CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
Mass
media play a crucial role in fostering an environment of good governance and
political awareness in society. As the watchdog and interpreter of public
issues and events, the media has a special role in every society. In information-based
society; the media have a disproportionately visible and influential role says
International Foundation for Election Systems, (2011).
IFES
(2011) added that democracy cannot exist in the absence of the press. This is
because democracy is based on popular will and popular opinion depends on the
public’s awareness and knowledge. It is the mass media that bridges up,
promotes and propagates public awareness.