| dc.description.abstract | The significance of the legislature as a representative of the masses and the vital role of the media as the fourth estate cannot be overstated. This research delves into the media's influence on the legislative process in the 9th National Assembly. Employing a survey research design, the study focused on journalists from terrestrial mass media stations in Abuja, Nigeria. The sample, comprising 36 respondents, was selected using purposive sampling.
Data collection utilized a researcher-designed questionnaire titled "Role of Media in Law-Making Process in the National Assembly," which had been validated by both the supervisor and a media practitioner. Reliability was assessed through a test-retest method, yielding a correlation statistic of 8.01. Data analysis primarily relied on descriptive statistics, encompassing frequency and percentage.
The study's major findings revealed a substantial impact of the media on the legislative process in the 9th National Assembly. Media coverage emerged as a prominent influencer in this regard. Nonetheless, certain legislative activities, such as bill submissions, investigative journalism, constituency meetings, final bill passage, and oversight functions, were found to be less influenced by the media.
The study recommended that media experts, such as journalists and editors, should undergo specialized training in parliamentary reporting to bolster their comprehension of the nuances and importance of parliamentary proceedings. Moreover, to heighten public awareness of the legislative process, the Nigerian media should prioritize thorough media coverage. It is imperative to make concerted efforts to bolster the media's involvement in parliamentary activities, especially in constituency outreach initiatives. Media coverage serves as a persuasive instrument in legislative debates, steering the direction of discussions and substantiating arguments. | en_US |
