AKSU Journal of Communication Research (AJCR)

A STUDY OF PROPAGANDA AND NEWSPAPER OWNERSHIP INFLUENCE ON POLITICAL ADVERTISING IN SELECT NIGERIAN NEWSPAPERS

Author:  Ashameri, Idongesit Mishael & Prof. Nkereuwem Udoakah

Abstract
This study examined the influence of media ownership on publication of political advertisements with propaganda elements by the Nigerian newspapers. Three national newspapers in Nigeria namely: The Punch, The Nation and Nigerian Pilot were selected for the study. The methodology of the study was the analytical research approach known as Content Analysis. Data for the study were obtained through a systematic sampling procedure of dividing the total population of the three national dailies (453) by the sample size of 181. Simple percentages and Chi-square statistical tool were adopted as the analytical tools for the study. Findings revealed that ownership influences were responsible for widespread publication of negative propaganda elements in political advertisements in Nigeria as newspapers funded by certain politicians and/ or political parties were discovered to have favoured such party’s candidates in their publication of these elements. The study then recommended that the mass media should strive to rise above overbearing ownership influence and maintain high standards of professionalism by remaining fair, firm, credible and objective in every aspect of the practice; strict political neutrality was also recommended for media professionals.