Com 103 & Com 104: History of Nigeria Mass Media1&2 - Course Outline

                                  DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION

                                  BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI

                                                Bsc Mass Communication

Com 103 & Com 104: History of Nigeria Mass Media1&2

Lecturers: Rodney Ciboh = 07037694539  

                        Tina Tsafa = 08131263306

Lecture Hours: Mondays 1-3pm

Venue: Arts Theatre Complex, 2^nd Campus

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

This course provides an overview of the historical development of mass communication in general but focuses on development of mass media in Nigeria. It examines the establishment, growth, control and regulation of print, broadcast and new media in Nigeria from Iwe Irohin through the political phases to the present. Additionally, the course surveys roles and impact of personalities and institutions that have shaped professionalism in the media from pre-independence till date. Major objectives are to help students identify foremost contributors to development of the mass media in Nigeria including roles played by non-Nigerians, the nationalists and politicians as well as contributions of the media to political, economic and social development in the country.

COURSE OUTLINE

First part of the course deals with establishment and growth of newspapers and magazines from colonial times, through civilian administrations and the military regimes to the present democratic transition, including their contributions to nationhood and variables that shape their character and orientation.

The second part concentrates on evolution of public and private broadcasting as well as the formal and informal controls, and the internal and external regulation of professionalism as they affect ownership, organization and functions of the media and takes an incursion into the adjuncts of the media.

First Semester

1. Newspapers before Independence

            a. Early pre-colonial and colonial press

            b. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s newspaper conglomerate

            c. Nigeria Tribune and the Allied press

            d. Newspapers in Northern Nigeria

            e. Characteristics and contributions of the pre-colonial and colonial press

2. Post Independence Newspapers

             a. Newspapers in first and second republics: 1960-1966 & 1979-1983

             b. Newspapers under the military 1966-1979 & 1984-1999

             c. Newspapers in post military Nigeria 1999 to date

             d. Magazine journalism in Nigeria

Second Semester

3. Broadcasting in Nigeria

a. Public broadcasting - radio

b. Public broadcasting – external radio

c. Public broadcasting - TV

d. Private broadcasting

4. Media Regulation

            a. Formal/legal control

·  Colonial ordinances

·  Acts of parliament

·  Military decrees

·  Agency licensing

           

            b. Informal/ethical control

·  Professional associations

·  Ethical codes of conduct

·  Trends in professionalism

5.    Adjuncts of the media

a. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN

b. Advertising agencies

c. Public relations firms

d. Syndicates and production companies

e. Research and rating organisations

Reading Text

Ciboh, R. S. (2007). Mass media in Nigeria: Perspectives on growth and development. Makurdi: Aboki        Publishers.   

Recommended Readings

Akinfeleye, R. A.  & Okoye I. E. (2003). Issues in Nigerian media history, 1900-2000 AD. Lagos: Malthouse Press Limited

Duyile, D. (1987). Makers of Nigerian press. Lagos: Gong Publishers.

Ifedayo D. (2006). History and Development of Mass Media in Nigeria. Lagos : Rothan Press Ltd

Nwuneli, O. E. (1985). Communication in Nigeria: A Book of Readings. Enugu: Fourth Dimension Publishers.

Okonkwo, R.N. (1985). The Role of the Colonial Press in Nigeria. Enugu: Pan Publishers.

Omu, F. (1978). Press and Politics in Nigeria. Ibadan: Longman Publishers.

Omu, F. (1985). Iwe Irohin 1859-1867. Journal of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Vol. IV (1).

Oseni, T. (2000). Hosting the 140th Anniversary of the Nigerian Press. Lagos: Tosen Consult

Osinbajo, Y. & Fogam, K. (1991). Nigeria Mass Media Law. Lagos:Gravitas Publishers& Limited.

Oso, L. & Pate, U. (2011). Mass Media and Society in Nigeria. Lagos: Malthouse Press Limited

Uche, L. U. (1989). Mass Media People and Politics in Nigeria. NewDelhi: Concept Publishing Company.

Continuous Assessment

1.       Each student shall take one written test in class. This shall be announced in class. Class attendance is therefore mandatory.

Grading: Class tests =40%; Final Examination = 60%