AN APPRAISAL OF THE AGENDA-SETTING FUNCTION OF THE MASS MEDIA IN NIGERIA

Abstract

No doubt, the mass media has aided the communication issues of public importance to the doorsteps of various audiences, the world-over, in view of its role as the fourth-estate of the realm. By virtue of Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the mass media, radio, television, newspaper, magazine, film, cinema etc through their captivating headlines, frequency of newspaper publications, length of news stores, photographs, choice of words, length of coverage and discussion on the radio and television has been able to instigate reactions in shaping the ideals of the society. From the establishment of the Iwe Irohim newspaper to the present day digitization of the media, it has always engaged in tackling issues bothering on socio-political, economic, religious, corruption, environmental, infrastructural development and rule of law with a view of advocating lasting solution for a better nation. In other to stem the tide of the agenda-setting function of the media, this work recommended that media organizations and journalists to invest more on investigative journalism and avoid “hit and run” approach and praise singing as strategies of empowering their legitimate duties