THEORETICAL ORIENTATION
This research work is based on two major theories, the development media theory and the Democratic participant media theory. Both theories emerge out of the realization that the original four classical theories viz, the authoritarian, Libertarian, social responsibility and Soviet-communist theories, do not apply strictly to developing countries or where they can be applied, have limited potential benefits because of some peculiar characteristics of the developing countries.
The development media theory is predicated on the premise that the state has a right to intervene in or restrict media operations in the interest of development needs. In this way, devices of censorship, subsidy and direct control can be justified.
Remarkably, this theory emanated from the Sean McBrid e report of the United Nations (UNESCO) International Commission for the study of communication problems.
The second theory is germane to this work is the democratic participant media theory. This is the latest addition to the normative theory and Dennis M cQuail stands out as a major proponent of this theory.
The theory emphasizes the right to relevant information, the right to feedback, the right to use the means of communication for interaction in small scale setting of community, interest group and subcu lture. Tersely put, it emphasizes what contemporary development communication scholar term “Participatoryâ€.
OBJ ECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The relevance of communication in community development, especially in a state like Imo can not be over- emphasize in view of the benefits derivable from such an exercise. The rural areas constitute an integral part of every country from where the development levels of such countries are measure. Over the years, th ere has been a noticeable neglect of the rural areas. Thus givin g rise to urban migration, which leads to loss of manpower, economic hardship and abject povert in the hinterland. In contra -distinction, there is the provision of certain amenities, though not with the best of intentions, like pipe -borne water, electricity, white collar jobs health facilities libraries, etc in the cites.
At one time or another, certain programmes had been introduced to better the lots of rural dwellers, though they eventually came to naught due to poor implementation and misappropriation of funds. These include the government sponsored farmers co-operative societies, operation feed the nation (OFN) The Green Revolution, the people Bank, Bettter life for Rural women programme and family support programme.
Though the above programmes were t argets at rural empowerment, city dwellers ended up the major beneficiaries. Perhaps, the only national programme that has obviously benefited the rural dwellers is the National programme Immunization, NPI.
Therefore, by content-analysis the coverage of r ural and urban problems in Imo state by three national dailies, this study aims at finding the extent to which the mass media, in this context the newspapers, have succeeded or failed in discharging their community development functions.
In addition, it aims at determining which of the three newspapers is more oriented towards community development through the nature of rural news publishes.
Another objective is to rekindle the desire for the coverage of community development activities by national dailies with a view to improving the standard of living of rural dwellers in Imo state.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study offers the readers the opportunity to assess the level of commitment of these newspapers in furthering the cause of community development through adequate coverage of rural and urban problems.
It also highlights the place of newspapers in the mobilization, education and sensitization of rural dwellers with a view to bettering their life.
With this study, newspaper editors will see the need for the use of community development news as lead stories rather than as ‘fillers’ in the inside pages.
This work is also a guide to media properties in terms of designing a suitable editorial policy that will give their newspapers freedom to give adequate attention to rural development problems.
The study, apart from helping government fashion out an effective rural-oriented communication policy, may also help in broadening the knowledge of the role, place and importance of the mass media, especially the newspapers in community development.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
To keep the research focused, the following questions are asked.
(a) To what extent does the location of a newspaper affect its coverage of rural and urban problems?
(b) Is there any relationship between newspaper ownership and coverage of rural and urban problems?
(c) Is there any correlation between a newspapers editorial policy and its placement as well as treatment of rural development news?
(d) Does the readership size of a newspaper influence its coverage of rural and urban problems?
LIMITATION
Gathering the various issues of the three newspapers as well as scutinizing them was no means task. Besides, the formulation of an appropriate coding scheme was partially most laborious and Herculean.
The economic down turn in the country with the attendance hike in transport fares made the gatherin g of the newspapers as well as visit to libraries and newspaper houses, an expensive enterprise.
The aforementioned difficulties notwithstanding, the researcher took adequate steps to contend with those limitations.
DELIMITATION
The scope of this study is res tricted to three Nigerian daily newspapers, viz, The Sun, Vanguard and Daily Champion.
The study spans a period of one month and the focus is on rural and urban problems. The work is not designed to test literacy level of rural dwellers in terms of their newspaper reading habits.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
RURAL COMMUNITY : A Pamphlet of the Anambra state development authority “Focus†defined it as “a unified body of inherited cultural affinity and common socio -economic and political interestâ€.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT : it is the improvement of the lifestyle, as well as making available those non -existing facilities in a rural environment, for the good of the inhabitants. These facilities range from good water, electricity, mortorable roads, health-care, schools, and rec reational facilities to judicial and other institutions. Thus, it is all embracing.
According to Akonobi (former military Governor, old Anambra State), Rural Development is strategy designed to improve the economic and social conditions of a specific group of people’.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT : According to former Tanzanian president, late J ulius Nyerere, community Development is the “Participation of people in a mutual living experience involving themselves, their local resources, external agents and outside resources.â€
URBAN PROBLEMS: These are the developmental projects that must be carried out to ensure the well -being and improvement in the standard of living of urban dwellers.
Rural problems: These are the developmental projects, efforts or enterprises which are lacking in the hinterland, thus making life unbearable for the inhabitants.
COMPARATIVE STUDY : A comparative study is a type of scientific enquiry, which attempts to establish causes of or contributory factors to a problem by comparing two or more group, some having the problems and some not having it.
NEWSPAPERS: A German scholar, Otto Growth, in 1928 developed a set of five standards that modern scholars generally hold as acceptable criteria for determining a true newspaper.
i) A newspapers must be published periodically at intervals not less than once a week.
ii) Mechanical production must be employed
iii) Anyone who can pay the cover price must have access to the publication.
iv) It must vary in content and include every th ing of public interest to everyone.
v) Newspapers publication must be timely some continuity of organization.
A newspapers can also be defined as a wholesome package of news, event and views of a day, in a given area of circulation or leadership.
According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) English Dictionary, a newspaper is a number of large sheets of folders paper on which news, articles, advertisements, and other information are printed.
Newspapers, generally. Can come in the form of Tabloids or Broadsheets.
REPORTING: The British Broadcasting corporation (BBC) English Dictionary defines Reporting as the or presenting of newspapers or radio or television.
