Broadcast Media and Free and Fair Elections in Nigeria

The study was on broadcast media and free and fair elections in Nigeria. The study was designed to examine the roles the broadcast media plays in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria, necessitated by the observed difficulties in conducting credible elections in Nigeria. Four research questions were raised. The study employed the survey design. The sample was 150 journalists in Nasarawa State who were selected using convenient sampling technique on the basis of their availability and willingness to partake in the study. A four point Likert-type of scale questionnaire was designed by the researcher and used for data collection. The questionnaire was validated by two experts from Nasarawa State University, Keffi. The test retest reliability estimate of the questionnaire was 0.81. Direct delivery method was adopted in data collection even as the mean was used in the data analysis with 2.50 as the bench mark mean point. Results showed that poverty and corruption are lead factors that predispose some citizens to electoral malpractices that lead to incredible elections. The roles of the broadcast media in ensuring free and fair election include educating the electorates about electoral malpractices and their consequences and reporting electoral irregularities. The study concluded that the broadcast media has a great role to play in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria. It recommended among other things that the government should promulgate sanctions on electoral malpractices to serve as a deterrent to others. Also the broadcast media need to be given some legal support to enjoy freedom of expression.