The media and values in reorientation in Nigeria.

Presently, Nigeria is grouped among the poorest nations of the world despite billions of dollars earned from years of crude oil sales. The underdevelopment and poverty in Nigeria has been attributed to years of corruption and irresponsible leadership, which has led to the subversion of civic values. Historically however, the Nigerian media has shown the capacity to mobilize Nigerians; as exemplified by its efforts during the struggles against colonialism, military dictatorships and campaign for civil rule. The media has also been visible in challenging, criticizing and exposing some individuals involved in corrupt behaviors. This study was therefore conceived on the conviction that the Nigerian media has the capacity to successfully undertake the reorientation of values in Nigeria. The core question therefore is: What role can the Nigerian Mass Media play in the social and economic development of Nigeria through the re-orientation of civic values? This is addressed through five areas of enquiry: the capacities of the Nigerian Media; media ownership, press freedom, training and remuneration; media believability and accessibility; the capacity of the "public sphere" in Nigeria; and the ethnic, tribal and religious background of media practitioners.A critical realist paradigm underpins this study. Key theoretical approaches are the related ideas of agenda setting theory; gatekeeping; framing and priming. Interviews and survey methods were used to collect data from key media stakeholders. The analysis of empirical data indicates that the Nigerian media can play a key role in the reorientation of civic values in Nigeria where: 1. There is a consensus of opinion about the need for values re-orientation. 2. There is a high level of media believability 3. Topical media issues are freely discussed 4. Media access is unhinderedHowever, certain aspects of the Nigerian culture were found to validate corruption across ethnic, tribal and religious boundaries.