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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background of the study

The history of radio news commentary in Nigeria dated back to the 1930’s when what was known as radio receiver was just a wooden box and as amp liter.  The audience was thrilled by these live commentaries run by various pioneer commentators (Agboola & Imisi, 2021). Ever since the tradition of running radio commentary has remained with radio to this day. In presidential democracy such as ours news commentary whether on the radio or television do not only serve as surveyor of public opinion but also serve as a requisite for bridging the credibility gap between government and the governed. Perhaps, it might be necessary to draw a line of distinction between news and news commentary. The mass media has been seen as an indispensible tool in the development of the society as it performs important functions where they exist. The broadcast media is not exempted from this category as it is seen as one of the most influential media that causes a change in behavior and attitude of people (Akingbulu et al., 2018).

One way through which the broadcast media brings about change in social action of the people is through their content among which is news commentary.  News commentary has been described as an analysis of events of the day written by a staff of the station or a guest contributor. News Commentary is to the broadcast media what Editorial is to the print media. It presents a detailed analysis of news and issues of public concern, in a way that the audience understands and appreciates. The News commentary also contains opinions and suggestions on how to improve the particular situation since authorities in that field are consulted and their opinion sought (Akintayo, 2013). A news commentary plays a strategic role in social change because it represents, or rather presents society as something already under discussion. In other words, it provides a communication infrastructure for the revolution of everyday life. Therefore, the study examines the impact of news commentaries on radio listeners.

1.2       Statement Of Problem

The introduction of news commentary has been hailed by many where as, others counter such. The supporters of news commentaries believe that commentaries aid them to understand the important issues and also make them know how the station perceives such issues (Akintayo, 2013). Whichever way one looks at it, one thing seems obvious: news commentary has an effect on the understanding level of the audience on crucial and controversial issues. However, the extent and direction of this effect is yet to be empirically determined. For it is difficult to determine the extent to which these commentaries affect the understanding of crucial news items. A country like Nigeria with diverse culture and human resource & need radio commentaries or news talk capable of interpreting events bordering global and societal issues (Akingbulu et al., 2018). Obviously these news-commentary are staunchly provided to listeners on a daily basis. Unfortunately about 80% of radio listeners ignore news- talk once they have listened to actual news broadcast but radio listeners are 100% attentive to sport commentaries. If all radio commentaries are said to interpret events occurring earlier on illuminating the hidden fact (news behind the news) to the layman then it is

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