Abstract
This study
investigates the use of state broadcast media as propaganda machinery by state
governments, using Radio Lagos 107.5 FM as the focal point. The research was
motivated by ongoing concerns about political influence in state-owned media
and their tendency to promote government interests at the expense of objective
journalism. Specifically, the study examined whether Radio Lagos engages in
sycophantic broadcasting, the extent of government censorship, the station’s
relationship with political opposition groups, and public perceptions of its
professionalism and ethical conduct. A quantitative research design was
employed, and data were collected through 250 structured questionnaires
administered in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, with 220 valid
responses analyzed. The study used descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests
to analyze audience perceptions of Radio Lagos’s broadcasting practices. Findings
revealed that a significant proportion of respondents regularly listen to Radio
Lagos; however, their assessment of the station’s content varied considerably.
While some rated the station’s programming highly, a substantial number
perceived the content as biased or politically motivated. Notably, 56.8% of
respondents agreed that Radio Lagos engages in sycophantic broadcasting,
indicating a strong perception of political praise-singing in its news and
programmes. Furthermore, the station was viewed as being more friendly to the
ruling party than to opposition groups, suggesting a lack of balanced political
coverage. Respondents also perceived a high level of government involvement in
funding Radio Lagos, which reinforces the belief that the station operates as
an extension of state political communication. Although the majority of
respondents indicated that the station had not been physically attacked for
unethical reporting, a considerable number expressed concerns regarding
unethical political broadcasting. The hypothesis tests further confirmed these
findings: the calculated Chi-square values exceeded the table values at a 0.05
significance level, supporting the conclusion that Radio Lagos practices sycophantic
broadcasting and has faced backlash for perceived unethical conduct. The study
concludes that Radio Lagos functions largely as a political propaganda tool
rather than a fully independent public broadcaster. It recommends strengthening
editorial autonomy, diversifying funding sources, ensuring balanced political
reporting, and reinforcing professional training for journalists. The research
contributes to ongoing debates about media independence, political
communication, and the role of state-owned broadcasters in Nigeria’s democratic
environment. Suggestions for further studies include comparative analyses
across states, mixed-method audience studies, and investigations into the
influence of digital media on state propaganda.
Keywords: State Broadcast Media, Propaganda, Radio Lagos, Government
Influence, Political Communication
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page i
Dedication ii
Acknowledgements iii
Table of contents iv
Abstract v
Table of Contents vi
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
of the study 1
1.2 Statement
of the study 4
1.3 Objectives
of the study 6
1.4 Research
questions 6
1.5 Research
hypotheses 6
1.4 Significance
of the study 6
1.6 Scope
of the Study 7
1.7 Limitations
of the Study 7
1.8 Significance
of the Study 8
1.9 Definition
of Key Terms 9
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
11
2.1 Conceptual
Review 11
2.1.1 The
Concept of Propaganda 11
2.1.2 State-Owned
Broadcast Media as Instruments of Political Communication 11
2.1.3 Broadcast
Media and the Nigerian Context 12
2.1.4 Censorship,
Media Capture and Press Freedom Dynamics 12
2.1.5 Recruitment,
Professionalism and Editorial Culture 13
2.1.6 History
of Radio Lagos 13
2.1.7 The
Organigram of Radio Lagos 15
2.1.8 Programmes
of Radio Lagos 16
2.2 Theoretical
Review 18
2.2.1 Authoritarian
Media Theory 18
2.2.2 Propaganda
Theory 19
2.2.3 Agenda-Setting
Theory 20
2.2.4 Political
Economy of the Media Theory 21
2.3 Empirical
Review 22
2.4 Summary
of the Literature 25
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research
Design 28
3.2 Population
of the Study 28
3.3 Sample
Size and Sampling Technique 29
3.4 Instrumentation 29
3.5 Validity
and Reliability of the Instrument 30
3.6 Method
of Data Analysis 31
CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
4.0 Introduction 32
4.1 Demographic Characteristics of Respondents 32
4.2 Response
of Respondents to the Problem Areas. 35
4.3 Hypotheses Testing 42
4.3.1 Test of Hypothesis One 43
4.3.2 Test of Hypothesis Two 44
4.4 Discussion on Findings 45
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS.
5.1 Summary
48
5.2 Conclusion 49
5.3 Recommendations 51
5.4 Suggestions for Further Studies 53
References 55
Appendix: Questionnaire. 57
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
to the Study
Broadcast media have historically played a
central role in shaping public opinion, disseminating information, and
facilitating communication between government and citizens (Zheng and Mason,
2022). The evolution of broadcasting itself situates the medium as a powerful
instrument of influence. Beutler, (2017) notes that broadcasting emerged in the
early 1920s largely as a tool for military communication and nationalistic
mobilization, at a period marked by heightened state propaganda and ideological
contestations. This origin underscores the inherent potential of broadcast
media to be appropriated by political authorities seeking to shape public
perception or maintain control over national narratives.
Beutler, (2017) further explains that one of the notable
features of broadcasting is its innovative beginnings, driven largely by young
inventors such as Guglielmo Marconi, who at only twenty-three developed the
wireless transmitter, and Reginald Fessenden, who made early strides in
radiophone broadcasting in his early thirties. However, despite its youthful,
innovative origins, the medium quickly became subject to control and
manipulation by powerful political actors (Akoja and Jiboku, 2022). The
simplicity of access by the public contrasted sharply with the sophisticated
ways in which political elites appropriated the medium for their own strategic
interests. This mismatch created a fertile ground for misuse by governments and
public office holders.
In the Nigerian context, the challenge of state
control of broadcast media has been widely discussed by scholars and media
practitioners. Ojemolaet al., (2023), observes that many public office holders
operate with the belief that they can manipulate situations, shape public
narratives, and escape scrutiny as long as they maintain influence over the
media or recruit pliant journalists to present distorted information as truth.
They asserts that when government officials engage in questionable or
controversial actions, state-owned media often respond by praising or defending
such actions rather than critically examining them or prioritizing broader
national issues. This pattern reinforces a culture of sycophancy, where media
institutions function more as instruments of power protection than platforms
for objective reporting.
Supporting this argument, Folayan et al., (2021)
describes Nigerian mass media especially state-owned outlets as
“government-said” media. This description captures the tendency of such
institutions to reproduce government positions without interrogation. It also
reflects the structural reality that state-owned media often project the
ideological and political interests of those who control economic and political
power. In such environments, the media do not function autonomously; instead,
they become extensions of governmental machinery for political legitimization,
policy justification, and public persuasion.
Despite these criticisms, state media and their
practitioners often deny any involvement in propaganda activities. Many
journalists resist the label “propagandist”, insisting that they remain objective
conveyors of information. However, as Uwa and Ronke, (2023) notes, the major
dilemma faced by communication systems is the difficulty of separating genuine
news from propaganda. In a free media system, the distinction between a
journalist and a propagandist can be more clearly drawn; journalists primarily
seek truth and prioritize the needs of the news consumer. Conversely,
propagandists deliberately craft messages to serve the interests of a specific
authority or ideology. In state-owned Nigerian media, this boundary becomes
blurred, as journalists frequently function as agents of state messaging,
employing persuasive and sometimes manipulative communication techniques to
promote the narratives of their paymasters.
The use of media as a propaganda tool is not
unique to Nigeria. Zou, (2023) highlights how the Chinese government
strategically uses broadcast media to implement nationwide propaganda campaigns
aimed at mobilization, ideological orientation, and public compliance. This
comparative perspective demonstrates that state-driven propaganda through
broadcasting is a global phenomenon, often employed by governments seeking to
maintain stability, legitimacy, and influence.
The concept of propaganda itself has also
undergone various interpretations. While often associated with deception,
manipulation, and authoritarian control, scholars argue that propaganda is not
inherently negative. Olawole, (2022) posits that propaganda does not rely
solely on falsehoods; rather, it utilizes varying degrees of truth,
half-truths, and selective truths, often presented out of context. Similarly, Okolie,
et al., (2021). notes that modern propaganda has evolved to include elements of
public education, enlightenment, and social mobilization, suggesting that
propaganda can play constructive roles when used ethically.
However, in many developing democracies
including Nigeria the use of state broadcast media as propaganda machinery
raises concerns about media independence, democratic accountability, and
citizens’ right to unbiased information (Nwankpa et al., (2024). The
concentration of media power in the hands of government often results in
selective reporting, censorship of dissent, and suppression of alternative
viewpoints. Radio Lagos 107.5 FM, as a state-owned broadcasting corporation,
becomes a significant case for examining how state governments utilize media
platforms to influence public perception, promote political agendas, and shape
socio-political discourse in Lagos State.
Thus, this study situates Radio Lagos 107.5 FM
within the broader context of state media utilization in Nigeria, exploring the
extent to which the station functions as a propaganda apparatus for the Lagos
State Government. It also considers the implications of this practice for
democratic communication, media ethics, and the role of broadcasting in public
enlightenment. By interrogating the operational and editorial dynamics of
state-owned media, the study seeks to deepen understanding of how political
power and communication intersect within Nigeria’s evolving media landscape.
1.2 Statement
of the Research Problem
The broadcast media, particularly state-owned
stations, are expected to serve as platforms for objective information
dissemination, public enlightenment, and balanced political communication.
However, in many parts of Nigeria, state broadcast media are frequently accused
of functioning as mouthpieces for the ruling government rather than as
independent communication institutions. In Lagos State, Radio Lagos 107.5 FM
stands as one of the most influential state-owned broadcast outlets, yet
concerns continue to emerge regarding the extent to which the station operates
as a propaganda machinery for the state government.
One major problem lies in the allegation of
sycophantic formalism, where state media excessively praise public office
holders while suppressing critical perspectives. If Radio Lagos 107.5 FM
prioritizes government glorification over objective reporting, it undermines
its role as a watchdog and distorts citizens’ understanding of governance and
public affairs. It becomes necessary to empirically determine whether such
practices are prevalent in its programming and news content.
Another issue is whether audience
dissatisfaction has ever escalated to confrontations, such as protests,
complaints, or direct attacks on the station’s premises. Instances of public
backlash against media organizations often point to deeper problems of
unethical reporting, misinformation, or biased coverage. Determining whether
Radio Lagos has experienced such reactions will help establish the extent of
public trust or mistrust in the station’s professionalism.
Furthermore, the degree of government
censorship remains a persistent concern in the operation of state-owned
broadcast media. If editorial decisions, news framing, or programme selections
are subject to government directives, the media lose their autonomy. This
raises the question of how much influence the Lagos State Government exerts
over Radio Lagos 107.5 FM’s content and whether censorship restricts the
station’s ability to present dissenting or alternative viewpoints.
Closely linked to this is the issue of media
friendliness to opposition groups. In a democratic setting, state media are
expected to provide equitable access to all political actors, regardless of
political affiliation. However, if Radio Lagos marginalizes or misrepresents
opposition groups while giving undue prominence to the ruling party, it
contributes to political imbalance, weakens pluralism, and limits democratic
participation.
Finally, the pattern of journalist recruitment
into state-owned media organizations is also a critical problem area.
Recruitment based on political loyalty rather than professional merit can
compromise journalistic independence and encourage propaganda-driven reporting.
Investigating whether Radio Lagos employs journalists through political
patronage or through transparent, professional procedures is essential to
understanding how institutional structures support or hinder objective
broadcasting.
In summary, the problem this study addresses is
the growing concern that Radio Lagos 107.5 FM, instead of functioning as a
neutral public service broadcaster, may be operating as a propaganda instrument
for the Lagos State Government. This raises questions about media ethics,
political influence, journalistic autonomy, and public trust in state broadcast
media. The study therefore seeks to critically investigate these issues in line
with the specific objectives outlined.
1.3 Objectives
of the Study
The general objective of this study is to
examine the use of state broadcast media as propaganda machinery by state
government, with specific focus on Radio Lagos 107.5 FM. The specific
objectives are to:
i.
Determine whether Radio Lagos 107.5
FM is involved in sycophantic formalism in its news and programme content.
ii.
Find out whether audiences of Radio
Lagos 107.5 FM have ever reacted negatively or attacked the station for
unethical or biased reporting.
1.4 Research
Questions
Based on the objectives above, the following research
questions are formulated:
i.
Is Radio Lagos 107.5 FM involved in
sycophantic formalism in its broadcast content?
ii.
Have the audiences of Radio Lagos
107.5 FM ever confronted or attacked the station due to unethical or biased
reportage?
1.5 Research
Hypotheses
The following null and alternative hypotheses
are proposed in line with the study objectives:
Hypothesis One
H₀₁:
Radio Lagos 107.5 FM is not involved in sycophantic formalism.
H₁₁: Radio Lagos 107.5 FM is involved in
sycophantic formalism.
Hypothesis
Two
H₀₂: Audiences
of Radio Lagos 107.5 FM have never confronted or attacked the station due to
unethical reporting.
H₁₂: Audiences
of Radio Lagos 107.5 FM have confronted or attacked the station due to
unethical reporting.
1.6 Scope
of the Study
This study focuses on examining the use of
state broadcast media as propaganda machinery by state governments, with
particular emphasis on Radio Lagos 107.5 FM, a state-owned radio station under
the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation (LSBC). The geographical scope is
restricted to Lagos State, while the institutional scope covers Radio Lagos
107.5 FM’s news, programmes, editorial practices, and organisational structure.
Content-wise, the study investigates five major
areas: (i) the presence of sycophantic formalism in the station’s broadcast
content, (ii) audience reactions or backlash towards the station’s reportage,
(iii) the extent of government censorship influencing the station’s output,
(iv) the station’s relationship with opposition political groups, and (v) the
recruitment pattern of journalists within the organisation.
The study covers events, practices, and
patterns within the last ten years, reflecting the most recent political cycles
in Lagos State. The population of interest consists of staff of Radio Lagos,
media practitioners, and selected audience members within Lagos State. Data
collection is limited to accessible respondents and publicly available
documents relevant to the subject.
1.7 Limitations
of the Study
As with many academic investigations, this
study is subject to certain limitations. First, the sensitive nature of
propaganda practices and government involvement in media operations may result
in reluctance or partial disclosure of information by staff of Radio Lagos
107.5 FM. This may limit the depth of primary data obtained.
Second, the study is geographically limited to
Lagos State and focuses solely on one state-owned broadcast station, which may
restrict the generalizability of the findings to other state broadcasting
corporations in Nigeria.
Third, time constraints and financial
limitations may affect the scope of fieldwork and the sample size of
respondents, particularly audience members dispersed across a large and densely
populated state.
Additionally, political biases or preconceived
perceptions among respondents could influence their responses, posing a
challenge to achieving completely objective data. Lastly, the study relies
partly on self-reported information, which may be subject to exaggeration,
underreporting, or selective recall.
Despite these limitations, efforts will be made
to ensure validity through triangulation, careful questionnaire design, and
objective analysis.
1.8 Significance
of the Study
This study is significant in several ways.
First, it contributes to the broader understanding of how state-owned broadcast
media operate within Nigeria’s political communication landscape. By examining
Radio Lagos 107.5 FM, the study provides empirical insights into the extent to
which state governments utilize broadcast media as instruments of propaganda.
For media scholars and researchers, the study
enriches existing literature on media-politics relations, state communication
strategies, and the dynamics of censorship and media control in developing
democracies. It also highlights contemporary trends in state broadcasting and
provides a basis for future comparative studies across different states in
Nigeria.
For policymakers, the study identifies gaps in
media independence and offers evidence-based recommendations that can
strengthen ethical standards, reduce political interference, and promote
professionalism within state-owned media institutions. Civil society
organizations and media advocacy groups will also benefit from the findings, as
they reinforce the need for reforms that protect press freedom and enhance
accountability in government communication.
Furthermore, for the management and staff of
Radio Lagos, the study serves as a reflective appraisal of their operations,
helping them identify areas for improvement, especially in promoting balanced
reporting, fair representation of political actors, and adherence to
journalistic ethics.
Finally, the study benefits the general public
by creating awareness about how government communication practices shape the
information they receive, thereby promoting media literacy and encouraging
critical engagement with broadcast content.
1.9 Definition
of Key Terms
Propaganda: A
strategic communication tactic used to influence opinions, beliefs, or actions
of a target audience, often through selective presentation of facts, emotional
appeals, or biased narratives. It may involve truth, half-truths, or
misinformation to promote a particular ideology or political agenda.
State Broadcast Media: Radio
or television stations owned, funded, and controlled by the government at
federal or state level. Their operations are typically aligned with public
service goals but can also be influenced by political interests.
Sycophantic Formalism: A media
practice where journalists or broadcasters excessively praise, glorify, or
present government officials in a positive light, often ignoring criticism or
alternative viewpoints.
Government Censorship: The
direct or indirect control of media content by government authorities, through
guidelines, directives, pressure, or editorial restrictions that limit free
expression or restrict unfavourable reportage.
Opposition Political Groups:
Political parties or actors who do not belong to the ruling party in a state or
nation. Their relationship with the media often serves as an indicator of
political openness and broadcast neutrality.
Recruitment Pattern: The
process and criteria through which media organizations employ journalists or
staff. This may involve professional merit, political considerations, patronage
networks, or administrative procedures.
Broadcast Content: The
news, programmes, announcements, and editorial materials transmitted by a radio
or television station to its audience.
Radio Lagos 107.5 FM: A
state-owned radio station operated by the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation
(LSBC), responsible for disseminating news, programmes, and public information
to residents of Lagos State.
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