CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The most important change that has taken place in the sport industry is the significant role the media is playing in the development of sports all over the world. Apart from the fact that the media has increased sports awareness and spectatorship among peoples of the world, it has also increased revenue generation which has enriched the various sports stakeholders. The media has been playing a catalyst role for the identification and the promotion of knowledge, information and understanding in a nation (Alimi, 2003). The mass media is regarded as the means of communication through which a large number of people could be reached. These include, newspapers, television, radio, films, handbills, posters, computer and internet (Hornby 1985).

The mass media [sharpens and re-orders] the perceptions of the readers and viewers in a particular event or happenings in the society and contributes to a reservoir of knowledge of the past and current events. Acosta (2002) pointed out that competitive sports would only survive and develop with the cooperation of the media. It is for this reason that sports must enjoy good relationship with the press, radio, and television. The relationship should be effective, continuous, personal and open.

Nigeria was created on May 27, 1967 when the restructuring of Nigeria into twelve states took place. Many media organizations have sprung up in Nigeria and because of the economic status of Nigeria and its status

as the former capital of Nigeria. The presence of many media organizations in Nigeria has confirmed her being acclaimed to be the seat of journalism in Nigeria. In essence then, it is the state where sports journalism thrives.

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There is no doubt that Nigeria has witnessed tremendous development in the area of sports most especially when compared to other countries in Africa. Sports have permeated the Nigerian society through the efforts, activities and commitments of Nigerian sports journalists.

This study, therefore, was set to determine the perceived impact of print media as indices for sports development in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The following are the problems that lead to the study of this project;

1.   What impact do the print media have on development of sport in Nigeria?

2.   What is the evolution of sport journalism in Nigeria and how can it be traced to the Sun Newspaper?

3.   What are the relationship between the mass media and sport organization in the country?

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this project work is to examine the role of the Nigeria print media in the development of sport in the country.

The study will examine the problems faced by the print media in the country and will also look into the relationship of print media and the sport agencies in the country.

1.4 Research Questions

The study attempted to provide answers to the following questions:

1.   To what extent do sport journalism create awareness for sport to the general public?

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2.   To what extent will the awareness of sport promote the development of sport in Nigeria?

3.   To what extent do activities of sport journalist contribute to the development of sport in the country?

4.   Of what role do the print media plays in the development of sport in Nigeria?

5.   To what extent do people respond to sport section in Nigeria Newspaper?