Skip to main content
NounStudy
Back to Course Catalog
MAC314Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Issues in Mass Media in Nigeria

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the key issues affecting mass media in Nigeria. It examines the historical evolution, ethical dilemmas, legal frameworks, and professional challenges within the Nigerian media landscape. Students will analyze socio-cultural and technological factors shaping media practices, including the impact of ICTs and citizen journalism. The course aims to equip students with a critical understanding of the dynamics influencing media operations and their role in national development.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Mass MediaEthicsNigeriaLegal IssuesTechnology

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

History of Nigerian Mass Media

2

Ethical Issues in Media

3

Legal Frameworks

4

Press Freedom

5

Mass Media and Politics

6

ICTs and Media

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Media Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Relations Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Communication Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

MediaGovernmentPublic RelationsAdvertisingNon-profit Organizations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Taking Off: A Brief Historical Overview of the Mass Media in Nigeria

3h

Unit 1: History of Print Media in Nigeria

1.5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the historical context of print media in Nigeria.
  • •Identify key figures and publications.
  • •Analyze the factors that contributed to the growth of print media.

Unit 2: History of Electronic Media in Nigeria

1.5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Explore the origins and development of electronic media in Nigeria.
  • •Examine the role of government and private sectors in the growth of radio and television.
  • •Discuss the challenges facing the electronic media industry.
Week
2

Module 2: Ethical Issue in Nigeria Mass Media Industry

2h

Unit 1: The Brown Envelope Syndrome

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Define the brown envelope syndrome and its implications for journalistic integrity.
  • •Analyze the arguments for and against the practice.
  • •Discuss the ethical burdens imposed by brown envelope.
Week
3

Module 2: Ethical Issue in Nigeria Mass Media Industry

2h

Unit 2: The Burden of News Commercialisation in Nigeria

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Understand the meaning of news commercialization and its impact on media credibility.
  • •Examine the origin of news commercialization in Nigeria.
  • •Discuss the socio-economic consequences of news commercialization.
Week
4

Module 3: Legal /Extra-Legal Issues in Nigerian Mass Media Industry

1.5h

Unit 1: Newspaper Registration Act

1.5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Examine the Newspaper Registration Act and its provisions.
  • •Discuss the implications of the Act for the newspaper industry.
  • •Analyze the impact of the Act on press freedom.
Week
5

Module 3: Legal /Extra-Legal Issues in Nigerian Mass Media Industry

2h

Unit 2: Deregulation of Broadcast Media in Nigeria

1 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Understand the reasons behind the call for broadcast deregulation in Nigeria.
  • •Examine the major provisions of the decree backing deregulation.
  • •Discuss the implications of the decree for the broadcast industry.

Unit 3: National Broadcast Commission (NBC)

1 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Explore the functions of the National Broadcast Commission (NBC).
  • •Analyze the matters arising from the establishment of NBC.
  • •Discuss the role of NBC in regulating the broadcast industry.
Week
6

Module 3: Legal /Extra-Legal Issues in Nigerian Mass Media Industry

2h

Unit 4: Freedom of Information Act

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Examine the background to the Freedom of Information Act.
  • •Understand the essence of the Act.
  • •Analyze the thoughts on major provisions of the Act.
Week
7

Module 3: Legal /Extra-Legal Issues in Nigerian Mass Media Industry

2h

Unit 5: Extra-legal Measures of Controlling the Press

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Understand the extra-legal measures of controlling the press.
  • •Examine the unlawful detention of journalists.
  • •Discuss the beating/killing of journalists and the seizing of working equipment.
Week
8

Module 4: Professional Issues in Nigeria Mass Media Industry

2h

Unit 1: Press Freedom in Nigeria

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Define press freedom and its significance.
  • •Analyze the factors impinging on the press in Nigeria.
  • •Discuss the way out for effective press freedom.
Week
9

Module 4: Professional Issues in Nigeria Mass Media Industry

2h

Unit 2: Mass Media and Politics in Nigeria

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Explore the relationship between mass media and political development.
  • •Analyze the mass media and Nigeria's democratic process.
  • •Discuss mass media partisanship.
Week
10

Module 5: Socio-Cultural/Technological Issues in Nigerian Mass Media

1.5h

Unit 1: Rural News in Nigerian Mass Media

1.5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the international news flow debate.
  • •Examine the urban and rural news flow in Nigeria.
  • •Discuss the need for greater rural news.
Week
11

Module 5: Socio-Cultural/Technological Issues in Nigerian Mass Media

2h

Unit 2: Gender and Mass Media in Nigeria

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Explore the historical overview of gender and media.
  • •Analyze gender representation in the Nigerian mass media.
  • •Discuss gender images in the Nigerian mass media.
Week
12

Module 5: Socio-Cultural/Technological Issues in Nigerian Mass Media

1.5h

Unit 3: ICTs and the Mass Media Industry in Nigeria

1.5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Define ICTs and their application in the Nigerian mass media.
  • •Examine the extent of ICTs application in the Nigerian mass media.
  • •Discuss the problems associated with ICTs.
Week
13

Module 5: Socio-Cultural/Technological Issues in Nigerian Mass Media

1.5h

Unit 4: ICTs and Citizen Journalism in Nigeria

1.5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Define citizen journalism.
  • •Explore the evolution of citizen journalism in Nigeria.
  • •Discuss the problems of citizen journalism in Nigeria.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key events in Nigerian media history (Units 1.1, 1.2).

2

Develop case studies analyzing ethical dilemmas like the 'brown envelope syndrome' (Units 2.1, 2.2).

3

Summarize the main provisions and implications of media laws (Module 3).

4

Compare and contrast arguments for and against press freedom (Unit 4.1).

5

Analyze the impact of ICTs on traditional media practices (Module 5).

6

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Self-Assessment Exercises (SAEs).

Related Courses

Other courses in Social Sciences that complement your learning

INR322

Contemporary Strategic Studies

3 Units
INR371

Bricks And Multilateral Diplomacy

2 Units
CSS381

Domestic Violence

3 Units
View All Social Sciences Courses