CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1. Background of the Study
This study will delve into an in-depth performance of vision Africa radio in the political mobilization of rural dwellers in umuahia north local government area of abia state. The determination of the role of this radio in mobilizing rural dwellers for political issues will need an in-depth treatment or be treated with extreme care. However, the exhaustive treatment should involve preparation of appropriate political programmes and strategy towards meeting the needs of these rural dwellers.
The role of radio medium in political mobilization in the annulled of 1973 presidential election is one of the greatest changes facing the electorates in especially in rural areas, because Nigeria electorates especially in recent years have always been intensely individualistic, hence political parties will always confront profound cultural differences. Given the cultural structure of the Nigeria electorates, the importance of radio programmes cannot be over emphasized. This also is a typical case of election malpractice that has been the lot of Nigeria election.
Radio on its part is an electronic medium with sounds and audio. It is not effective spontaneous message carrier of those times. Its consistency brings to the masses, especially the rural dwellers, account of events making it the number one when compared to any other medium. Admittedly, radio is relatively cheap and can operate without electricity; it also satisfies curiosity by allowing one hear for oneself is not just an overstatement. Again its ability to disseminate information in our various dialects as it also serves as a tonic to language barrier through the stations.
Radio as an integral part of the fourth estate of the realm, through various stations such as vision Africa is expected as usual to play its traditional role as a watch dog of the society and as agent of change. In rural areas advertisement role on political trend inspires responsiveness to the medium and has become a major feature of campaigns for public office seeker at national, state, and local government levels. Most rural dwellers in umuahia north local government are known to be financially poor because their low education status and they cannot afford radio set. This has often been a problem to efficient and effective use of radio in achieving political mobilization in rural areas.
All things being equal, the term, vision Africa radio umuahia and political mobilization refers to all kinds of political services rendered to the populace to bring about information, education, entertainment and influence to the rural dwellers. Apart from these general role, it enhances and encourages through its various programmes the acquisition and pursuit of knowledge thereby promoting national consciousness and acts as a powerful means of social mobilization.