ABSTRACT
This study is geared towards finding out the role of television in political mobilization of rural areas in Nigeria with special reference to Njikoka Local Government . For this study, five rural towns in Njikoka Local government Area were studied.
The important of television as the most mobilization media of mass communication is universally acknowledge, the use of television is limited because of some factors that militate against its full utilization, such as high cost of television, maintenance cost and power supply. Most rural communities are not connected to the electricity. Non availability of television has made some rural communities to resort to the old traditional methods of transmitting information which is counter productive and mockery of democracy, especially now that we are at the stage of entering into the new century.
Television has the advantage of audio and visual facilities, hearing and seeing makes for a lasting impression. Political and governments could exploit television to get across their political activities and agenda to the people politician could use it to market their political, ideologies, programmes and by so doing, win followers and supports through creating awareness and political enlightenment in Nigeria.
This project is a survey research and primary source of data collection for the study in the questionnaire which is formed from three main research question. The researcher made use of oral interview also to get across to the illiterate dwellers also to get balanced data and ensure credibilityâ€s, reliability of information supplied.
Data collected were analysed and interpreted. The finding reveal that the impact of television in not yet fully and enjoyed by many in Njikoka zone because of the high cost of television and lack of electricity supply for those who own TC sets. In this democratic era, rural, dwellers needs political, education, awareness and enlightenment. The government should therefore do something to improve the economy of the nation to enable may to be position to own T.V sets. They should also embark on rural electrification and political education. Ministry of information and that of public utilities should consider the possibility of providing and developing rural television viewing centres for the general public.
Adult services should be encouraged and established in rural communities to eradicate illiteracy.
Television authorities should run more programmes to carry rural dwellers along. The researcher hoped that the suggestions would enhance political mobilization and public enlightenment.
