A Comparative Analysis Of Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation And Dream Fm Report On Gender Based Violence

1.3 Objectives of the study

the main objective of this study is to carry out a comparative analysis of Ebonyi broadcasting corporation and dream FM report on gender based violence in Ebonyi state. The specific objectives of this study were as follows:

(i) Examine how Radio stations present Gender-based violence issues.

(ii) Ascertain the extent of coverage of gender-based violence in Nigeria.

(iii) Find out the perceptions of Abakaliki residents towards Ebonyi broadcasting corporation and dream FM coverage of gender- based violence in Nigeria.

(iv) Examine the influence of Radio stations coverage of gender-based violence issues on Ebonyi residents.

1.4 Research Questions

The study seeks to address the following research questions:

(i) How does Nigerian Radio stations present gender-based violence issues?

(ii) To what extent do Radio stations cover gender-based violence in Nigeria?

(iii) What are the perceptions of Abakaliki residents towards Radio stations coverage of gender- based violence in Nigeria?

(iv) How does Radio stations coverage of gender-based violence influence Abakaliki residents?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Addressing GBV is at the centre of economic and social development in Nigeria. Nigeria’s vision 2030 and mid-term plan 2008-2012 identifies gender-based violence as a social vice that needs to be addressed to reduce danger disparities and address associated vulnerabilities. In tandem with Vision 2030, National Commission on Gender and Development (NCGD) strategic plan 2008-2012 identifies ‘to institutionalize and strengthen gender-based violence response and prevention through coordination and policy advice’ as one of its key objectives (Policy Brief No.2 of NCGD).

Female-focused violence represents a hidden obstacle to economic and social development. By sapping women’s energy, undermining their confidence, and compromising their health, gender violence deprives society of women’s full participation. United Nations Fund for Women (UNIFEM) observed that “women cannot lend their labor or creative ideas fully if they are burdened with the physical and psychological scars of abuse” (Carrillo, 1992).

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study was based on analyses of all articles on gender-based violence for one year (2013) covered in the Ebonyi broadcasting corporation and dream FM. One of the limitations is not being able to compare the coverage the articles on GBV for different years. Another limitation was the fact that since the study was only on Ebonyi broadcasting corporation and dream FM there was no room for comparison.

1.7 Limitation of the study

In the course of my research, some factors limited my scope of the study.

Time Constraints: Time constraint alludes to the impediments on the beginning and end of a project. There is a deadline attached to this study. Therefore, the time available to study the research problem change over time as it is obliged by the deadline of the study.

Sample Bias: While in a quest of both primary and secondary research, a series of challenges were experienced as a result of restricted access to the appropriate type and geographic scope of participants.

Response and Willingness: When researching topics that deal with peoples’ personal life and privacy, the victims of such cases are most of the time not willing to open up and don’t feel comfortable talking about their past as it may trigger their mental trauma.

1.8 Definition of terms

In this study, the following terms were conceptualised as:-

Cultural background; Refers to all the things and activities that make peoples entire way of life but in this study the term was used to refer to the ethnicity of the respondents.

Domestic violence: Any act of violence that result in or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women or men, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, and that which occurs within a home setting

Education: This is the process of acquiring knowledge and skills either formally in a school setting or informally through observation and experience from the society.

Gender based violence: Is violence involving men and women, which is derived from unequal power relationships between men and women.

Gender: Refers to differences between men and women in socio-cultural aspects rather than physical differences only and consequently society assigns different roles to men and women.

Management strategies of gender-based domestic violence: Methods adopted by individuals or a community to cope with or resolve problems of gender-based violence

Mental health status: This term refers to the state of mind in clinical terms where a person may have a stable mind or be a victim of a mental disorder or disease. In the study the term was used to classify respondents in accordance to this definition but on the basis of personal history and any previous clinical diagnosis.

1.9 Organizations of the study

The chapter one consist of the introductory part of the study which includes the study background, the statement of the research problem, the study objective and scope of the study.

The second chapter is a critical review of other literatures relevant to the study and its objectives including the theoretical framework for the study. While the third chapter is methods of data collection, sampling and data analysis used in conducting the study. The fourth chapter centres around the research findings including an analysis of how it relates to previous findings. The fifth chapter consists of the summary of findings, conclusion and recommendations base on the study objectives