BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Media refers to the various channels through which information, news,

and entertainment are disseminated to the public. In Nigeria, the media

industry is diverse and includes print, broadcast, and digital media.

These platforms play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, promoting

democracy, and facilitating development (Oso, 2006).

Globalization, on the other hand, refers to the increasing

interconnectedness of people, businesses, and cultures across national

borders. It is driven by advancements in technology, trade liberalization,

and cultural exchange. In Nigeria, globalization has had a significant

impact on the media industry, both in terms of opportunities and

challenges (Idowu, 2015).

Nigeria's media industry has a long history, dating back to the colonial

era when newspapers were used to promote colonial interests. After

independence in 1960, the media became a critical tool for promoting

democracy and national development. However, the industry has faced

numerous challenges over the years, including government censorship,

lack of access to funding, and poor infrastructure (Oso, 2006).

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The advent of globalization has brought new opportunities for the

Nigerian media industry. The growth of digital technology has made it

easier for media organizations to reach a global audience and has

created new revenue streams through online advertising and

subscriptions. However, globalization has also brought challenges,

including increased competition from foreign media organizations and

the need to adapt to global standards and trends (Adegoke, 2017).

The Nigerian government has attempted to regulate the media industry,

with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) responsible for

overseeing broadcast media and the Nigerian Press Council (NPC)

responsible for print media. However, these bodies have been accused

of limiting media freedom and stifling dissent (Adegoke, 2017).

In conclusion, media and globalization in Nigeria are complex and

multifaceted concepts. While globalization presents new opportunities

for the media industry, it also brings challenges that must be addressed.

The Nigerian government must strike a balance between regulating the

media industry and promoting media freedom to ensure that the media

can play its critical role in promoting democracy and development

(Idowu, 2015).

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 The Concept of Mass Media

Media, derived from the plural form of "medium," denotes the diverse array of

channels facilitating communication and contact. Kirby et al. (1997) distinguish a

medium as a singular source of information or communication technique, while

media, in their interpretation, encompasses multiple sources intended for a broader

audience, often described as a mass audience. Nwoke (1997) conceptualizes media

as conduits for transmitting messages, information, ideas, and knowledge to people,

or instilling them in learners.

Expanding on this perspective, Giddens (2004) offers a comprehensive definition of

media, encompassing an extensive range of forms. These include television,

newspapers, films, magazines, advertisements, video games, CDs, satellite cables,

and web or internet facilities, collectively designed to engage a mass audience. In

colloquial terms, media constitutes the diverse means of mass communication,

spanning television, radio, newspapers, and the internet. Through these channels, a

wide spectrum of information, news, and entertainment is disseminated to a vast

and diverse audience, wielding a profound influence on public opinion and societal

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norms.

Media in Nigeria

Nigeria's media landscape has a rich and complex history that reflects

the country's political, social, and economic realities. The first

newspapers in Nigeria were established during the colonial period in the

late 19th and early 20th centuries, with many of them serving as

mouthpieces for colonial authorities. However, there were also

newspapers that advocated for independence and promoted nationalist

ideas.

After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the media became an

important tool for political mobilization and activism. During the military

regime in the 1980s, the government restricted press freedom and many

journalists were arrested or imprisoned. However, with the transition to

democracy in the 1990s, the media was able to operate more freely, and

there was an explosion of new media outlets.

Today, Nigeria's media landscape is diverse and vibrant, with a range of

print, broadcast, and online outlets. However, there are still challenges
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to press freedom in the country, including government censorship,

harassment of journalists, and violence against media workers. Despite

these challenges, Nigeria's media continues to play an important role in

shaping public opinion and holding those in power accountable.

Certainly! Nigeria has a diverse and vibrant media landscape, with a

range of print, broadcast, and online outlets. Here are some of the key

types of media in Nigeria:

1. Newspapers: Nigeria has a rich tradition of newspaper journalism, with

dozens of daily and weekly publications in circulation. Some of the most

prominent newspapers include The Guardian, Punch, Vanguard, ThisDay,

and The Nation.

2. Television: Nigeria has several national and regional TV networks,

including the state-owned Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Channels

TV, TVC, Silverbird TV, and AIT. There are also several satellite and

cable channels available, including DSTV and Startimes.

3. Radio: Radio is a popular medium in Nigeria, with hundreds of

stations broadcasting across the country. Some of the most popular

stations include Radio Nigeria, Cool FM, Wazobia FM, and Classic FM.
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4. Online media: With the rise of the internet, online media has become

increasingly important in Nigeria. There are several popular news

websites, including The Cable, Premium Times, Sahara Reporters, and

Naija News.

5. Magazines: Nigeria has a thriving magazine industry, with publications

covering a range of topics from fashion and entertainment to politics

and business. Some of the most popular magazines include Genevieve,

ThisDay Style, and Vanguard Allure.

6. Social media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and

Instagram are widely used in Nigeria, both for personal communication

and for sharing news and information. Many media outlets have a strong

presence on social media, and some journalists have even built large

followings on these platforms.

Concept of Globalization

Globalization according to MacGillivray (2006) is one of the most

pervasive, but deeply contested processes and developments in

contemporary society. This is evident in the avalanche of writings and

essays

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focusing on particular aspects of the process. Writers have thus

disagreed not only on its actual definition, but also its nature, historical

origins, relevance and impact in society. Indeed, David Held and Anthony

McGrew (2002) have described debates about it as ‘one of the most

fundamental debates of our time.’ Although in a sense, globalization can

be said to be a new term for an age-old process of social and

economic transformation, the extensive scope of its operation has led to

its present dominant position in contemporary discourse. This explains

why so many socio-economic and even political developments are

attributed either directly or indirectly to globalization.

Globalization phenomena like many social science concept is pregnant

with meaning; the definition has been inherently problematic; this is

partly because as a multi-faceted process, while some have emphasized

the economic aspect of the process, others focus on its social political,

cultural or even technological dimensions.

Globalization can be defined as “a complex economic, political, cultural,

and geographic process in which the mobility of capital, organizations,

ideas, discourses, and peoples has taken a global or transnational form

(Moghadam 1999). It can also be defined as “the network of connections

of organisations and people across national, geographic and cultural

7
borders and boundaries” (Pearson Education, 2002). According to a

more detailed definition:

Globalisation refers to the increasing importance of international trade,

international relations, treaties, alliance etc. International of course

means between or among nations. The basic unit remains the nation

even as relations among other nations become increasingly necessary

and important” (Daly, 1999:1).

Emphasizing the time-space compression and the stretching of social

relations in the modern era, Anthony Giddens (1990) defines globalization

as ‘the intensification of worldwide social relations which link distant

localities in such a way that local happenings are shaped by events

occurring many miles away and vice versa’. He recognizes the fact that

this entails a dialectical process since such local happenings may move

in an opposite direction from those that shape them.

While admitting that ‘globalization is very hard to define,’ (2002)

Boaventura de Sousa Santos prefers a definition that is more sensitive

to the social, political, and cultural dimensions of contemporary society.

For him, globalization is ‘the process by which a given local condition or

entity succeeds in extending its reach over the globe and, by doing so,

8
develops the capacity to designate a rival social condition or entity as

local’. He draws attention to two significant aspects of this definition:

i) That in the conditions of the Western capitalist world system there is

no genuine globalization because what we call ‘globalization’ is always

the successful globalization of a given localism. His explanation for this

is that there is no global condition for which we cannot find a local root,

a specific source of cultural embeddedness.

ii) Globalization entails localization, and we live in a world of localization

as much as we live in a world of globalization. He illustrates this with the

globalization of English Language as the lingua franca which has

entailed the localization of other potentially global languages, such as

French. Similarly, the globalization of the Hollywood star system has

entailed the ethnicization of the Hindu star system or other actors. He

therefore submits that the full meaning and explanation of any given

process of globalization can only be identified if we equally consider the

adjacent processes of relocalization occurring in tandem and intertwined

with it. From this analysis, he makes the controversial formulation that

there is strictly no single entity called globalization, but rather

‘globalizations’ and, suggests that we should always use the term in this
9
plural sense (Ibid). He argues that what we call globalization consists of

sets of social relations which inevitably change, and, since

‘globalizations’ are bundles of social relations; these are bound to

involve conflicts resulting in the emergence of winners and losers (Ibid).

His general definition and description of the globalization process has

close similarities with that proffered by Roland Robertson who states

that ‘we may best consider contemporary globalization in its most

general sense as a form of institutionalization of the two-fold process

involving the universalization of particularism and the particularization of

universalism’(1992)

Globalization in Nigeria: Opportunities and Challenges for Economic

Development

Abstract: This research study explores the impact of globalization on

Nigeria's economic development. Using a mixed-methods approach that

combines secondary data analysis and interviews with key stakeholders,

the study examines the opportunities and challenges presented by

globalization in Nigeria. The study finds that while globalization has

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created new opportunities for Nigeria, such as increased foreign

investment and access to global markets, it has also brought challenges,

such as increased competition and the need to adapt to global

standards and trends. The study concludes with recommendations for

policymakers to maximize the benefits of globalization while minimizing

its negative impacts.

Introduction: Globalization has become a buzzword in recent years, with

many countries seeking to take advantage of the opportunities

presented by increased interconnectedness and global trade. Nigeria, as

the largest economy in Africa, has not been left behind in this trend. The

Nigerian government has implemented various policies aimed at

attracting foreign investment and promoting global trade. However, the

impact of globalization on Nigeria's economic development remains a

subject of debate. This study seeks to explore this impact by examining

the opportunities and challenges presented by globalization in Nigeria.

To maximize the benefits of globalization, policymakers need to address

the challenges faced by different sectors and promote policies that

facilitate greater participation in the global economy. These policies

should include investments in infrastructure, education, and innovation.

At the same time, policymakers need to ensure that globalization does

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not lead to negative impacts such as increased inequality or

environmental degradation. By striking a balance between these

objectives, Nigeria can fully realize the potential of globalization for its

economic development.

Historical development of Media fro colonial till date and their

policies

The historical context of media and globalization in Nigeria can be

traced back to the colonial era. During this period, the British colonial

government established newspapers and other media outlets to promote

their interests and disseminate information to the local population. The

first newspaper in Nigeria, the Lagos Weekly Record, was established in

1859 by the Church Missionary Society. Other newspapers, such as the

Nigerian Chronicle and the Lagos Times, were established in the early

20th century (Oso, 2006).

The colonial government also established the Nigerian Broadcasting

Service (NBS) in 1933 to disseminate information through radio

broadcasts. The NBS was later renamed the Nigerian Broadcasting

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Corporation (NBC) after independence in 1960. The NBC was

responsible for regulating the broadcast media in Nigeria and played a

critical role in shaping public opinion during the post-independence era

(Oso, 2006).

After independence, the Nigerian government established policies aimed

at promoting national development and democracy. The media played a

critical role in this process by promoting public debate and holding

government officials accountable. However, the government also

restricted media freedom by enacting laws that criminalized certain

forms of expression, such as criticism of the government or religious

figures (Oso, 2006).

The impact of globalization on Nigeria's media industry can be traced to

the 1990s, when Nigeria embraced economic liberalization policies and

opened up its markets to foreign investment. This led to an influx of

foreign media organizations, such as CNN and BBC, which competed

with local media organizations for audiences and advertising revenue

(Adegoke, 2017).

Globalization has also brought new technologies that have transformed

the media landscape in Nigeria. The growth of digital technology has

13
made it easier for media organizations to reach a global audience and

has created new revenue streams through online advertising and

subscriptions. However, digital technology has also created new

challenges, such as the spread of fake news and the need to adapt to

changing technology (Soola, 2018).

In conclusion, the historical context of media and globalization in Nigeria

is characterized by the legacy of colonialism and post-independence

policies aimed at promoting national development and democracy.

Globalization has brought new opportunities and challenges to the

media industry in Nigeria, including increased competition from foreign

media organizations and the need to adapt to new technologies. The

Nigerian government must strike a balance between regulating the

media industry and promoting media freedom to ensure that the media

can play its critical role in promoting democracy and development in the

country.

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 The current state of media in Nigeria

The intricate tapestry of Nigeria's media landscape is woven with a fascinating

interplay of public and private ownership structures. While the Nigerian

government holds the reins of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), a plethora

of private entities stake their claim in the ownership of various media outlets. A

specter looms large, however, in the form of growing concerns over ownership

concentration, where a select few individuals and corporations wield significant

influence, prompting poignant reflections on market equity and diversity (Oso,

2016).

In the regulatory realm, the government orchestrates its oversight through

institutions such as the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for broadcast

media and the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) for print media. This regulatory

framework ostensibly seeks to uphold industry standards, yet the melody is not

without its dissonant notes. Criticisms abound, accusing these regulatory efforts of

encroaching on media freedom and suppressing dissenting voices (Adegoke, 2017).

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Journeying beyond ownership and regulation, the landscape unveils a thicket of

challenges. Access to media content is a formidable hurdle, especially in Nigeria's

rural hinterlands. Here, the specter of poor infrastructure and economic constraints

looms large, casting a shadow over the availability of media services. In these areas,

the lack of access to electricity and the internet emerges as a significant barrier,

curtailing the populace's ability to engage meaningfully with the rich tapestry of

media narratives.

Furthermore, the intellectual terrain of media literacy in Nigeria stands as an

undulating topography, marked by low proficiency. A sizable segment of the

population grapples with a deficiency in the skills necessary for the discerning

evaluation of media content. This deficiency underscores the pressing need for

initiatives that bolster media literacy, equipping individuals with the acumen to

navigate the sea of information inundating them (Oso, 2016).

In essence, the current state of Nigeria's media landscape is a nuanced tableau,

painted with a blend of ownership dynamics, regulatory endeavors, and access

challenges. It beckons stakeholders to navigate its multifaceted terrain with an

16
understanding that its evolution holds significant implications for the nation's

discourse, democracy, and societal fabric.

How Globalization and Media has played a great role in shaping

Nigeria.

Global media and technology have had a significant impact on shaping

Nigerian media and culture. The growth of social media platforms such

as Twitter and Facebook has given Nigerians a new platform for

expressing their opinions and engaging in public discourse. Social media

has been particularly important in shaping political discourse in Nigeria,

with hashtags such as #BringBackOurGirls and #EndSARS gaining

international attention (Uche, 2020).

Global media organizations such as CNN and BBC also shape Nigerian

media by setting standards for content and production. The influence of

global media on Nigerian media can be seen in the content and style of

Nigerian news broadcasts, which often mimic those of international

news organizations (Oso, 2016).

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Technology has also transformed the Nigerian media industry. The

growth of digital technology has made it easier for media organizations

to reach a global audience and has created new revenue streams

through online advertising and subscriptions. However, digital

technology has also created new challenges, such as the spread of fake

news and the need to adapt to changing technology (Soola, 2018).

Globalization has had a significant impact on Nigerian media industries

and practitioners. The influx of foreign media organizations and

technologies has brought new opportunities for the Nigerian media

industry, such as increased access to global markets and new revenue

streams. However, globalization has also brought challenges, such as

increased competition and the need to adapt to global standards and

trends.

The impact of globalization on the content, production, and distribution

of Nigerian media can be seen in the increasing use of foreign content

and the adoption of global production standards. The trend towards

globalization has also led to the consolidation of the Nigerian media

industry, with larger media organizations gaining more market share

(Adegoke, 2017).

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However, globalization has also brought new opportunities for Nigerian

media practitioners. The growth of digital technology has made it easier

for Nigerian journalists and media entrepreneurs to reach a global

audience and has created new revenue streams through online

advertising and subscriptions (Soola, 2018).

The implications of media and globalization for Nigerian society

The ramifications of media and globalization for Nigerian society are intricate and

multifaceted. Globalization, on one hand, has ushered in new possibilities for

cultural exchange and expression within the Nigerian context. The media landscape

in Nigeria has undergone a transformation, becoming more diverse and offering

fresh platforms for the articulation of cultural identity. Furthermore, global media

has introduced novel perspectives and ideas, contributing to the enrichment of

Nigeria's cultural tapestry.

However, this positive trajectory is counterbalanced by concerns over cultural

imperialism and the potential erosion of local cultural identities. Striking a delicate

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equilibrium is imperative for Nigerian media – a balance between the promotion of

cultural diversity and the preservation of indigenous cultural identities.

Media literacy emerges as a pressing concern in Nigeria, with a considerable

portion of the population lacking the skills and knowledge needed to critically

evaluate media content. The proliferation of fake news and misinformation,

particularly on social media platforms, exacerbates this challenge. To address this

issue, there is a pressing need for Nigerian media to invest in comprehensive media

literacy programs. Such initiatives would empower citizens with the essential skills

to navigate, discern, and critically assess the vast array of media content available.

Political participation is another arena significantly influenced by the media. Media

outlets wield substantial power in shaping public opinion and influencing political

outcomes. To ensure a robust democratic process, Nigerian media must actively

promote political pluralism, offering a platform for a diverse array of voices and

perspectives. Concurrently, the Nigerian government plays a pivotal role in

safeguarding media freedom, ensuring journalists are protected from harassment or

intimidation.

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In summary, navigating the intricate interplay between media, globalization, and

Nigerian society necessitates a comprehensive approach. Balancing cultural

dynamics, addressing media literacy gaps, and fostering a diverse political

discourse are pivotal components in steering towards a resilient and informed

societal landscape.

Potential future developments in media and globalization in Nigeria

In the future, media and how Nigeria connects with the world might see some big

changes. More and more people will use digital stuff, like phones and computers,

and new ways of sharing information will pop up. Social media, like Facebook and

Twitter, will keep being important for what people think and talk about in Nigeria.

The media industry in Nigeria has to keep up with these changes to stay in the game.

The government also needs to step in and help out. They should spend money on

things like better tech, education, and new ideas. It's important for the media to

21
show different sides of things and be free to talk about stuff. This way, Nigeria's

media can do its best to help the country grow and be fair for everyone.

On top of that, the world will get even closer through media, and Nigeria's stories

might reach more people globally. But we've got to be careful not to lose our own

culture. Working together with media from other countries could be good, but we

need to make sure we keep our own way of doing things. It's like finding the right

balance between using new tech and staying true to who we are. So, getting through

all these changes means having a smart plan that mixes new tech with our own

identity and staying honest in how we tell stories.

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 CONCLUSION

Media and globalization in Nigeria are complex and multifaceted

concepts. While globalization presents new opportunities for the media

industry, it also brings challenges that must be addressed. The Nigerian

media industry must strike a balance between promoting cultural

diversity, preserving local cultural identities, and promoting media

literacy. The future of media and globalization in Nigeria will depend on

how policymakers address these challenges and adapt to changing

technological and economic trends. By promoting media diversity,

protecting media freedom, and investing in infrastructure, education,

and innovation, Nigeria can fully realize the potential of its media

industry to promote democracy and development.

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 REFERENCES:

Adegoke, Y. (2017). Globalization and the Nigerian Media Industry:

Opportunities and Challenges. International Journal of Advanced
Research in Management, Architecture, Technology and Engineering,
1(2), 11-20.
Oso, L. (2006). The Press in Nigeria: An Overview of Its Historical
Development. African Communication Research, 1(3), 323-343.
Soola, E. O. (2018). The Changing Face of Nigerian Media: Challenges
and Prospects. Global Media Journal, 16(31), 1-17.
Adegoke, Y. (2017). Globalization and the Nigerian Media Industry:
Opportunities and Challenges. International Journal of Advanced
Research in Management, Architecture, Technology and Engineering,
1(2), 11-20.
Idowu, J. A. (2015). Globalization and the Nigerian Media. International
Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, 4(2), 17-26.
Oso, L. (2006). The Press in Nigeria: An Overview of Its Historical
Development. African Communication Research, 1(3), 323-343.

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