An Assessment of the Media in Promoting Religious Tolerance: a Case Study of “peace Arena” Radio Programme on Capital Fm Kaduna
CHAPTER ONE
Aim of the Study
The aim of this study is to enhance radio communication system for proper and effective conflict resolution and religious tolerance, especially in a heterogeneous society such as Nigeria.
Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of the study are:
- to determine the extent of contributions of the selected episodes of Peace Arena to religious tolerance.
- to identify the factors militating against the radio programme as a platform for religious tolerance.
- to evaluate the effectiveness of the communication style (s) used in promoting peace in the
- to appraise the influence of Peace Arena on the people within the study
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
This chapter reviews relevant literature on the study areas and key concepts that constitutes the pillars of the study. Accordingly, the literature review is on radio, radio communication, how radio handles in the society, peacebuilding, peacebuilding activities and other relevant issues, especially on communication and development. .
Conceptualising Communication and its Use for Peace Building
Communication helps people to express their thoughts, feelings and promotes considerable ways of adapting to their environment Nnoli (2003). Communication plays a pivotal role in development such that there might be difficulties in development process if communication is not employed. The word communication has several meanings, depending on its context of use or purpose; hence, there is a variety of definition to the term.Thomas (2006: 7) opines that:
Communication involves the transfer of information from a human sender to a human receiver, for the purpose of increasing the receiver‟s knowledge, enabling him to carry out tasks, or influencing his attitudes and behaviour. The “information‟‟ transferred refers to the conceptual representation of aspects of a universe in the form of a message that can be encoded and transmitted. Communication in any field may serve a number of purposes.
Communication as a concept of exchange is not only a human phenomenon but is shared by every fibre of the human environment and society. Therefore, reducing communication to a human instrument limits the scope of humanity‟s control over the environment. This aspect of communication is factored in Daramola‟s idea of communication which perceives the concept as a ubiquitous tool. Daramola (2003: 23) opines that:
Communication is ubiquitous; it takes place everywhere, every day, and every time. It is all around us, every one of us engages in communication either with oneself or one another at home, in the office, at school, in business and industry. Communication is something that people do. It is based on relationship. This relationship may exist between two persons, or between one person and many.
Communication is the process of sharing ideas, information, and messages with others in a particular time and place. Social cohesion cannot be achieved without timely, accurate and relevant information (Blake, 2005). Hall (1999) sees communication as the process through which one person (the communicator) elicits responses from another person (the communicant) by the use of symbols. It is a vital part of personal life and is also important in business, education, and any other situation where people encounter each other. Haruna et al (2012) ascertain that communication is central to all human activities; it determines the relationship between and among people.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This chapter discusses the methodology of the research and this entails a description of the population, sampling techniques and methods with a view to achieving the objectives of the research.
Research Design
The survey research method was used for this study. Ogbuoshi (2006) states that in survey research, if the population is small, there will be no need for sampling, and the researcher will, therefore, study the entire population. However, if the population is too large, the researcher can draw a sample from the population under study. This means that survey studies both small and large populations. On his part, Osuala (1999) states that survey research covers both large and small population by selecting and studying samples chosen from the population to discover the relative incidence, distribution and action of sociological and psychological variables. Tuckman (2001) asserts that through questionnaire and interviews, survey research makes it possible to measure what a person knows (knowledge or information), what a person likes and dislikes (values and preferences), and what a person thinks, (attitude and beliefs) and that questionnaire and interview can also be used to discover what experiences have taken place and ongoing trends.
The study adopted survey research method because it helps to accumulate information from individuals at relatively low cost; it permits generalization to be made about wider population even when a small sample is considered. It also permits the use of a variety of data collating techniques. This study adopted a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, though with a strong qualitative/interpretive bias.
Population of the Study
This study was limited to Kaduna metropolis. Kaduna metropolis was chosen as study area because of its multi-cultural and ethnic diversity. It plays host to other ethnic groups or ethnicities from all parts of the country and beyond with almost equal population of Christians and Muslims (Aliyu, 2009). It is located in the North West geographical zone of Nigeria, and serves as the country‟s trade and transportation hub. It is also the capital city of Kaduna State. The metropolis consists of four separate local government areas (LGAs), namely; Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Igabi and Chikun.
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Introduction
This chapter presents the results and analyses data collected, it also addresses the five objectives of the research. The chapter is divided based on the objectives and the demographic information. The first part explains the demographic characteristics of the respondents while the remaining parts are tailored in respect of the objectives of the study. The results are presented in tables and figures. Descriptive statistical tools such as mean, percentage and frequency were used also and Response scale was also employed.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
This chapter provides summary of the research, proffer recommendations based on findings from the study, to improve on the Peacebuilding Communication Approach/Strategy of Capital FM and beyond and finally, the research conclusion.
Summary
This study was conducted to enhance radio communication system for proper and effective conflict resolution and peacebuilding especially in a heterogeneous Nigerian society, using Peace Arena a radio programme on Capital FM Kaduna as a case study, based on the predominance of negative conflicts that have been rocking Kaduna State. This study began by presenting a comprehensive background of issues on violent conflicts and the negative implications especially as a result of the vital and effective communication gap noticed during the process of different strategies used to mitigate conflicts in Kaduna State and how this study intends to address that gap.
Conclusion
Crisis is one/the major obstacles to the development of any society; it brings about inertia as well as retrogression in all facets of life. Too many people see violence as a necessary way to deal with conflict, but other options like dialogue, tolerance, through religious tolerance communication programmes exist. The findings from the study have shown that through programmes on peace, the media may be closer to finding a solution to the problem of violent conflicts in Nigeria as people who are aggrieved will be enlightened and most importantly convinced to seek the option of dialogue. By teaching non-violent solutions to problems, there will be drastic reduction in violent.
The study has also shown that these programmes can be used to facilitate healthy communication between different groups and conflict parties, educate members of the public about diversity and conflict issues, build trust between groups and not further widen the existing gaps between them, help to constructively analyse issues in diversity and conflict, identify the interest underlying certain conflict issues in the society; provide an emotional outlet in terms of allowing groups to constructively express their grievances in a non-combative manner.
When radio programmes address conflict issues, factors behind the conflict shared effects of conflict, present opposing views, discusses of stereotypes, new or alternative sources of information, promotes tolerance and reconciliation, then there will be more effective peacebuilding.
Peace is a global concern and a major issue in all international discourse. The present experiences in Nigeria, epitomised by insurgency of Boko Haram, Niger Delta Avengers, Fulani Herdsmen/Farmers incessant clashes, Kidnapping, and other social vices call for such programmes like Peace Arena Radio to aid the restoration of peace and mutual coexistence, especially as the key to effective peacebuilding and sustainability entails the media demonstrating professional competence, embracing peace journalism that advocates for balance news coverage and positive education of people about what is going on in a divided society.
Contribution to Knowledge
- It has contributed in giving new perspectives on peace and peacebuilding
- It has contributed to the body of knowledge by identifying radio as an indispensable tool for conflict management and peacebuilding
- It has outlined certain strategies/approaches that can be deployed to enhance peace information/communication
- It also contributes to knowledge by suggesting ways that conflicts can be managed through the availability of vital and effective
Recommendations
The following recommendations are made based on the findings from the study:
- Peace Arena on Capital FM Kaduna should be held at least twice a week to further promote peace and tolerance which constitutes the bedrock for unity and sustainable development.
- Audience participation and feedback mechanisms should be strengthened to engender effective participation for greater impact
- Programme presentation should encourage sporadic issue of local languages interspersed with English in order to carry greater percentage of local population
- It is recommended also, that Vox pop is held regularly in the programme to stimulate solid audience‟ reactions and effective knowledge, perceptions and feedback mechanism and programme
- Peace journalists especially for radio medium should be trained and their capacity be appropriately built in order to allow effective handling of peace/conflict
- Religious tolerance messages should control dangerous rumours and provide a trusted source of information for all parties in a conflict
- Audiences should be allowed to initiate new discourse on peace so as to improvethe effectiveness of the
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