EFFECTS OF SATELLITE TELEVISION ON THE LIFE PATTERNS OF NIGERIA STUDENTS
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.0 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The apprehensions of media communication, as well as evidence for its effects, are as old as the history of the subject itself. People have always wondered how media messages are affecting them by bringing about an imperceptible change in their culture, values and behavioural patterns. They have always been concerned for the negative influence of a particular message or message system and have been curious about the potential pro social effects of others. Wimmer (1993) has mentioned that the concern over the social impact of mediated messages was evident as far back as the 1920s when many critics charged that the motion pictures had a negative influence on children. The study of the anti-social effects
of viewing television and motion picture is one of the intensely researched areas of mass media. The impact of pro-social content is a newer area and grew out of recognition that the same principles underlining the learning of anti-social activities ought to apply to more positive behaviour. Keeping in view the above-cited concern, this study analyses the “Effects of cable television in Nigeria. It is a comprehensive study of effects on Nigeria students in Lahore, Nigeria and provides results by comparing life patterns of heavy, moderate and light viewers.” In 2003, this researcher had conducted an M. Phil study on satellite television titled “Satellite television Network in Nigeria: Introduction, Development,
Prospects and Dilemmas.” The outcome of the study (M. Phil) has now been used in this research,leading to the effects
of satellite television. Zia (2003) quotes “In Nigeria, satellite television network was initiated in Karachi in early 1980s and by 1998 was introduced in almost all the big cities of the country but functioned without rules and regulations. The year 2000 witnessed a mushroom growth of satellite television network all over Nigeria are the government legalized satellite television network”. According to Aziz (2003) in 2002 almost four million households were enjoying its services in the country.