CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The mass media by nature are designed to carry information and education among others to

mass audience according to (Okunna and Omenugha, (2013), Sambe, (2005) and Chiakaan,

(2013). thus, the media are expected to inform the populace about things that make our

environment risky for human existence as well as what should be done to preserve the

environment from deteriorating. It is this responsibility on the shoulders of the media that is

encapsulated as the surveillance function of the media. McQuail (2009) argues that as part of

their surveillance function, their mass media serve as watchdog of the society. Here, the

media watch over the society to spot out acts and things that endanger the society and the

inhabitants living in it.

In Nigeria, government, NGOs have continued to express their worry about negative

attitude of the citizenry, companies and business owners toward the environment. aside issue

of environmental pollution in the Niger Delta region which has received wider coverage

globally, the country is battling with severe issue of poor domestic waste management,

indiscriminate waste disposal, smoke, sound in markets and other public arenas. these issues

if checked have severe health implication on the people now and in the future to come.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about one-third of Africa's disease

burden is attributable to environmental hazards. The major contributing risk factors to

environmental disease burden in the continent are traditional environmental health hazards

such as lack of access to safe water, indoor air pollution from solid fuel combustion, and lack

of sanitation and hygiene (Pruss-Ustun and Corvalan, 2006). It is, therefore expedient for the
6
public to be aware of environmental health hazards as well as taught how to manage it at

home and in public places.

the mass media [radio, television, newspaper etc] by nature are designed to carry information

and education among others to mass audience according to (Okunna and Omenugha, (2013),

Sambe, (2005) and Chiakaan, (2013). Thus, the media are expected to inform the populace

about things that make our environment risky for human existence as well as what should be

done to preserve the environment from deteriorating. It is this responsibility on the shoulders

of the media that is encapsulated as the surveillance function of the media. McQuail (2009)

argues that as part of their surveillance function, their mass media serve as watchdog of the

society. Here, the media watch over the society to spot out acts and things that endanger the

society and the inhabitants living in it. this justifies why the mass media run programmes and

publish articles regarding issues of public health and security among others.

Among several forms of mass media, television has become prominent in promoting issues

of public health like outbreak of diseases, erosion, pollution, poor waste management and

others. This is possible because television has the ability to present information in motion

pictures and sound. Sambe (2005) cited in Chiakaan (2013, p.6) asserts, "broadcast media

[television] are faster and more instantaneous in reaching members of the public". Television

in particular covers events or issues like flooding, waste matters or any environment

phenomenon through different ways. Chiakaan (2013) identifies news, interviews, drama,

and documentary as some of the major ways television transmits information and knowledge

to audience.

Over the years, it has been observed that broadcast stations in Nigeria are facing problems

like government control and poor funding. These problems have affected the content of their

programmes. Many programmes of broadcast stations in Nigeria especially government

owned television stations like Taraba State Television (TTV) are controlled by government.
7
In this regard, the station serve mainly as government propaganda mouth-piece. This raises

questions of effectiveness among these stations in performing surveillance function of the

media especially in promoting environmental health which is very cardinal to the survival of

the populace. Therefore, this study sought to assess the impact of TTV Jalingo in coverage of

environmental health issues in Taraba State.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Environmental health hazards such as pollution, desertification, and degradation among

others are subject of global debates. This is far from their implication on the health and

development of human society. It has been discovered that the outbreak of diseases, global

warming, and some cases of erosion, soil and air pollution which limit agricultural activities

are all issues associated with poor environmental management (UNIDO, 2004).

The media institution particularly, television is veritable tools, which set agenda for the

society and have great influence on it. Thus, television can influence the peoples' attitude

toward environment by the kind of reportage they give to environmental issues. However,

this can only be realistic when the media give effective reportage of environmental health

issues in a given society. It is this information that will help the audience to developed

understanding of the risks of certain practices in the environment as well as take preventive

measures. However, the question that need to be explore is: How effective media particularly

TTV covered environmental issues bothering citizens in Taraba State?

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The broad objective of this study is to assess the impact of TTV in coverage environmental

health issues in Taraba State. The specific objectives, however are:

i. To determine the extent environment health issues feature in news and other

programmes of TTV

ii. To find out the nature of programmes or reports on environmental health issues as
8
covered by TTV Jalingo
iii. To determine the impact environmental health related programmes by TTV Jalingo

on audience.

1.4 Research Questions

The study provides answers to the following questions:

i. To what extent environment health issues feature in news and other programmes of

TTV?

ii. What is the nature of programmes or reports on environmental health issues reported

by TTV Jalingo?

iii. What impact has environmental health related programmes produced by TTV Jalingo

made on the audience?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to media practitioners especially television programme producers. It will encourage

them to give more attention to issues of environmental health in their programmes. Such act will increase the

level of awareness, knowledge as well as encourage healthy behaviour among the public regarding

environmental health. The study will also encourage media proprietors like Taraba State Government to

improve funding of the TTV Jalingo to enable station has more air time to report environmental and other

developmental issues.

The research will also contribute to literature on environmental communication and media

social responsibility. Hence, it will be useful material for future researchers interested in a

related and similar area. The study will also help the researcher fulfill one requirement for the

award of National Diploma in mass communication in Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on broadcast coverage of environmental health issues in Nigeria. The

study restricted itself to TTV Jalingo and the viewers of the station within Jalingo metropolis.
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The study chooses this medium and Jalingo town because of their proximity which might

facilitates timely access to collect useful data that pertains to the study.
1.7 Definition of Terms

The following terms as used in this story are hereby defined to enhance comprehension:

Media: In this study, media refer to various channels of communication such as TV, radio,

newspaper and others through which messages are sent to the public. In respect to this study,

it refers to TTV Jalingo.

Broadcast Media: In this study, it refers to television and radio.

Environment Issues: In this study, it refers to surroundings and or the atmosphere in which

human lives.

Environmental Coverage: Environmental coverage in this study include all reports that

have to do with environmental issues such as waste disposal, erosion and host of others.

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 CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

There are several literature available that are related to this study. Thus this part of the study

examined some of these literature to provide foregrounding issues as well as reveals and

make relevant the area or aspect of the study that this research tries to cover. The chapter is

divided into conceptual clarification, empirical review and theoretical framework.

2.1. Review of Concept

The concept broadcasting, broad cast coverage, environment and environmental health issues

are reviewed below:

2.1.1. Concept of Broadcasting

The term “broadcasting” according to Chiakaan (2013,p.1) is a borrowed term from

Agriculture associated with the concept of sowing seeds or applying fertilizer. According to

him, farmers simply spread seeds or fertilizer freely by hand, which is very advantageous due

to speed. Thus, mass communication field borrowed the term considering the speed at which

messages, ideas or pieces of information are able to reach the public within short time

through radio or television transmission. In his submission, Yaroson and Asemah (2009)

explained that, “broadcasting” is a compound word which means spreading far and wide or

spreading to a wide area’’. The succinctly revealed that broadcasting in the sense of mass

communication entails the transmission of information through technological devices like

radio and television to a large and heterogeneous audience who are scattered and

geographically distributed. In the same line, Reitz (2004) as cited by chaikaan (2103,p.1)

defines the term broadcasting as “ Simultaneous transmission to all who own the equipment

required to receive a signal communication information content (radio and television) or

11
those who have paid for a specific type of communication service (cable television)…”
Above implies that, broadcasting is simply the transmission of radio and television signals

(messages) to audience who are in tune with the radio and television station via their sets

(radio and television box)

2.1.2 Broadcast Coverage

Broadcast media are radio and television. Radio and television covers report happening in the

society. Therefore, by broadcast coverage we mean, the reportage of news and other events

by broadcast media. On daily moment, broadcast news reporters are sent to various beats,

places or subjects of assignment to reporting issues of public importance. Reports emanating

from broadcast media are subject to concept of programmes. Chiakaan (2013, p.g 63) opines

that, broadcast media embark on series of activities which are planned and brought out for

the consumership of the general public.

Programmes are not haphazardly done but involve creativity and tactics to pass information

to general and specific audience. There are many types of programmes use by broadcast

stations to report or cover issues like environmental issues. Owuamalam (2014) identify

types of programmes as entertainment programmes, educationals, commercials, community

services, special event and public service. Chiakaan (2013) identifies news, discussion,

magazines, documentary, features, drama, sports, musicals, children, women and religious.

2.1.3 Environment and Environmental Health Issues

Environment is the physical vicinity man lives. It includes the land, the air and waters that

support the existence of humanity. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines

environment as it relates to health as “all physical, chemical and biological factors external to

a person and all the related behaviours” (WHO, 2006). Daily basis human being interacts

with the environment, in the cause of these interactions, they harm the environment making it
12
unhealthy for their existence. Another time, natural phenomenon might occur making the

environment unhealthy for human being to live.

Notwithstanding, therefore, environment health addresses all the physical, chemical and

biological factors external to a person, and all the related factors impacting behaviours. It

encompasses the assessment and control of those environmental factors that can potentially

affect health; targeting towards preventing disease and creating health-supportive

environments, especially those aspects of the human health and disease that are determined

by factors in the environment (WHO 2012).

Maintaining a healthy environment is central to increasing quality of life and years of healthy

life. Globally 23% of all deaths and 26% of deaths among children under 5 are due to

preventable environmental factors (WHO 2006). Environmental factors are diverse and far

reaching. They include Exposure to hazardous substances in the air, water, soil and food.

Natural and technological disasters, climate change, Occupational hazards and the built

environment (EPA, 2010).

2.1.4 Nigerian Environmental Condition

Nigeria has a total land area of 923,773 square Kilometers and is richly endowed with

abundant and diverse resources, both renewable and non-renewable. Nigerian population is

more than 180 million yielding an average density of more than 120 persons per square

kilometer (Omofonwan & Osa-Edoh), 2008. The country is blessed with mineral, physical,

biological and energy resources. From the mangrove and rain forests of the south, through

the various savannahs and semi-arids ecosystems of the north, the nation is richly endowed

with fishery resources, wildlife, timber, medicinal plants, mineral resources and water,

ornamental and food crops. In general, the environment provides all life support systems in

the air, on water and on and on land as well as the materials for fulfilling all developmental

aspirations. However, the Nigerian environment is faced with many problems arising from th
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impacts of human activities and natural phenomenon (Adeyinka, Bankole & Olaye 2005).

Daramola and Ibem (2010 cited in Alao, Uwom and Alao (2016) state, “Nigeria cities are
witnessing high rate of environmental deteriorating and are rated among urban areas with the

lowest liveability index in the world”. Omofonmwan and Osa-edoh (2008) opines that, the

interaction of Nigerians with their respective environment has left indelible mark on the

landscape.

It is observed according to records that every minute that 5 children in developing countries

die from malaria or diarrhoea. Every hour, 100 more children dis as a result of exposure to

indoor smoke from solid fuels. Every day, almost 3,000 people in low and middle income

countries die from road traffic injuries: in the poorest countries most of these deaths are

among pedestrians. Every month, nearly 19,000 people in developing countries die from

unintentional poisonings, often as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals and pesticides in

their work or home environments. Environmental hazards and related illnesses kill millions

globally every year (Smith et al 1999, The world Health Report 2002).

Omofonmwan and Osa-Edoh (2008) further identify the following: urbanization,

overpopulation, deforestation, desertification, pollution as major environmental issues facing

Nigeria. Mba et al (eds (2004) as cited in Adedeji (2010) identified several types of

environmental problems classified as ecological, poaching and habitat loss, increasing

desertification and soil erosion.

These are further subdivided into pollution, deforestation, global warming and slum

development, etc.

Despite these challenges, it was revealed that effect toward managing the environment in

Nigeria is minimal in the country. Amokaye (2012) observed that, the efforts of the

government at all level in Nigeria at ensuring sustainable development through numerous

environmental legislation, fiscal incentives and grants to environmental ministries and

14
agencies remain elusive. No wonder, the country continues to experience complex

environmental problems of atmospheric, noise and water pollution, oil pollution, climatic
change including flooding, coastal erosion and perennial oceanic surge and municipal solid

waste management.

2.1.4 Health Communication

Health communication has become an accepted tool for promoting public health. Its

principles are often used today for various disease prevention and control strategies including

advocacy for health issues, marketing health plans and products, educating patients about

medical care or treatment choices, and educating consumers about healthcare quality issues.

At the same time, the availability of new technologies and computer-based media is

expanding the access to health information and raising questions about equality of access,

accuracy of information, and effective use of these new tools at the same time.

One of the key objectives of health communication is to influence individuals and

communities by sharing health-related information to improve health. As a matter of fact, the

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines health communication as: The

study and use of communication strategies to inform and influence individual and community

decisions that enhance health. The word influence is also included in the Healthy People

2010 definition of health communication as “the art and technique of informing, influencing

and motivating individual, institutional, and public audiences about important health issues”

(U.S Department of Health and Human Services, 2005:11).

This portends that health communication is a key strategy to inform the public about health

concerns as well as to maintain important health issues on the public agenda. The use of the

mass and multimedia and other technological innovations to disseminate useful health

information to the public, increases awareness of specific aspects of individual and collective

health as well as importance of health in development. Health communication is defined by

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Healthy People (2010) as the study that encompasses the use of communication strategies to

inform and influence individual and community decisions towards the enhancement of
health. It is increasingly recognized as a necessary element or effort aimed at improving

personal and public health, therefore it stands a bridge between communication and health.

Furthermore, the scope of health communication includes disease prevention, health

promotion, health care policy, business of health care, as well as the enhancement of quality

of life of individuals within the community. These include: reproductive and sexual health

concerns. Disease prevention is cheaper given the huge cost involved in obtaining quality

health care which is almost non-existent especially in third world countries. Therefore, to

realize disease prevention and health promotion it is important to know the behaviours and

practices that mitigate healthy living and in achieving this, it is imperative to involve the

people concerned since their lives is at stake.

Also, Schiavo (2007) asserts that health communication is based on a two-way exchange of

information that uses a “common system of signs and behaviours” which should be

accessible creating “mutual feelings of understanding and sympathy” amng members of the

communication team as well as the intended audiences. Stating further, another important

role of communication is to create a receptive and favourable environment in which

information can be shared, understood, absorbed and discussed by the audience at which the

programme is intended. In achieving this, it requires an in-depth understanding of the needs,

beliefs, taboos, attitudes, lifestyle and social norms of the audiences. Thus, health

communication is critical for people’s exposure to search for health information and use

them, individual’s ability to reduce or eliminate unhealthy behaviours and adopt healthy

behaviours as well as individuals and community group’s ability to make decisions about the

health of their work place, community and their society at large.

Communicators or communication practitioners are no longer seen as those who write press
16
releases or other media-related communications, but as fundamental members of the public

health teams. Communication is no longer considered a skill but a science-based discipline

that requires training and passion relying on the use of different vehicles and channels to

achieve (Beenhardt, 2004). However, there is an increasing understanding that the level of

technical competence of communication practitioners can affect outcomes; as a result,

adequate training is required to obtain health communication planning, programme execution

and evaluation. That is why it is essential to note that as far as health communication is

concerned, the learning process is a lifetime endeavour and should be facilitated by the

continuous development of new training initiatives and tools (Schiavo, 2006). However,

training may start in the academic setting but should always be influenced and complemented

by practical experience, observation, in-service training and continuing professional

education. Also, it is important to remember that there is no magic bullet that can address

health issues. So therefore, health communication is an evolving discipline seeking to

incorporate lessons learned without neglecting the use of a multidisciplinary approach to all

interventions. Saba (2006:65) shares this view by stating that: In the past and this is probably

the most prevalent trend even today, health communication practitioners were trained “on-

the-job”. People from different fields (sociology, demography, public health, and

psychology, communication with all its different specialties, such as film making, journalism

and advertising) entered or were brought into health communication programs to meet the

need of professional human resources in this field. By performing their job and working in

terms, they learned how to adapt their skills to the new field and were taught by other

practitioners about the common practices and basic “lingo” of health communication.

One of the major developments of recent years has been the “discovery” of the role that

health communication can play in determining individual and community health status. In the

same vein, effective communication can improve the health outcomes of acute and chronic
17
conditions reduce the impact of racial, ethnic, disease-specific and socio-economic factors in

healthcare and improve the effectiveness of prevention and health promotion.

As mass media became pervasive, an increasing proportion of the population came to receive

information on health and other topics from newspapers, magazines, radio and television.

These modes of information transfer became the hallmark of modern society. With the

internet now emerging as the king of mass media, more is expected. Today, the role the mass

media play in promoting health messages like environmental matters cannot be over

emphasize. The transmission of environmental health issues which is part of the domain of

health communication has received prominence in communication studies to the point that a

more specific field know as environmental communication is emerging around the world.

2.1.5 Role of Mass Media in Promoting Environmental Health

Environmental education is one of the tools to help meet the aims of conservation. The media

could take up a crucial role by providing technical information about relevant environmental

problems and possibilities, and about appropriate innovations (Singhal & Rogers, 1989). in

an approach to create conservation education strategy, mostly in developing countries like

Nigeria and others in Africa, the use of various forms of mass media, such as newspaper,

radio, television, cinema, (Nollywood Films), etc, is highly recommended to reach out to the

masses effectively as there constitute major instrument of knowledge generation, awareness,

behaviour modification and attitudinal change. Reaching out to the public is essential to

ensure sustainable development and environmental management, since the livelihood of

people and the environment are symbiotically linked. To this end, the need for the public

awareness and participation has been regarded as imperative in environmental sustainability.

Thus, it is important to inculcate a predisposition towards environmentalism through media.

The mass media are key actors in the identification and interpretation of environmental issues

(Schoenfeld et al., 1979; Spector and Kitsuse, 1997). Environmental findings constitute a
18
specialized mode of knowledge that is almost always packaged in professional language.
Scientists generally employ a lexicon of caution and speak in a language style that is valued

in the press. In other words, the very language scientists employ plays into scientific

uncertainly as a silent theme media coverage (Weingarten et al., 2000). Therefore,

environmental scientific findings usually require translation into more colloquial terms in

order for them to be comprehensible for public consumption.

According to Boyagoda (2016), a number of studies have shown that mass media are

powerful tools that have been and can continue to be used to effect of social change.

According to Marx’s argument, mass media, known as a “means of production” which

disseminate the ideas and world views are agents of ideological control (Marx & Engels (as

cited by Chandler, 2014 ). Specifically, news reports play an important role in shaping the

public’s perceptions of the government’s efforts to address the environmental issues and

resolve the environmental problems. The media do not only reports environmental related

events like outbreak of flooding and their devastating effect, they also let people know how

officials respond and what to do to keep people informed about the day - to - day progress of

efforts to protect the environment, recycling programs and efforts to conserve natural

resources. Akpan, Anorue and Onyekachi (2012) further assert that, the media should not

simply report climate change events and disasters. The media have a role in influencing

personal, national, and international action to address climate change and other

environmental health issues. Such coverage should set agenda on what people should know

and do (Nwabueze 2007).

Weingart, Engels, and Pansegrau (2000, pp. 261-283) note that media portrayals of

environmental issues like climate xhange have proven to be a key contributor among a

number of factors that have shaped and affected science and policy discourse as well as
19
public understanding and action. Olarewaju (2011, p.42) adds that, the media play a crucial

role in disseminating useful climate information to effectively guide public debate and
understanding about the weather, climate and climate change. Klapper (1960) cited in

Popoola (2013) noted that media influence in environmental education and awareness are

based on the argument that on a wide range of environmental issues, the public will have few

sources other than the mass media.

2.1.6 Relevance of Environmental Education

Critical to the realization of any novel idea of relevance and practical translation is the matter

of creating and raising its awareness. In the domain of environmental issues, environmental

education plays a key role in sensitizing people of the need and significance of any such

programs, which are carried out to address environmental problems confronting them.

Environmental education increases public consciousness and knowledge of environmental

issues and challenges. People profit through environmental education by gaining an

understanding of how their individual actions affect the environment, acquiring skills that

they can use to evaluate various sides of issues and becoming better equipped to make

informed decisions.

Environmental education also gives people a deeper understanding of the environment,

inspiring them to take personal responsibility of its conservation and restoration (Ugboaja

19977:45). Communication scholars agree that Environmental education help bring forth the

traditional solution to address the modern environmental crisis by discovering and pioneering

the right environmental attitude. According to Ugboajah “communication is very central to

direct change and all analysis of development, be it environmental, health or agriculture must

ultimately wait on communication process”.

Moemeka, (1983) in his contribution to the workshop organized by the Federal Ministry of

Environment in Nigeria with theme Environmental Awareness for Media Practitioners under
20
the topic 0Mass )Media and Environmental Education, observed thus “Environmental

Education in the face of Environmental problem is a very crucial one, Therefore,

environmental education should be incorporated into the whole system of formal education at

all levels to provide the necessary knowledge, understanding, values and skills needed by the

general public as well as occupational groups for their participation towards devising

solutions to environmental questions”. Moemeka’s observation borrows from the submission

of the Inter-Government Conference on Environmental Education held in Tbilisi in 1977

which resolved that there should be anal out educational programs. And the mass media has

proved capable in leading that campaign which as in its root a development agenda.

2.2 Review of Empirical Studies

Some studies previously carried out by other scholars that are related to this study have been

selected and review. One of such studies is the one by Popoola (2014) carried out Content

and Hermeneutical Analysis of Selected Newspapers’ Reportage of Environmental Issues in

Nigeria. The newspaper that were selected for the study were Daily Trust, Guardian, Punch

and This Day. Systematic and purposive sampling methods were used to select a total 480

editions of the selected newspaper within a period of two years, 1999 and 2000. four

environmental issues devised as content categories to address the research problem and they

were flood, erosion, pollution and deforestation. Straight news stories, featured stories,

opinions, and columns were used as units of analyzing and the content categories.

It was discovered in the study that the selected newspaper reported environmental issues in

Nigeria considerably, and erosion and flood related matters received the highest reportage of

all the environmental issues. In addition, the selected newspaper mostly used featured stories

to report on the environmental issues. It was also discovered that the newspaper devoted

significant space to the reportage of the environmental issues, by measure of length and

paragraphs of the stories. Nevertheless, the selected newspapers did not give the issues
21
considerable and enough prominence, by measure of front page and back page placements

and big headline point sizes. The study related to current study because it touched on media
coverage environmental issues. However, the study focused on newspaper coverage while

this study focused on broadcast media.

Another related stujdy, Leask, Hooker and King (2010) investigated “Media Coverage of

Health Issues and how to Work more effectively with Journalists: A Qualitative Study”. The

main objective of the research is to explore how journalists in Australia select and shape

news on environmental health issues. The study used semi-structured interviews with 16

journalist from major Australian print, radio and television media organizations reporting on

Avian influenza and pandemic planning. Journalists including reporters, editors and

producers were interviewed between October 2006 and August 2007. The study among other

findings found that the most trusted sources on environmental health issues are experts like

independent doctors. The study further recommends that specialist health and medical

reporters require a more sound technical knowledge, channels to appropriate sources, power

within their organizations, and ability to advocate for better quality coverage. The work

related to this study in that, it stress the extent the media (journalist) in general covers

environmental health issues.

Boyagoda (2017) explore the news coverage of environmental issues in Sri Lankan

Newspaper Primary data were collected through content analysis. The agenda setting

approach was the theoretical framework for the study. The research concluded that Sri

Lankan newspaper do cover environmental issues, though the subject matter did not receive

much coverage. It was revealed that environmental issues are not covered sufficiently in

these three newspaper. The ways of prominence given for environmental issues in these three

newspapers were different considerably. In terms of the extent of coverage, types of

environmental issues, level of prominence (nature of the story, item, placement, space and
22
trend), it is evident that The Sunday Times newspaper has given the significant

representation or considerable coverage for environmental related issues than other two
newspapers. The study differs with the current study based on geographical differences and

media under study. The former was conducted in Sri Lanka and focused on newspaper while

the present will be conducted in Nigeria with focus on television.

Miller and Pollak (2012) in a study titled “Environmental Coverage in the Mainstream news,

we need more”. The study aimed at comparing and ranking news organizations among their

peers according to how they are prioritizing environmental headlines. The study also

examines coverage ratios, citizen attitudes, pathways for innovation, and a host of other

topics. The researchers adopted content analysis using thirty national prominent news

organizations in United States from January 2011 through May 2012 was conducted.

The study found out that coverage of the environmental issues represented just 1.2 percent of

news headlines in the United States from January 2011 through May 2012 for the thirty

nationally prominent news organizations ranked in this research. Meanwhile, entertainment

and crime garner twenty times and sixty times more coverage, respectively, than the

environment. The study discovered that on average, entertainment headlines get over three

times more coverage than environmental stories for nationally prominent news organization.

The study concludes that news organizations are a vital part of the health and functioning of

any society. Thus, environmental health issues should be at the fore of the agenda of every

mass medium. The nexus between this work and the study under investigation is that both are

interested in examining coverage of environmental health issues by the mass media.

2.3 Theoretical Framework

This study is anchored on Social Responsibility Theory Media Theory. The origin of the

theory can be attributed to critics (Wilbur Chramm, Siebert and Theodore Peterson) of free

press theory. The see viewed Libertarianism as outdated and obsolete thus the need for a
23
replacement with Social Responsibility Theory (Asemah, Nwammuo and Nkwam-Uwaoma,

2017). However, it is believed that the theory was brought to fore in the middle of 2th
century in United States by the Commission of the Freedom of Press. The Commission

found that the free market approach to press has not served the interest of the public rather

increased the powers of elites as well as recklessness. Thus, there is need for some obligation

on the part of media to society.

The basic assumption of the theory is that the media has eight to cover and report activities

without restriction but the same time, the media has obligation to the society by reporting

objectively and accurately. In this sense, McQuail (2009) asserts that, the media should

accept an obligation to serve essential functions to the society particularly in the area of

information gathering and sharing in the society. The theory therefore becomes relevant to

this study, it will help us explain the whether TTV Jalingo has been socially responsible I

reporting environmental health issues.

2.4 Chapter Summary

This chapter examined previous works regarding issues of media coverage of environmental

health issues in Nigeria. The chapter is divided into conceptual clarification, review of

related works, review of empirical works and the theoretical framework which is the bedrock

of the entire study.

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 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter described the general procedure adopted in the collection of data. It covers

research design, population, sample size, sampling method, research instrument, validity and

reliability, method of data collection and analysis.

3.1 Research Design

Research design is the blue that explains how a study will be conducted. The research design

adopted for this study is the descriptive survey. According to Tull and Dell (1993:329),

survey research method enables a researcher to systematically gather information from

respondents for the purpose of understanding and predicting some aspects of the behaviour of

the population of the interest. Survey was chosen because of the nature of the research topic,

which demanded the collection of significant amount of data from a meaningful number of

viewers of TTV and some staff of the media station.

3.2 Population of the Study

According to Ekeh (2003), population statistically refers to the entire members of the

universe being studied. This may be human being, animals, places, things or circumstance.

Sambo (2005:88) says population is the set of all elements, objects or events that are interest

for a particular study. The population of the study is the viewers of TTV Jalingo, six staff of

TTV the (news reporters, editors and programme producers). The total number of viewers of

the station is not available with any authority.

3.3 Sample Size

Sample in research, according to Ekeh (2003) means a subset or representation of a

population selected for the purpose of investigation. It includes those to whom research
25
conditions and tests were administered or for whom responds were obtained. Agreeing with

Ekeh, Sambo (2005:88) asserts that a sample is a subset of a population from which data for
a study is collected. The simple size to be use in this study was 250 made up of audience of

TTV and 6 staff of the TTV. The size was adjudged sufficient based on the sampling

recommendation by COmrey and Lee (1972) cited in Wimmer and Dominick (2009) which

explains that, in the absent of definite total number of population frame, a researcher can be

guided by the following sampling recommendations: 50 = very poor, 100 = poor, 200 = fair,

300 = good, 500 = very good and 1000 = excellent. Going by this recommendation, the

decided sample size (256) is above “fair” which makes it sufficient enough for thus study.

The sample is divided as follows:

Classification of Respondents

Type of Respondents Sample Size Instrument

Viewers (members of public) 250 Questionnaire
News editors 2 Interview schedule
News Reporter 2 Interview schedule
Programme Producers 2 Interview schedule
Total 250 -
Source: Researcher

3.4 Sampling Procedure

Sampling explains how the respondents were selected. The study adopted purposive

sampling technique. Thus, only audiences within Jalingo metropolis who watch TTV

programmes were selected. This is because they might have more insight to comment of

environmental reportage of the station. Furthermore, only key staff news and programmes

department (editors, reporters and producers) were selected for the interviews. This is

because by virtue of their position, they can provide useful responses about the stations’

effort toward environmental reporting.

3.5 Research Instrument Administration

26
This study used questionnaire to collect data from respondents (viewers of TTV). The

questionnaire for this study was made up of close-ended items. It was designed in such a way
that section one contained the bio-data of the respondent and section two contained questions

on the variables. The items were in Likert-scale with responses ranging from Strongly Agree,

Agree, Strongly Disagree, Neutral to Disagree. Other options are very often, Often, Rarely,

and Never among others. According to Malhotra and Birks (2007), the Likert-scale typically

consists of the statements to which respondents evaluate their agreement or disagreement.

Another instrument used is the interview schedule guide.

3.6 Validity and Reliability Instrument

This study used content validity. To ensure content validity, the researcher gave the

supervisor the items on the questionnaire and interview guide for scrutiny. Observations from

the supervisor were made before the actual administration.

3.7 Method of Data Analysis

Since the researcher is dealing with both quantitative and qualitative data, the two method of

data analysis were adopted. Quantitative data emanating from the questionnaire were

analyzed using descriptive statistical particularly simple percentages and frequency tables.

The qualitative data emanating from interview schedule analyzed thematically as a

compliment to the quantitative data.

CHAPTER FOUR
27
DATA PRESENTATTION AND ANALYSIS
This chapter presents data collected through questionnaires as well as the discussion of

findings. Even Two hundred and fifty (250) copies of questionnaires were administered, only

246 copies were returned valid while 4 were missing or not properly filled as such screened

out. The analysis of the data is therefore based on 246 collected questionnaires.

4.1 Data Presentation

Table 1: Distribution of Respondents by sex

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Male 138 56.1
Female 108 43.9
Total 246 100
Sources: Survey, 2021

In the Table above, 138 respondents representing 56.1% were male while 108 respondents

representing 43.9% were females. This indicates that there were more males respondents than

females in the study; however, both sexes were represented in the study.

Table 2: Distribution of Respondents by Age Bracket

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

18 – 30 years 81 32.9
31 – 40 years 98 39.8
41 – Above 67 27.3
Total 246 100
Sources: Survey, 2021

According to the Table above, respondents are distributed according to their age bracket, 18-

30 years covers 81 respondents represented by 32.9%,, 31-40 years were 98 represented by

39.8% and 41 above were 677 represented by 227.3%. This shows that all the respondents

were adults.

Table 3: Distribution of Respondents by Occupation

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Civil servant 2875 30.5
Business 32 13.0
Others 139 56.5
Total 246 100
Sources: Survey, 2021

Table 3 shows according to their occupation. Accordingly, 75 representing 30.5% were civil

servants, 32 representing 13% were business people while 139 representing 56.5% belong to

other occupation. This implies that the respondents who the data were collected belong to

different professions.

Table 4: Distribution of Respondents by Educational Qualification

Educational qualification No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

FLSC 12 4.8
SSCE 29 11.7
Diploma/NCE 89 36.2
Degree/HND 91 36.9
Others 25 10.2
Total 246 100
Sources: Survey, 2021

Inn Table 4 above, the respondents Educational qualification data indicates that 12 (4.8%)

bagged FSLC, 29 (11.77%5) bagged SSCE, 89 (36.2%) had Diploma/NCE, 91 (36.9%)

bagged a Degree/HND while others were 25 (10.22%). This shows that more people within

Jalingo have attained various level of Education mostly at a Degree/HND level.

Table 5: Respondents Exposure to Television

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Yes 246 100
No 0 0
Total 246 100
Source: Survey, 2021

The Table above indicates that all the respondents are exposed to television, it implies that all

the respondents watch television which might include Taraba Television (TTV) Jalingo.

Table 6: Respondents Exposure to TTV Jalingo

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

29
Yes 246 100
No 0 0
Total 246 100
Source: Survey, 2021
In Table 6 above, 246 respondents representing 100% watch TTV Jalingo. This shows that

all the respondents watch TTV Jalingo as such their comment on the subject matter can be

authentic

Table 7: Respondents Frequency of Exposure to programmes on TTV Jalingo

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Very often 0 0
Often 244 99.2
Rarely 2 0.8
Total 246 100
Source: Survey, 2021

In Table 7, none of the respondents watch TTV Jalingo programs very often, 244 represnting

99.2% often watch the station while 2 representing 0.8% rarely watch the station. This shows

that most of the respondents often watch programmes on TTV Jalingo. Therefore, they are

likely to be exposed to environmental issues covered by the media.

Table 8: Respondents opinion on kinds of Programmes TTV Jalingo cover

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Children 32 13.0
Environmental Health 45 18.3
Education 11 4.5
Sports 4 1.6
All of the above 154 62.6
Total 246 100
Source: Survey, 2021

In Table 8, 32 respondents representing 13% TTV Jalingo produce children program, 45

30

representing 18.3% identified Environmental health programs, 11 representing 4.5% went for

Education, those who went for sports are 4 representing 1.6% and 154 respondents
representing 62.6% went for all the programs. This implies that TTV Jalingo produces

different programmes with environmental health issues inclusive.

Table 9: Respondents Opinion on the extent TTV Jalingo produced programmes on

environmental health issues

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Very high extent 9 3.7
High extent 99 40.2
Low extent 138 56.1
Not at all 0 0
Total 246 100
Source: Survey, 2021

In Table 9 above, 9 respondents representing 3.7% indicated that TTV produced programmes

on environmental health issues to a very high extent, 99 representing 40.2% went for extent

while 138 representing 56.1% went for low extent. This indicates that environmental health

issues are averagely produced by TTV Jalingo. However, interviewees in the study revealed

that TTV to great extent have covered several stories on environmental health issues.

According to Director of programmes and News Department in TTV, over the years, the

station had make significant effort in reporting issues that promote environmental health of

the citizens in the state.

Table 10: Environmental health issues on TTV often appear on news broadcast

Source: Survey, 2021

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Strongly agreed 2 0.8
Agreed 99 40.2
Strongly disagreed 44 17.9
Disagreed 101 41.1
Neutral 0 0
Total 246 100
In Table 10 above, 7 representing 2.4% said they strongly agreed that environmental health
31
issues often appear on TTV news broadcast, 59 (23.9%) agreed while 180 (73.2%) strongly

disagreed. This means that peoples' understanding of environmental health programmes

produced by TTV, Jalingo to inform and educate the audience is low.

Table 11: Environmental health issues are often topic of discussion in programmes on

TTV

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Strongly agreed 7 2.4
Agreed 59 23.9
Strongly disagreed 0 0
Disagreed 180 73.2
Neutral 0 0
Total 246 100
Source: Survey, 2021

In the Table above, 7 (2.4%) of the respondents strongly agreed that environmental health

issues are often the topic of discussion on TTV programmes, 59 (23.9%) agreed while 180

(73.2%) disagreed that environmental health issues often form the topic of discussion

programmes on TTV. This shows that environmental health issues have not frequently

feature as topic of discussion on TTV programmes. This is contrary to the findings in the

interview in which the respondents particularly Head of Programmes Department revealed

that scores of discussion programmes on TTV focused on various kinds of environmental

health issues.

Table 12: Phone-in programmes on TTV do not focus on environmental health issues.

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Strongly agreed 201 81.7
Agreed 45 18.3
Strongly disagreed 0 0
Disagreed 0 0
Neutral 0 0
Total 246 100
Source: Survey, 2021

In the Table above, 201 (81.7%) of the respondents strongly agreed that phone-in

programmes on TTV do not focus on environmental health issues. Similarly, 45 (18.3%)

agree while none strongly disagreed or stay neutral. This shows that people phone-in
32

programmes on TTV have not feature environmental health issues.

Table 13: Environmental health issues on TTV gives attention to proper waste disposal
 Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)
Strongly agreed 28 11.4
Agreed 101 41.1
Strongly disagreed 21 8.5
Disagreed 96 36.1
Neutral 0 0
Total 246 100
Source: Survey, 2021

In the Table above, 28 (11.4%) of the respondents strongly agreed that environmental health

issues on TTV give attention to proper waste disposal. Similarly, 101 (41.1%) agree while 21

(8.5%) strongly disagreed and 96 (36.1%) disagreed while none stay neutral. This shows that

TTV Jalingo focus on issues of proper waste management in her environmental programmes.

The data collected through the questionnaire also occur with the interview data which also

revealed that TTV had given significant attention to issue of waste management. According

to Mr. Audu Yawa (news editor) TTV had reported several cases of improper waste disposal

in several places such as Internal Displace Persons (IDPs) camp, market square and Abattoir.

Table 14: Environmental health issues on TTV give attention to proper citing of

structures.

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Strongly agreed 0 0
Agreed 19 7.7
Strongly disagreed 59 22.8
Disagreed 129 52.4
Neutral 39 15.9
Total 246 100
Source: Survey, 2021

In the Table above, 81 (32.9%) strongly agreed that environmental health issues on TTV

provide audience with useful information about issues of flooding and erosion, 151 (61.4%)

of the respondents agreed. Furthermore, 10 (4.1%) disagreed and 4 (1.6%) remain neutral.

This shows environmental health related programmes on TTV Jalingo provides the audience
33

with useful information about flooding and erosion. Mr. Amos Adanu, a senior reporter in

TTV explained that "issue of flooding and erosion has always form the agenda of TTV and
that news bulletins and discussion programmes have always capture the issue of flooding and

erosion".

Table 15: Environmental health issues on TTV provide audience with useful

information about issue of flooding and erosion.

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Strongly agreed 81 32.9
Agreed 151 61.4
Strongly disagreed 0 0
Disagreed 10 4.1
Neutral 4 1.6
Total 246 100
Source: Survey, 2021

In the Table above, none of the respondents strongly agreed that environmental health issues

on TTV gives attention to proper citing of structures, 19 (7.7%) of the respondents agreed.

Furthermore, 59 (22.8%) strongly disagreed, 129 (52.4%) disagreed and 39 (15.9%) remain

neutral. This shows that TTV Jalingo does not give significant on issue of proper citing of

structure as an environmental issue. However, the Deputy Director of Programmes, Mr.

Appolos revealed that the TTV have made some effort in trying to educate the populace on

the danger of indiscriminate citing of structures in environment.

Table 16: Environmental health issues on TTV warn the audience on the dangers of

reckless destruction of trees.

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Strongly agreed 11 4.5
Agreed 29 11.8
Strongly disagreed 45 18.3
Disagreed 89 36.2
Neutral 72 29.3
Total 246 100
Source: Survey, 2021
34

In the Table above, 11 (4.5%) strongly agreed that environmental health issues on TTV warn

the audience on the dangers of reckless destruction of trees, 29 (11.8%) agree to similar
assertion. However, 45 (18.3%) strongly disagreed and 89 (36.2%) disagreed while 72

(29.3%) remain neutral. It shows that TTV gave very minimal attention to issues of reckless

destruction of trees. In the same interview data the station has reported issues about

deforestation which once plights the state.

Table 17: Audiences of TTV are benefiting from environmental health issues of the

station.

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Strongly agreed 7 2.4
Agreed 59 23.9
Strongly disagreed 0 0
Disagreed 180 73.2
Neutral 0 0
Total 246 100
Source: Survey, 2021

In the Table above, 7 (2.4%) strongly agreed that audiences of TTV are benefiting from

environmental health issues of the station, 59 (23.9%) agree to similar assertion. However,

180 (73.2%) disagreed. It shows that only few respondents are benefiting from environmental

health issues on TTV. The interviewees on the other hand reported that audiences of TTV are

benefiting from environmental health issues in various ways. Mr. Musa Mohammed, a

reporter in the station said that through various environmental programmes aired through the

station, audience were enlightened about issues like poor refuse disposal which can lead to

outbreak of diseases.

Table 18: To what extent do you think TTV environmental programmes have helped

the audience in maintaining proper waste management?

Responses 35No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Very high extent 0 0
High extent 45 18.3
Low extent 201 81.7
Not at all 0 0
 Total 246 100
Source: Survey, 2021

In the Table above, 45 (18.3%) of the respondents indicated that to high extent environmental

programmes on TTV have helped the audience in maintaining proper waste management

while 201 (81.7%) opined that the impact is to some low extent. It can be inferred that the

impact of environmental health programmes are making low impact in educating and

encouraging audience to engage in proper waste disposal.

Table 19: To what extent do you think TTV environmental programmes have helped

the audience in proper citing of structures?

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Very high extent 0 0
High extent 7 1.6
Low extent 189 76.8
Not at all 50 20.3
Total 246 100
Source: Survey, 2021

In the Table above, 7 (1.6%) of the respondents indicated that to high extent environmental

programmes on TTV have helped the audience in proper citing of structures, however, 189

(76.8%) said to low extent while 50 (20.3%) said the programme does not in any way help

the audience in proper citing of structures.

Table 20: To what extent do you think TTV environmental programmes on TTV have

helped the audience to take note of problem of flooding and erosion?

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Very high extent 27 11
High extent 145 58.9
Low extent 38 15.4
Not at all 36 14.6
Total 246 100
36
Source: Survey, 2021
In the Table above, 27 (11%) of the respondents indicated that to very high extent

environmental programmes on TTV have helped the audience to take note of problem of

flooding and erosion, 145 (58.9%) said to high extent, but 38 (15.4%) said to low extent

while 36 (14.6%) said the programmes are not in any way helping the audience take note of

the problem of flooding and erosion. It can be inferred that to some high extent the

environmental health issues on TTV has helped in educating the audience to take note of

erosion and flooding. In their submissions, interviewers in the study stated that

environmental health programmes or report on TTV have significantly helped the audience to

take precautionary measures. They also added that the report gave drawn attention of

government, NYSC members and youth groups or local union who became motivated to

mobilize themselves to clear drainages and other water ways to avoid problem of flooding

and erosion

Responses No. of Respondents Percentage (%)

Very high extent 0 0
High extent 19 16.3
Low extent 138 56.1
Not at all 89 36.2
Total 246 100

In the table above, 19 (16.3%) of the respondents indicated that to very high extent

environmental programmes on TTV have helped to create consciousness in audience on

dangers of reckless instruction of tree, however, 138 (56.1%) said to low extent while 89

(36.2%) said the programmes are not in any way helping the audience take note of the

problem associated with the dangers of reckless destruction of trees.

4.2 Answering Research Questions

RQ 1: To what extent environmental health issues features in news and other

37
programmes on TTV?
Broadcast media like TTV has so many issues to report and all individuals who are exposed

to the media on regular basis can comment on issues the medium covers. Data from Table 5-

9 were used to answer the above question. Based on the data, it was found that there is low

coverage of environmental health issues by TTV Jalingo. This is confirmed by Data on Table

9 in which majority (56.6%) of the respondents indicated that there is low coverage of

environmental health issue on TTV is low.

RQ 2: What is the nature of programmes or reports on environmental health issues

reported by TTV Jalingo?

Data in Table 10-15 were used to answer the above research question. Accordingly, it can be

infer that environmental health issue on TTV comes inform of news (40.2%) and discussion

programmes and that issues of waste management, flood and erosion and deforestation were

the dominant topics the situation often focused on.

RQ 3: What impact has environmental health related programmes produced by TTV,

Jalingo made on the audience?

The above research question was answered using data Table 16-20. the result shows that

environmental health issues covered by TTV are making minimal impact. Based on the data

only 18.3% were educated by the report in the area of waste management, 58.9% were

enlightened in the aspect of flooding and erosion while 16.3% were educated on the dangers

of indiscriminate deforestation.

4.3 Discussion of Findings

Based on the data analyzed it was revealed that TTV Jalingo covers environmental health

issues in its programmes, however, such coverage is low. It therefore implies that the station

has given low prominence to promoting environmental health. This further supports the
38
outcome of previous studies by Ajaero, Okoro and Ajaero (2016); Ogunjinmi, Onadeko and

Ogunjinmi (2013) that discovered that environmental health issues are not given needed
attention by the media in Nigeria in spite of its relevance to the well being of the populace.

Nigeria and Taraba State in particular has been facing diverse Environmental health

challenges such as flooding, I proper waste disposal among others.

The media especially broadcast have the responsibility to alert the citizens on the dangers

associated with poor environmental management or peoples’ attitude towards the

environment through their news contents, discussion programmes, jingles and other

broadcast programme genres. The Agenda setting theory of the media postulate that the mass

media can draw people’s attention to an issue and by extension make people see the

importance of an issue as well as take necessary by frequent reportage of such issue on the

media. In this case, it can be argued that TTV Jalingo has not effectively set agenda for

populace in Jalingo regarding environmental health issues. The implication here is that

audience of TTV Jalingo are likely not to give attention and importance to environmental

health issues as well as motivated to take measures that promote environmental health

because the media has failed to stress the issue.

Every programme on broadcast media is meant to achieve certain goals which could be to

inform, educate, sensitized, warm among others with the aim to bring about healthy actions

among the audience. In this regard, the study further sought to examine whether the few

environmental programmes or media content on TTV Jalingo have any impact on the

audience of the station. Based on data analyzed, it was revealed that the environmental health

issues covered by TTV Jalingo have averagely made impact on the audience by informing

and encouraging the audience to engage in proper waste disposal or management, to imbibe

in proper building structures away from flooding prone areas and in line with laws and were

encouraged by the media coverage to avoidance reckless destruction of trees. The findings
39
support the argument of several researches on media effect. For instance McQuail (2008)

opined that the media have significant influence on the audience but such influence might be
gradual, direct or indirect. In this regard, consistent coverage of environmental health issues,

TTV Jalingo gradually instill culture of environmental protection among audience.

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary

One of major challenges facing human beings today is how to protect the environment. The

21st century has come with huge health hazard on the environment result from

industrialization, growing cases of natural disaster such as flooding aided by activities of

40
man, improper waste manage, climate change, deforestation among others. The international

communities have often called for proactive measures towards promoting health
environment. The mass media as social institutions have key roles to play in promoting

healthy environment. The media especially broadcast media are expected to provide

information, education as well a mobilized audience to practice attitude that will contribute to

healthy environment. In this regard, environmental communication is becoming one of the

growing fields of journalism across the world. However, the extent the mass media covered

environmental health issues need investigation.

The study investigated media coverage of environmental health issues with specific reference

to TTV Jalingo. The study used mixed research approach and data were residents of Jalingo

and some key staff of TTV as the target population. Out of the residents of the Jalingo 246

were selected as respondents for the purpose of data collection. Key findings show that the

respondents are viewers of TTV Jalingo, majority of them are often expose to the station on

daily basis. The study also revealed that the station covered several issues one of which is

environmental issues. However, it was discovered that the rate at which environmental health

issues are reported on the station is average. Similarly, the study revealed that coverage of

environmental health issues by TTV Jalingo exert average impact on the audience in areas of

proper waste management, having knowledge of flood and erosion, deforestation and proper

citing of structures.

5.2 Conclusion

Environmental health issues cannot be ignored by man that is why environmental matters

like pollution, climate change and global warming among others have become agenda in

international discourse and in particular in United Nation’s floor. However, national

government, state and local authorities and the mass media have roles to play in ensuring

healthy environment. Based on this work, it is evident that TTV Jalingo is contributing
41
toward such line of action. Nevertheless, the station’s effort is still minimal especially in

times of frequency of reports about environmental health issues. It is important to conclude

that frequent coverage of environmental health on the station should not just be frequent but

in-depth through programmes like discussion shows and documentaries among others. By so

doing, the station will significantly provide needed environmental education and positive

attitude among people of Jalingo and the state as a whole.

It is important to stress here that until the audience are expose to particular message, they

would not be aware of the environmental health issues and until they are aware they cannot

be knowledgeable and until they are knowledgeable they might not act even if the message or

issue is beneficial to them. This goes to say that there is link between harmful actions of

human beings against the environment and their lack of sufficient information on

environmental issues. This emphasis that the mass media are channels of public

communication need to brace up in this regard.

5.3 Recommendations

Based on the data gathered, analyzed and the conclusion drawn in this study, the study puts

forwards the following recommendations

i. The media (TTV Jalingo) should assign special programmes and beat reporters to

cover environmental issues. These programmes should be aired weekly and should

come in form of discussion, documentary, drama and or magazine genre. It is

believed that the listed genres will give detail information by extension provide

needed education on environmental matters.

ii. Environmental communication is a vibrant filed. Hence, media organizations like

TTV Jalingo should select and train journalists and producers on effective

environmental reporting.

iii. Government and other media proprietors should improve funding of media
42
organizations this will reduce over reliance on advertisement and news
 commercialization that has taken hold of large part of media space and air time

against public health issues like environmental issues.

iv. TTV Jalingo should expand its broadcast schedule or airtime in order to have

enough opportunity for environmental issues.

v. There is dire need to establish environmental journalism curriculum in our mass

communication programmes. This has become necessary today in view of the

magnitude of environmental health challenges facing Nigeria.

5.4 Limitation of the study

The major challenge in this study is the research method used which is majorly a survey.

This approach lead to data based on respondent’s opinion about TTV coverage of

environmental health issues. Therefore, there is need for a study based on content analyzed

which would investigate manifest content of the station as they appear. Such would confirm

findings of current study as well as enhances understanding of the phenomenon.

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Nwabueze .C. (2007). Environmental communication: Perspectives on green

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APPENDIX I

Department of Mass Communication

Taraba State Polytechnic,

46
P.M.B. 1025, Jalingo,

Taraba State
Dear Respondents,

I am a final year student of the above named institution currently undertaking a

research on the topic “Impact of Broadcasting Media Coverage of Environmental Health

Issues: Case Study of Taraba Television (TTV), Jalingo”. In partial fulfillment of the

requirement for the award of Diploma in Mass Communication

I request you to fill the questionnaire to the best of your knowledge

You are hereby assured that your opinion and answers will be treated as confidential and will

be used for the purpose of this research

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation

Yours faithfully,

Useni Shalom Samuel

2018/2019/DMC/017

APPENDIX II: QUESTIONNAIRE

QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF BROADCAST

MEDIA COVERAGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ISSUES: CASE STUDY OF

TTV JALINGO

47
INSTRUCTION: Please tick ( ) in the column after a statement you agree with as your
respond and briefly write where necessary

SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC DATA OF RESPONDENTS

1. Sex: a) Male (b) Female [ ]

2. Age Bracket: a) 18-30 years [ (b) 31 - 40 years [ ] (c) 41 and 50 [ ] (d) 51 above [ ]

3. Occupation: a) Students/applicant [ ] (b) Civil Servant [] c) Business [] d) Others []

4. Educational Status a) FSLC /SSCE [ ] (b) Diploma NCE [ ] (c) Degree/HND [ ] (d)

others

SECTION B: THEMATIC QUESTIONS

1. Do you watch television? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

2. How often do you watch programmes on TTV Jalingo? a) Very often [ ] b) Often [ ] c)

Rarely [ ]

3. What are the programmes do you watch TTV Jalingo? a) Children [ ] b) Environmental

and Health [ ] c) Education [ ] d) Sports [ ] e. All of the above

4. To what extent do you think TTV Jalingo report issues of environmental health? a) Very

high extent [ ] b) High extent [ ] c) Low extent [ ] d) Not at all [ ]

5. Environmental health issues on TTV often appear on news broadcast. a) Strongly agree

[ ] b) Agree [ ] c) Strongly disagree [ ] d) Disagree [ ] e Neutral [ ]

6. Environmental health issues are often topic of discussion prugrammmes on TTV. a)

Strongly agree [ ] b) Agree [ ] c) Strongly disagree [ ] d) Disagree [ ] e. Neutral [ ]

7. Phone-in programmes on TTV do not focus on environmental health issues. a) Strongly

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agree [ ] b) Agree [ ] c) Strongly disagree [ ] d) Disagree [ ] e. Neutral [ ]

8. Environmental health issues on TTV give attention to proper waste disposal. a) Strongly
agree [ ] b) Agree [ ] c) Strongly disagree [ ] d) Disagree [ ] e.) Neutral [ ]

9. Environmental health issues on TTV give attention to proper citing of structures. a)

Strongly agree [ ] b) Agree [ ] c) Strongly disagree [ ] d) Disagree [ ] e.) Neutral [ ]

10. Environmental health issues on TTV provide audience with useful information about

issue of flooding and erosion? a) Strongly agree [ ] b) Agree [ ] c) Strongly disagree [ ] d)

Disagree [ ] e.) Neutral [ ]

11. Environmental health issues on TTV warn the audience on the dangers of reckless

destruction of trees. a) Strongly agree [ ] b) Agree [ ] c) Strongly disagree [ ] d) Disagree [ ]

e. Neutral [ ]

12. Audiences of TTV are benefiting from environmental health issues of the station? a)

Strongly agree [1 b) Agree [ ] c) Strongly disagree [ ] d) Disagree [ ] e. Neutral [ ]

13. To what extent do you think TTV environmental programmes have helped the audience

in maintaining proper waste management? a) Very high extent [ ] b) High extent [ ] c) Low

extent [ ] d) Not at all [ ]

14. To what extent do you think TTV environmental programmes have helped the audience

in proper citing of structures? a) Very high extent [ ] b) High extent [ ] c) Low extent [ ] d)

Not at all [ ]

15. To what extent do you think TTV environmental programmes on TTV have helped the

audience to take note of problem of flooding and erosion? a) Very high extent [ ] b) High

extent [ ] c) Low extent [ ] d) Not at all [ ]

16. To what extent do you think TTV environmental programmes have helped to create

consciousness in audience on dangers of reckless destruction of trees? a) Very high extent [ ]

b) High extent [ ] c) Low extent [ ] d) Not at all [ ]

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