HISTORY OF NIGERIAN PRESS AND ITS ROLE IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER ONE BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY 1.1 Introduction Mass media are channels of communication that disseminate information to large audiences, often used synonymously with mass communication, which refers to the process of sharing information through these channels. Mass media encompass various forms of communication that convey messages to large public audiences, characterized by institutional features and a one-to-many communication model. Mass media are modes of mass communication that deliver information, opinion, and entertainment to very large audiences through print, radio, television, and the internet . Mass communication is defined as the process where media organizations produce and transmit messages to large publics, and how these messages are sought and understood by audiences. Mass media refers to channels of communication that transmit information to large numbers of people, typically involving one-way communication from a sender to a mass audience . Mass communication involves the public transfer of messages through media channels to a diverse audience, often influenced by the institutional characteristics of the sending organization. Mass communication is defined as “the process whereby media organizations produce and transmit messages to large publics and the process by which those messages are sought, used, understood, and influenced by audience. Mass communication is described as “only one of the processes of communication operating at the society-wide level, readily identified by its institutional characteristics Oso emphasizes that mass communication serves to circulate opinions, facts, and ideas, providing a means for society to report environmental dangers and opportunities. He refers to the evolving nature of mass communication, noting that it can foster personal relationships through traditional mass channels, termed “mass-personal communication contributed to understanding mass communication by exploring how it influences opinion change and public attitudes through media messages . Thompson notes that mass communication comprises both technical and institutional methods of production and distribution, reaching audiences far removed in time and space from the producers. Mass communication is characterized as mediated communication that distinguishes it from interpersonal forms, focusing on its impact on society as a whole. Public Relations Society of America, Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics Public relations is the management of communication between an organization and its publics. "Public relations involves two-way communication with customers about why the organization itself is worthy of their business. Public relations is a decision-making management practice tasked with building relationships and interests between organizations and their publics based on the delivery of information through trusted and ethical communication methods. Public relations is the practice of managing and disseminating information from an individual or an organization to the public in order to influence their perception . A management function, which tabulates public attitudes, defines the policies, procedures, and interests of an organization... followed by executing a program of action to earn public understanding and acceptance. The public relations counsel is the agent working with both modern media of communications and group formations of society in order to provide ideas to the public's consciousness. The etymology of the word journalism can be traced to the French word “Journal”, which can be derived from the Latin word, “Diurnal”, which means daily. Hence, in defining the word journalism from a professional point of view, it can be said to be the sifting and editing of information, comments, and events into a form that is recognisably different from the pure form in which they first occurred. Hence, from a broader perspective, it can be inferred that journalism is about putting events, ideas, information, and controversies into context. It is about selection and presentation . However, while this definition seemingly fits into the industrial perspective, it is important that, as historians, we look at it holistically from the very beginning of mankind and communication, respectively. The first recorded instances of journalism or journalistic products in history occurred in ancient Rome in 59 BCE, which was known as Acta Diurna. It is important to note that Acta Diurna was a whole report of daily events, such as public speeches, in ancient Rome. However, it was published daily and hung in strategic places for people to read. However, in East China, during the Tang dynasty (June 18, 618–June4, 907 CE), there was a court circular known as Dibao translated as “Report from the official residences.” It was issued to government officials. This Dibao appeared in various forms and was in existence up to 1911, during the reign of Puyi of the Qingdynasty. This Dibao consisted of official political edicts, announcements, and news from the Chinese imperial government or local governments . However, with the invention of the printing press, there was a great influence on journalism. And by the 1450s, the first printing product, the Gutenberg Bible, had been produced. It is important to note that the idea of using a printing press for written reports first appeared in Germany around 1600. Early precursors were the so called Messrelationen "trade fair reports" which were semi-annual news compilations for the large book fairs at Frankfurt and Leipzig, starting in the 1580s. However, the first true newspaper was the weekly Relation aller Fuernemmen undgedenckwürdigen Historien "Collection of all distinguished and memorable news", which began in Strasbourg in 1605. In addition, the Avisa Relation oder Zeitung was published in Wolfenbüttel in 1609, and gazettes soon established in Frankfurt (1615),Berlin (1617), and Hamburg (1618). By 1650, 30 German cities had active gazettes . A semi-yearly news chronicle, in Latin, the Mercurius Gallobelgicus, was published in Cologne between 1594 and 1635, but it was not the model for other publications. However, by the 17th century, in Europe, Antwerp was the hub of two networks, one linking France, Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands; the other linking Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Hence, after 1600, the national governments in France and England began printing official newsletters. In 1622, the first English-language weekly magazine, "A Current of General News," was published and distributed in England in an 8- to 24-page quarto format . 1.2. Aim and Objectives of the study The primary aim of this study is to explore the history of the Nigerian press and its significant role in national development. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the press's influence on Nigeria's national identity and democratic processes, while the objectives of the Study include: i. trace the Historical Development of the Nigerian Press: One objective is to chronologically trace the evolution of the Nigerian press from its origins in the 1850s to the present day, ii. analyze the Press's Role in Political Development: The study aims to analyze how the Nigerian press has contributed to political development and national consciousness, iii. examine the Impact of the Press on Social Change: Another objective is to examine the impact of the Nigerian press on social change, particularly in areas such as education, health, and human rights, iv. assess the Economic Contributions of the Press: The study will also assess the economic contributions of the Nigerian press, including its role in job creation, advertising, and the promotion of local businesses; v. identify Challenges Facing the Nigerian Press: Finally, the study aims to identify and analyze the challenges facing the Nigerian press, including issues of censorship, government regulation, and the impact of digital media. 1.3 Significance of the study Studying the history of the Nigerian press and its role in national development, has the following significance i. Studying the history of the Nigerian press provides essential insights into the socio-political landscape of Nigeria from colonial times to the present. ii. By examining the press's role in political development, the study can illuminate how media has facilitated public discourse, encouraged civic participation, and held governments accountable throughout Nigeria's history. iii. This significance highlights the press's capacity to influence societal values and norms, ultimately contributing to national development. iv. The study of the Nigerian press also reveals its economic contributions to national development. v. Finally, examining the history of the Nigerian press allows for a critical analysis of the challenges it faces. 1.4 Scope of the study The scope of this study on the history of the Nigerian press and its role in national development encompasses a comprehensive examination of the press's evolution from its inception in the mid-19th century to its contemporary state. The study will focus on key historical milestones, including the establishment of early newspapers, the impact of colonialism, and the press's contributions to Nigeria's independence movement. It will also explore the press's role in shaping political discourse, promoting social change, and facilitating economic development throughout Nigeria's history. Additionally, the study will assess the challenges faced by the Nigerian press, such as censorship, regulatory pressures, and the influence of digital media on traditional journalism. By analyzing these dimensions, the research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the press's significance in fostering national identity, civic engagement, and democratic governance in Nigeria, while also considering its future prospects in an evolving media landscape. 1.5 Research Method The research method for this study on the history of the Nigerian press and its role in national development will primarily utilize a qualitative approach, focusing on secondary sources to gather comprehensive insights. This method involves a thorough review of existing literature, including academic articles, books, and historical documents that chronicle the evolution of the Nigerian press from its inception in the mid-19th century to its current state. By analyzing these secondary sources, the study will explore key themes such as the press's contributions to political development, social change, and economic growth in Nigeria. Additionally, the research will involve a comparative analysis of different media outlets and their respective impacts on national discourse. This approach allows for a contextual understanding of the press's role within the broader framework of Nigerian society and governance, enabling the identification of patterns, challenges, and opportunities that have influenced its development over time. Secondary sources are particularly important in this study as they provide valuable context, analysis, and interpretations of the primary sources related to the Nigerian press. They help to synthesize existing knowledge, allowing researchers to understand the historiography of the press and how its role has evolved in response to socio-political changes in Nigeria. By consulting secondary literature, the study can identify gaps in the existing research, highlight key debates, and draw upon diverse perspectives to enrich the analysis. Furthermore, secondary sources often compile and evaluate primary data, making it easier for researchers to access a wide range of information without the need for extensive primary data collection. This is especially beneficial in historical studies, where firsthand accounts may be limited or difficult to obtain. Ultimately, the integration of secondary sources enhances the study's credibility and depth, providing a well-rounded understanding of the Nigerian press's significance in national development 1.6 Review of Related Literatures There is a large body of articles and scholarly publications that have been made in relation to journalism in Africa, West Africa, and Nigeria in particular. These works also examine the challenges that faced the Nigerian press. However, it must be noted that these works do not, either briefly or in detail, focus on the emergence of the Union of Journalists at the University of Ibadan. Hence, creating a gap that this work hopes to fill, In the book, Mass Media and Society in Nigeria, edited by Professor Lai Oso and Professor Umaru Pate, various academic essays collected in this book explore different aspects of the mass media communication landscape in Nigeria. Additionally, it gives an in-depth note of the growth of the media space, printing, and press. However, despite the details in this work, it did not focus on the Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan Chapter . Additionally, Mass Communication, Culture and Society in West Africa, edited byFrank Okwu Ugboajah, focused on the history and development of mass communication in West Africa through the lens of culture, media language development, and professionalism. However, while some parts of this book are fairly concentrated on the emergence of journalism in Nigeria, they do not include the formulation of other journalism bodies in Nigeria, including the Union of Campus Journalists . In Richard Rudin and Trevor Ibbotson’s An Introduction to Journalism, both authors explore the history of journalism around the world. In addition, it discussed subjects around the development of journalism, media regulatory bodies, and practising mass-media. This work also looks into the government's involvement in the Press, the journalism law, and the advent of radio and television . Development of Journalism in Nigeria by Esuakem U. Oton discussed extensively the history of journalism in Nigeria, right from John Payne. It further explored various newspaper and press publications that emerged as a result of Christian missionaries and nationalism. However, due to the year this work was published, it could not cover the following years, which saw the emergence of new journalism organisations in Nigeria . In Media and Communication in Nigeria; Conceptual Connections, Crossroads and Constraints edited by Bruce Mutsvairo and Nnamdi T. Ekeanyanwu, the authors provide a holistic analysis of journalism, which captures print journalism, broadcast journalism, public relations, advertising, film, development communication, organisational communication, and strategic communication. It is pertinent to note that, analysis of the role of digital technologies is woven throughout the book, concluding with a final section theorising the future of communication studies in Nigeria in the light of the digital media revolution. However, despite the details included in this book, it left out the Union of Campus Journalists, which this study will fill in . Mass Media, People and Politics in Nigeria by Luke Uka Uche provided a great explanation for the rise of media houses in Nigeria. It began with the history of the people and linked it with the history of politics in Nigeria. It further explored relevant subjects in the growth of the press in Nigeria, beginning from Nnamdi Azikwe up to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN); however, this book did not address the course of the Union of Campus Journalists' history in the University of Ibadan . In The Proliferation of Journalism Schools in Nigeria, Amenaghawon Osamwonyi discussed the issue of the proliferation of journalism institutions in Nigeria and its implications for quality and professionalism. It evaluates the challenges of staffing, equipment, accreditation, and findings. The paper traces the history of journalism and journalism training, as well as the types of training and certifications available at the various journalism institutions in the country. Even though this essay seems to capture the University approach to Journalism, it only bothers the Journalism school. No knowledge was provided on the formation of the Union of Campus Journalists as well as its affiliated branches, which the University of Ibadan, which this study is filling, is among In "Makers of Nigerian Press: An Historical Analysis of Newspaper Development, the Pioneer Heroes, the Modern Press Barons and the New Publishers from 1859-1987," Dayo Duyile provides a comprehensive examination of the evolution of the Nigerian press over more than a century. He traces the origins of newspaper publishing in Nigeria, highlighting key figures such as Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo, who played pivotal roles in establishing influential newspaper chains that contributed to national discourse. Duyile emphasizes how these early publishers not only disseminated information but also served as platforms for political activism, shaping public opinion during the colonial era and beyond. Duyile further analyzes the structural and technological changes that affected the Nigerian press post-independence, noting significant developments such as the acquisition of modern printing technologies and the rise of government-owned newspapers. He discusses the impact of political dynamics on press freedom, particularly during military regimes when censorship and state control became prevalent. By examining both historical milestones and contemporary challenges, Duyile's work underscores the resilience of Nigerian journalism and its critical role in promoting democracy and accountability in society. His analysis serves as a valuable resource for understanding the complex interplay between media, politics, and society in Nigeria's history . In "The Rise of Western Journalism 1815–1914," edited by Rose F. Collins and E. M. Palmegiano, the authors compile a series of essays that examine the development of journalism across various Western nations, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, and the United States. The collection highlights how journalism emerged in different contexts, shaped by local political climates and cultural influences. For instance, while British and Australian journalism faced attempts at government control through libel laws and subsidies, the press in the United States operated with far fewer restrictions. Each chapter delves into the unique challenges and innovations that defined journalism in these regions, emphasizing the role of technology—particularly the telegraph—in transforming news dissemination and fostering a more interconnected global information network. The essays also explore the reciprocal relationship between journalism and societal change, illustrating how newspapers not only reported on but actively participated in political discourse and reform movements. The editors underscore that despite the diverse historical trajectories of journalism in these countries, common themes emerge, such as the struggle for press freedom and the influence of commercial interests on journalistic practices. By analyzing these dynamics from a comparative perspective, Collins and Palmegiano provide valuable insights into how journalism has evolved as a crucial institution in shaping public opinion and democratic governance throughout the Western world during this transformative period . In "The History of Journalism and the History of the Book," David Paul Nord explores the intertwined evolution of journalism and book publishing, emphasizing how both mediums have shaped public discourse and cultural identity. He argues that understanding the history of journalism requires acknowledging its relationship with the book trade, as newspapers and books have historically influenced each other in terms of content, audience, and distribution. Nord highlights significant milestones in this relationship, such as the role of printed materials in disseminating political ideas and fostering civic engagement during pivotal moments in American history. Nord also addresses the implications of technological advancements on both journalism and book publishing, noting how innovations like the printing press and digital media have transformed the ways information is produced and consumed. He examines how these changes have affected journalistic practices, including shifts in editorial standards and the rise of new forms of media that challenge traditional notions of authorship and authority. By situating journalism within the broader context of print culture, Nord encourages a more holistic understanding of how these two fields have evolved together, ultimately shaping societal values and norms throughout history . In "The Problem of Journalism History," James Carey critiques the conventional narratives surrounding the history of journalism, particularly the notion of "Whig history," which posits journalism as a linear progression toward freedom and professionalism. Carey argues that this perspective oversimplifies the complexities and contradictions inherent in journalism's development. He highlights how the ideal of objectivity, long celebrated in journalism, is often a strategic ritual rather than a genuine pursuit of truth. By reframing the history of journalism as a more nuanced interplay of social, political, and economic factors, Carey encourages scholars to explore the historical consciousness of reporting and the broader societal implications of journalistic practice. Carey's work has had lasting significance in reshaping journalism studies, particularly in its call for a critical examination of the profession's past. He emphasizes the importance of understanding journalism not merely as a series of triumphs but as a field marked by failures, biases, and the influence of commercial interests. This critical approach has paved the way for more complex analyses that consider the role of journalists within their cultural contexts. Ultimately, Carey's essay serves as a foundational text that challenges scholars to rethink how they engage with journalism history, advocating for an understanding that recognizes both its achievements and shortcomings .