debate and discussion was fostering to the role
of good governance. Therefore, finding shows that the media is facilitating public discussion and
debate on different issues. The press can strength public sphere by mediating between citizens
and the state. To facilitating debate about the major issues of the day and informed the public
leaders facilitate this function of the media; journalists can arraign weekly and daily programs
for discussion this social issue. Like in program city forum, audience recommendation program
so, this can strengthen the process of creating informed and active citizens which is most crucial
steps for building democracy and good governance. Thus the above discussion showed that the

40
media is playing its role in promoting good governance. But, it ignores the role of watchdog and
less practice active citizens in active involvement of good governance issue.

Both government and Media working well on governance issue, Media’s great contribution to
enhancing good governance by active informed citizens and the program of Media have focus
with social, economic and political issue. These indicate the media as program using promote
good governance. But, the media have with some problems that obstacle to enhancing good
governance. like lack of transparency and accountability of government officials, the official and
media organization did not fully interpreting media law, unwillingness to give information,
media own by government, lack of awareness with the public to struggle when see government
officials act failures like maladministration, corruption and lack of openness.

4.6. Actual role of The Sun newspaper in fostering elements of good governance
Table 7: the actual role of The Sun newspaper in fostering elements of good governance

Items No Responden % Resn %

t Said dents said
“YES” “NO”

Is that the media can plays an important 20 8 40 12 60

role in ensuring transparency and
accountability of government?

Is that The Sun newspaper can create active 20 13 65 7 35

public participation on the political, social
and economic issue

Are media disseminating information about 20 12 60 8 40

the importance of rule of law?

Is that The Sun newspaper can full filing 20 10 50 10 50

responsibility ensure good governance?

Is that the media can performed its doing 20 7 35 13 65

efficiently and effectively in order to
promote good governance?

41
Is that The Sun newspaper having all issues 20 9 45 11 55
have equal and fair coverage?

Does The Sun newspapers work can ensure 20 7 35 13 65

national consensus for promote good
governance?

As indicated in the above table, the actual role of The Sun newspaper in fostering the element of
good governance from total respondent 47.14 percent of the respondents replied that said yes
where as 52.86 percent of the respondent said no. So that, the data shows the majority of the
respondent are not agree the actual role of The Sun newspaper in fostering the elements of good
governance, this indicate that The Sun newspaper has less effective practice to promote the
elements of good governance.

4.6.1 Conduct transparency and accountability for media to foster good governance

From the above table indicates that the media plays an important role in ensuring transparency
and accountability of government respondents replied that 40% said “yes ” they remain 60% said
“no” from this understanding to the researcher has media for conducting transparency and
accountability allow with media to fostering good governance .

According to The Sun newspaper editor said that:

For this media accountability and transparency conducted, they have different programs design
Newspaper for the audiences‟ awareness creation about the importance transparency and
transparency for promoting good governance, hence, the program public discussion and debate,
audience recommendations program and urban form. But, this program result still under less
effective. Because, most time journalist collect information from government institution and
non-government institution, have gate bias information and official’s not full evidence give the
public interest rather conduct private interest of the government respect. Due to this for fostering
good governance this media grass root for media conduct transparency and accountability.

According to informant (editor in the chief Newspaper):

Facilitated institutions accountability and transparency the media can play important role
providing expose these wrong acts. Like bias, corruption, violation of citizen’s right checks by
using these tools. But, in practice has less result. Because By the cause of lack of interpret law,
lack of independent media ,lack of willingness for stake holder for give information and
dependency judiciary have seriously affect for media conduct transparency accountability.

42
From the above finding analysis to the researchers media conduct transparency and
accountability address for the audiences have crucial for fostering good governance. The media
exercise their role to investigative government accountability and transparency behalf media has
watchdog of government and no wall properly to answer her action, the media acts with more
lapdog than watchdog role.

Therefore media have great role for checking the wrong act institution and government. But, The
Sun newspaper Many facing problem for conduct media lack of transparency and accountability
to implement, this problem was lack of interpret media law, lack free press, lack of safety
journalists, lack of willingness for stake holders gave information. So that The Sun newspaper
conducts fostering good governance serves as lapdog rather watchdog role. It means not properly
conduct transparency and accountability the media.

4.2.2 The Sun newspaper promote active participation citizens in foster good governance

To illustrate the above table, from the total participant in the questioners 65 percents argued that
The Sun newspaper can create active public participation on the political, social and economic
issue, but the rest participants said that, it is not engage the peoples participation in the well
manner.

Peoples active in public forum and governance issue of the country have hart to builds
democracy development of the country, to ensure the greater participation of marginalized
groups, ethnic minorities, and disability groups and under privilege group in most developing
countries excluded.

Generally, from the above respondents find in The Sun newspaper programs in order to fostering
good governances Peoples active involve for social, economic and political issue, but under
Newspaper not equal coverage all section of the society. This indicate that fostering good
governance have effect under this element. But the other respondents have agreed media active
involvement public participation for promote of good governance.

4.6.3 Rule of law

From the above table 4.7 indicates that The Sun newspaper have playing role for educating the
public about important of rule of law respondent replied 60% said yes, where they remain 40%
has said no this indicates media have effectively practice for people’s awareness change for
attitudes.

According to informant (editor in the chief Newspaper):

I believe that design program for awareness creation for understanding the important good
governance, but when evaluation for the society implementation has not grammatically change.

43
even if when to now the concept understanding rule of law into ground practice level still
problematic, he said that the attitudinal change of the society have not practically implemented.

According to informant (Newspaper editor said that):

He agree to with the above respondent ,it adds to the media promotion of rule of law ,but most of
government officials violate and enforce to change content and program of newspaper for the
interest of government.

The rule of law best seen as an ideal where impartial enforcement of laws was enthroned in
every sector of the society rule of law execute in media role model for upholding democracies.
Fostering good governances and promoting openness of all the institutions that are relevant in
ensuring that the rule of law is respected in the society.

From the above finding The Sun newspaper for fostering rule of law as guiding principle
implemented as program designed awareness the importance of rule of law. But the attitudinal
change of the society and the honor lawyers not fully implemented.

4.6.4 Media fulfilling responsibility ensure Good governance

from the above table 4.7 indicate that The Sun newspaper can full filing its responsibility to
ensure good governance the respondent replied that 50% said “yes”, for the remain 50% said
“no”. this indicate that Newspaper the half way practice for soldering responsibility for fostering
good governance, in the other absence of answerable for action for media.

The media act as feedback mechanism where the public are given the opportunity to bring their
plight to the notice of the state, often times than not the media do this through various media
campaigns that serves to remain the state of obligations to the society. The vigilance and capacity
of the media are particularly important in tracking the availability and accessibility of services to
various segment of the public.

According to informant (Newspaper editor said that):

“For the media fulfilling responsibility to fostering good under media properly caring
responsibility have using as ground principle implement and fostering good governance. He adds
to from this in order insure fulfilling responsibility for Newspaper worker giving the
organization responsibility and as the same time counting result.”

Therefore from the above finding media in order to foster good governance media act to
feedback mechanism where the public are given idea transfer to the state. And the respondent
agrees with to insure good governance taking care responsibility with different position of
workers.

44
4.6.5 Media doing efficiently and effectively for promote good governance

As indicate the above table 4.7 The Sun newspaper the media can performed it’s doing
efficiently and effectively in order to promote good governance the respondent replies 35% said
“yes “while as 65“no”. This indicates media doing for good productive for considering time and
resources poor result. When the others resource and time not effectively used. It indicates the
Newspaper have problem faced with resources and time using.

The media though development of media campaigns, documentaries, editorial comments and
other platforms for criticism can spotlight institutions and practices that are inefficient and
unproductive. The media organization has serving the public and the government have to do by
good result and address for properly on time and honesty gain productive.

From both informants said that

Media have developing in production and full address for stakeholder for reasonable time. This
was very important for media to fostering good governance. But, The Sun newspaper has facing
problem related with on time information addresses and related honestly production results.

From this finding media The Sun newspaper facing problem to lack of efficiency and effectively
of media. Therefore media more productive a about good governance and honestly &timely
cannot address information for public. This result The Sun newspaper cannot foster good
governance.

4.6.6 The Sun newspaper having all issues have equal and fair coverage

From the above table 4.7 indicates that The Sun newspaper having all issues have equal and fair
coverage respondents replies45% said “yes”. While as 55% said “no “this shows that The Sun
newspaper having conduct for not equal coverage for media. This indicate the media
organization have bias and have not fair and unbalance information address with the public. By
this cause Media lack of fostering good governance.

From this finding Media has fostering for good governance. It requires Media’s equal and fair
coverage. But to understanding from respondent’s government influence intervention content,
lack free press and dependency of media. So the vulnerable groups have can‟t fair balance
coverage. Therefore The Sun newspaper has not media fostering good governance.

4.6.7 Media work can ensure national consensus for promote good governance

From the above table 4.7 indicates that The Sun newspapers work can ensure national consensus
for promote good governance the respondents replied that 35% said “yes” remain 65%”no”. This

45
indicates that. The Sun newspaper for working ensure national consensus for promoting good
governance. Have less practice, media not work stand for builds national consensus.

Informants of editor Newspaper editor agree with the above informant. In addition, to Media
actively engage now a day promotion national consensus for using media fostering good
governance address by the media.

Generalizing finding from questioners The Sun newspaper for working ensure national
consensus for promoting good governance. Have less practice, media work stand for builds
national consensus. But, the informants have agreed Media because problems build national
consensus by the political bargaining and lack of attitude with the society Media obstacle for
build national consensus.

Table 8: the relation between Newspaper and the government

Total Said % Said “no” %

number
Item ”yes”

Is media exclusively rule and 20 12 60 8 40

regulation by government in
all activities?

Is media implement program 20 7 35 13 65

independent and freely?

25
15
Is Government officials are 20 5 75
volunteer give response for its
failures when to ask by
journals?

The media mostly entertain 20 14 70 6 30

the view of government on
different issues?

46
Government takes 20 13 65 7 35
administrative measures if
media disseminate stories that
are critical about officials?

4.7 The relation between media and the government

To illustrate the above table the relationship between The Sun newspaper and the government.
Of the different factors that define the role of media was good governance one way to know the
role of good governance by differentiating the relation between Newspaper and government‟. In
accordance with the respondents were asked to give what kind relationship that has the
government and media, these indicate of respondents are average (51) replies “yes” and 49
respondents replies “no”. The relationship between The Sun newspapers has positive relation,
when to express rankly.

The media mostly entertain the view of government on different issue (70) percent. government
takes administrative measures if media disseminate stories that are critical about officials (65)
percent, media directed solely by rule and regulation of government in all activities (60) percent,
media function its activates and programs independently and freely (35) percent and while as
government officials are volunteer to give response for its failures in the time of ask by journalist
(25) percent. Therefore the average 51 percent of the replied said that “yes” the relation between
The Sun newspaper and Government is not positive

4.7.1 Media independency

As indicate the above table 4.8 the government using media directly solely by the rule and
regulation of the government with all activity the respondents replied 60% “yes”, while remain
40% has not agree media all activity solely by the government, it means media influenced by
government intervention. Similarly media function was activities and program independent and
freely, under the table indicates 35% said “yes” the others 65% have agree government
intervention in contents of media program.(table:4.8)

Informant editors Newspaper says that:

The government media contents or the program of the media are mainly adjusted by the
independent media without intervention government. And also the role was regularly
implementing the media principle, but sometimes exceptionally government intervention in
content. Therefore the role of government exists but, this role does not mean that government

47
controls every activity in media, therefore the relation between media government is relatively
fair.

Government officials have enforced media for serving government rather public interest. In most
developing counters has media conducting for the interest for the governing and the relationship
between media and government acts dependently and the more not favorable relationship, the
more successful Newspaper would be in playing its role. But the finding showed that relation
between media and government it’s far from its expected on the role of media.

From the above finding researchers government has intervention with the media, in the program
contents of the media; all activities Media work run by government interest and the guiding
principle not implemented by the case of media dependency. But respondent of Newspaper
editors have not agree idea of dependency of media. He said that Media run by independently act
principle guiding rule, but the problem in the time media inculcate transparency and
accountability more influence the journalist.

Generally media independency has using the ground principle, but the implementation has live
under problematic exercise of independency of media. By this case the relationship media and
government unfriendly relationship.

4.7.2 Media mostly entertain the view of government

As indicate table 4.8 that the media mostly entertain the view of government on different issue
the respondents 65% have said yes, they remain 35% said no that media mostly not interest
entertain the view of the government and work as serve as independent media. And this indicates
that mostly media disseminate information for the for the sake of government and media works
does not include the interest of people.

The respondent editor of Newspaper said that:

This Media for long year experience have conduct give service for inculcate government by
advertize, the journalists program adjusting for conduct for interest of the government and
editors edit program for evaluation government. Although coming soon government change
media recognition for independent, but in practice same program of media influence with
interest of government The media promote to developmental issues of peace and democracy take
up much of the news reporting. It could be possible to argue that The Sun newspaper has close
relationship with the government and entertain the programs with the restriction of the
government, thus the relationship inevitability affects the media practices either positively or
negatively, (informant editor of the chife:2022)

However, when the government puts illegitimate sanctions including censorship on the media,
the negative prevails, similarly, when the government learns from the media tends to reports

48
truthfully and objectively, positive relationship could be secured and when reverse happens, the
relationship would turnout of the favorable

In Nigeria, the state is largest of media out lets, the state also funds a number of media outlet, at
the same time state plays a role as media regulator, it drafts media laws and other legislations
related to ownership, regulation and access of information. More recently, Nigeria media policy
documents interrelated with developmental democratic mass media policy and strategy of FDRE
which aims to establish a media that nature developmental democratic system in the country
functioning with the responsibility and more secure the national interest of the country.
Generally this finding researcher understands from respondents and scholars The Sun newspaper
in the past history the governments used media entertain the interest of government. Now a day
change the government media give mission for serving for focus community change. But the
implementation media the editor influence to do content and program design for interest of
government and using media government officials exaggerate about positive contribute by
covering negative.

Therefore the relation between media and government has not positive relation. by the problem
of government intervention in media content and program, obligated media for entertain of the
government problem the relation between government and media put negative sanction
atmosphere. So this media the hinder factor for foster good governance was hostile relationships
or negative relationship between media and government

4. 8 the relation between the Newspaper and the public

Table 9: the relation between the Newspaper and the public

items NO Said % Said %

”yes” “NO
”

Is media can has close relationship with the public? 20 18 90 2 10

Is the public often relying on the media in making 20 15 75 5 25

the voice to be heard?

Does The can public participants in different issues 20 18 90 2 10

on the media program?

49
Does media focus on public grievance and deep 20 5 25 15 75
rooted problems of the public?

Is the can public perceives and support the role of 20 17 85 3 15

media in promotes good governance?

Does the public wants the media to promote good 20 15 75 5 25

governance?

SOURCE: from the researcher analysis, 2022

4.8.1 The media and public relationship

Illustrates the above table Newspaper has close relationship with the public with the average
(73.3) percent respondents replies “yes” and remain 26.7 percent respondents replies “no”. this
indicate that media and public good atmosphere relationship in media has heard and support by
recommendation issues program by public, participation publics in different newspaper program
and the public support the media to inculcating good governance. While media focus on
grievance of the public and solve the problem was not fully under this newspaper station.
According to the editor The Sun newspaper said that:

The media has various groups’ audiences these audiences can be found from the society either
by attraction of media content or they exist before the media. These show that the contents of
media can produce new attract the audience to the media. Therefore the type and amount of
media was basic factor for audience’s attention. However the survey finding reviles that the
content of Newspaper was other than good governance issue. hence, the public actively engage
for the media program cover good governance issue, but the society have listing newspaper for
entertainment without attention media foster good governance. So media not attitudinal change
with the society, because lack of awareness for media for contribution of good governance.

from the perspective of communication studies, one possible way measure and evaluate good
governance was to look at how media and describe governance issue and there by influence
citizens perception of performance government official’s. Therefore, this study was related with
framing theory on the top. The argue journalists or reporters are capable of selecting some
attributes and making such attributes more silent than others, which can influence audiences
opinion.

From this finding, it is clear that the relation between media displayed and audiences has
positive. Media grate contribution with reshaped society attitude. But from the finding of

50
researcher indicates that the society listing newspaper for entertainment than practice role
promote good governance and the media role of solving the grievance of the society still
problematic. The media do focus with good governance issue in its contents of program. On the
other hand the slogan of The Sun newspaper was focus for community change serving the
community and the audience’s using entertain on media than other good governance issue.

4.8.2 Media support the public foster good governance

From the above the researcher understanding to the relationship media and public issue was
positive to show with say yes (73.3%)

According to informant Newspaper editor say that:

has close relationship with society it could be expressed in terms of public discussion on
different issue organized by media, people have direct contact with the media by audience give
information by phone on the air in this regard The Sun newspaper has many customers that
participate in discussion.

As the same time media close relationship with the public and with these indicate the media and
the public has strong relationship and cooperatively work for promote good governance. For
instance in order to get support the media focus work with community change these slogan helps
to the media work to solve related problem. Like social, political issue and grievances to be
negation between government and public.

There was general agreement the media contents should interest and the dominance audiences
through covering the interest of the public, although there are various factors that affect media in
covering this activity. The media have participation the public in programs of suggestion
audience, urban forum, and news program of Newspaper using public relation. It could be
possible to argue that the relation between media and the public favorable atmosphere. But, the
relationship is not addressable issue of good governance; rather media disseminates the
informant’s to public other than governance issue and entertain to the public. Therefore both of
them are missing the role media fostering good governance and serving the media effectively.

Table 4.10: The Challenges of media when trying to promote good governance

51
SOURCE: from the researcher analysis, 2022

AS Illustrate the above table the challenge of The Sun newspaper for trying promoting good
governance with comparing by percentage would help we understand the challenge was more
bothering than the others did. With the average 47% the respondent replies “yes” and 53%
respondent replies “no”. these indicates Newspaper have many challenge, these was rankly
government regulation restriction the media to promote good governance, government officials
have not interested to answered properly, influence of government on the media program and
content, there is no public awareness to promote good governance and there is no enough skilled
journalist in media.

4.9 The Challenges of media when trying to promote good governance

52
 Consequently, it could understand from the above table that the percent the media have many
challenges to fostering good governance. From each percentage have (60) percent has absence of
awareness and active involvement of public regarding media’s promoting good governance role,
and high government officials are deliberately protected from cross-examination questions and
investigating by media (60) percent, The influence media of the government on media content
and program (50) percent, government regulations restriction the media to foster good
governance 45 percent and there is no enough skilled journalist in media (20) percent is the issue
for rising challenge of media for promote good governance. According to the respondents on the
average media faces challenges in trying promote good governance (53) percent.

From the researcher understanding the table indicates The Sun newspaper have many challenge
in the time to promote good governance. Like, lack of awareness, lack of active involvement
public media concerning good governance issue, high government officials are deliberately
protected from protection questions from media, influence of government on media content and
programs, government regulation restrict the media to promote good governance and there is no
enough skilled journalist in the media become the list challenge of The Sun newspaper.

The interview finding shows that the media is facing a number of problems in struggling to carry
out its expected play role of media. Under this finding also shows that lack of awareness and
active involvement of society in good governance issue, restrictive laws ,influence government
ownership on content program of media, deliberate protection government officials cross
examination with media are the major challenge of The Sun newspaper with the reference to
good governance role. The informants have also identified various challenges.

According to informants editor in the chief of The Sun newspaper said that:

The challenges when to asking journalist to higher government officials do not

openness(transparency) to give information for journalist ,even some times they do not respond
when call phone for officials. This raises the journals question to the government officials not
conduct transparency and accountability in the time of design program content the governments
have highly influence for editing the program for the interests’ government and journalists
highly influence by government. Similarly, in the time participation the public report the media,
we engage two parties to determine the authenticity of information, but some government
officials denote provide full information.

The interview finding shows that the media is facing a number of problems in struggling to carry
out its expected play role of media. Under this finding also shows that lack of awareness and
active involvement of society in good governance issue, restrictive laws, influence government
ownership on content program of media ,deliberate shielded government officials are the major
challenge of The Sun newspaper with the reference to good governance role.

The informants have also identified various challenges.

53
media faces a number of challenges there are several limitation includes, state control of the new
media passing of restriction on such as censorship, state ownership of the media, legal
restriction on freedom of expression and publication, criminal prosecution of
journalist ,maladministration, dependency of freedom of press, lack of media literacy and access
to news media. This limitation prevents citizens from acquiring and adequate information to
understanding of how current affairs their lives and therefore diminish their political authority.

Furthermore, citizens participation in governance issue so as to hold government accountability

and transparency was encountered some challenges due mainly the sensitivity of the theme of
governance to the politics. The major challenge faced where limited interest well educated
community to get involved in the practice(through process stage),this was attributed largely
during 2005 national election where the opposition party won the election, this result the
educated community remained retarded to take part in development activities‟ including
governance issue.

From the analysis, survey and interview of participants, it is possible to understand that the result
was to some extent. Similar, there are hindering factors in the side of media and audience
interaction to become strong and component through this factor media need to do a reach on its
and shape its approach accordingly.

Generally the researchers have analysis with questioners, interview and document analysis. The
Sun newspaper in the time of fostering good governance they are many challenges faces these
was lack of awareness with the society about importance of good governance, lack of active
involvement public in media concerning good governance issue, high government officials were
asking the media about wrong acts has deliberately protection from cross-examinations
questions, lack of conduct government officials transparency and accountability, influence editor
of media, influence of government on media content and programs, government regulation
restrict the media to promote good governance, state ownership of the media, lack of
involvement society in good governance issue, legal restriction on freedom of expression and
publication, sanction with journalist, maladministration, dependency of freedom of press, lack of
media literacy and access to news media.

54
CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary
The aim of this study was to assess the role of media in promoting good governance in the: case
of The Sun newspaper. The study would conducts to asses actual role of media foster element of
good governance, identify the relationship media with public and government with media,
identify the problems and suggest possible solution.

Both qualitative and quantitative research methodology where to use make a research analysis.
Data collected through questionnaires from those The Sun newspaper journalist, interview and
document analysis were also used as a data source to supplement the questioners. The researcher
was selected 20 journalists by purposive sampling for questioners and also 2 individuals
purposely for in-depth interview. Data was interpreted and analyzed through using both
qualitative and quantitative analysis method. In addition to descriptive and exploratory research
Design methods have used.

From the finding showed that The Sun newspaper station program was primary focus on social,
economic and political issues, so under this media having coverage with good governance issues
in the media program. With reference to the respondent perceptions and understanding of their
role of media in promoting good governance, the finding reveal that The Sun newspaper has
contribution in the process of creating informed and active citizens. So the media has the most
crucial role for building democracy and good governance. Have a role of media watchdog and
facilitating public debate and discussion roles of media very important for free communicate and
solve existing problem by cloth relation between the society and government. But not fully
implement watchdog role of media. Due to media’s government restrictive law, dependency of
media, lack of legal protection of media worker, unwillingness stake holders give information
and lack of awareness peoples about important of media watchdog role. In an addition media’s
role for public discussion and debate having good practices with comparative the watchdog role
of media, the media has contribute entertain than exercise promote good governance.

Similarly, with indication of the respondent The Sun newspaper for the role of fostering element
of good governance shows that media having using as a guide line for this element of good
governance. But the implementations of element of good governance have partial level of
practice. Therefore media create active public participation, Media give services about
importance of rule of law, and fulfilling responsibility media, having a good implementation for
enhancing good governance. But less conduct of media in transparency and accountability of
government, equity and inclusive, efficiency and effectiveness and media build national
consensus.

55
According to the finding collaboration was found to be a role that the media should play the
research has attempted to look at the relationship that media have with the government was not
favorable the study also asserts that there are government actives that distributed the relationship
between media and government. in fact as government owned media, there are restrictive law,
lack of freedom of media, government officials are sometimes reluctant or stagnant to give
information and responses and government takes measures of media disseminates stories which
are critical about officials were challenges that hinder good relationships.

Therefore, the relationship that exists between media and public are positive even through media
and public do not communicate each other on the issue of good governance. The analysis showed
that the media was entertained other than good governance issue and the public also has no
awareness and interest in the role of media to promote good governance. Due to this the public
wants to the media to entertain and read its programs, this suggests that media has positive
relationship to the public.

furthermore, the major challenge that hinder the media in promoting good governance, almost all
the participants of the study respondents that media is in trouble to promote good governance,
both questionnaires and interview participates agreed that media is far from in playing exist role
good governance issue because of different reasons reveled in the study, this clearly showed The
Sun newspapers not fostering good governance by the media facing a number of problems in
struggling to carry out its expected play role of media. Under this finding also shows that lack of
awareness and active involvement of society in good governance issue, government restrictive
laws, influence government ownership on content program of media, deliberate protections
government officials cross examine by journals, unwillingness government officials to give
reliable information and lack of implement media law and principle are the major challenge of
The Sun newspaper with the reference to good governance role.

5.2 Conclusion
In facilitating issues like good governance, media can play a significant role by investigating
maladministration, corruption, awareness creation about important of good governance and build
democracy, mediating the public and the government policies and applications. In order to assess
the role of The Sun newspaper in fostering good governance, the actual role that media was
playing, the role of media fostering element of good governance, the relationship that exists
between media and the government and media with public and major challenges that hinders the
media in struggling to promote good governance were taken as the major criteria for the
assessment.

The overall study showed that Newspaper station was primarily focus on social, economic and
political issues. But it does not mean that good governance issues are not totally ignored in the
media’s program. The study revealed that a few number of good governance issues were

56
entertained in the station. In this case, a role of media watchdog and facilitating public debate
and discussion roles had used a guide principle of media. But the issue of good under this role
had problematic, specially watchdog role problem circumstance in media.

Similarly the role media of fostering element of good governance shows that media having used
as a guide line for this element of good governance, but the implementation of element of good
governance had partial level practice. In addition to this, study revealed that the relation between
the government and the media was not positive. The participants believed that when the
government puts illegitimate sanctions on the media, the relation becomes a friendly. From this it
can be understood that media was not working independently; so media challenges that
intervention government and obstacle to foster good governance.

Furthermore, the relationship that exists between media and the public was positive even though
media and public do not communicate each other on the issue of good governance. The analysis
showed that the media was entertained other than governance issues and the public also has no
awareness and interest in the role of media to promote good governance. Due to this the public
wants the media to entertain than learning importance of good governance. This indicate that
media has positive relation with public. But issue of good governance has not cooperatively
worked.

To see the major challenges that hinder the media in promoting good governance, almost all the
participants of the study responds that media was in challenges to promote good governance.
Both questionnaire and interview participants agreed that media is far from in playing expected
role of good governance issues because of different reasons reveled in the study. This clearly
showed that Newspaper is not effective in playing its role. Generally finds reveals that The Sun
newspaper promotes good governance practices at infant stage by the above factors of media.

5.3 Recommandation
Based on the findings of these researchers, the following recommendations are forwarded by
assuming that they could be important inputs to government (policy makers) and the media to
reshape their support to improve Media fostering good governance.

 The media workers have properly implemented code of professional ethics at work place
and exercises law of Nigerian broad cast corporation law in order to foster good governance.

 In order to satisfaction accomplish promotion of good governance they need for The Sun
newspaper for infrastructure, organizational capacity building and adequate investigate capacity.

 The government officials shall be carrying responsibility willingness to give clear

information with the public and Media trusty serving the public act with independently.

57
 To promote good governance Newspaper must maintain its independent while being
responsible and must operate an effective system self-monitoring.

 The media particularly The Sun newspaper need to now deep rooted social problem and
should cover them in their dominant air time and mediating to solve exist problem of the society.

 The media shall be conduct different researchers at different times; this helps the media
to understand the expectation and perception of public in media role and therefore can get
support from the public.

 The media shall be conduct on nation building and stand for doing cooperative media;
public and government for promote good governance.

 Since another media was not included and compared in this study, further research can be
conduct on the comparisons of this media with other media to find out the degree of
effectiveness in playing its role to enhance of good governance.

58
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Questionnaire

Please fill the spaces provided and tick the boxes appropriately. Note that your information will

be treated as confidential and only used for the purpose of this research. Thank you for your

cooperation!

Part One: Background Information of the Respondent

The profile of respondents

1. Age A. 20-25 B. 26-30 C. 31-35 D. 36- 40 E. 41- 50 F. above 50 years

2. Sex A. Male B. Female

3. Educational level

A. M.A degree B. B.A/ BSC Degree C. Diploma D. Grade 12 below

4. The field of the study

A. Journalism and communication C. Other social science

B. Natural science D. Other fields

5. For how long did you work in this responsibility?

A. For more than 10 years B. 5-10 Years C. For less than 5 years

6. Which of the following issues is your focus when producing your programs?

A. Social issues B. Economic and business issues C. Political issues D. Socio economic and
political issues E. Other issues

63
PART TWO

Your answers in this part are to given by saying „Yes‟ or „No‟ and put √ mark in the table

Yes No
Table 1: the role of The Sun newspaper in promoting good governance.

Items Yes No

IS can media has a forum of discussion and

debate on different issues?

IS media serving as a watch dog over the

wrong deeds of the government and other?

Is Media can providing

necessary information to the citizens
on governance issue?

IS media is general contributing to enhance

good governance by creating active and
informed citizens?

Media can serve to struggle for injustice

occurs with one’s country?

Table 2: the actual role of The Sun newspaper in fostering elements of good governance
Items “YES” “NO”

Is that the media can plays an important role in

ensuring transparency and accountability of
government?

64
Is that The Sun newspaper can create active public
participation on the political, social and economic

issue?

Are media disseminating information about the

importance of rule of law?

Is that The Sun newspaper can full filing

responsibility ensure good governance?

Is that the media can performed its doing efficiently

and effectively in order to promote good governance?

Is that The Sun newspaper having all issues have

equal and fair coverage?

Does The Sun newspapers work can ensure national

consensus for promote good governance?

Table 3: the relation between Newspaper and the government

Item Yes No

Is media exclusively rule and regulation by

government in all activities?

Is media implement program independent and

freely?

Is Government officials are volunteer give

response for its failures when to ask by

65
journals?

The media mostly entertain the view of

government on different issues?

Government takes administrative measures if

media disseminate stories that are critical about
officials?

Table 4: the relation between the Newspaper and the public

items Yes No

Is media can has close relationship with the

public?

Is the public often relying on the media in

making the voice to be heard?

Does The can public participants in different

issues on the media program?

Does media focus on public grievance and

deep rooted problems of the public?

Is the can public perceives and support the

role of media in promotes good governance?

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Does the public wants the media to promote
good governance?

Table 5: The Challenges of media when trying to promote good governance

Items Yes No

Does Government regulations restricts the media to

play a role in fostering good governance?

Does High government official are deliberately

protect from cross-examination questions from
media?

Does influence government on media content and

program?

Does their no awareness and active involvement of

public regarding to media’s promote good
governance?

Does journalist is no enough skilled in the media?

67