TELEVISION PROGRAMMING AS A TOOL FOR PROMOTING ARTS AND CULTURE USING NTA BENIN AS CASE STUDY

ABSTRACT

Television as a means of communication should not only be used to entertain people but should be used as a means of promoting arts and culture. This research work investigates the cultural decadence and erosion of indigenous culture of the Nigerian people and in particular the residents of Benin City using Cultivation Theory and Social Responsibility Theory. This study was carried out using the Survey Research Method, data were sourced for through the administration of questionnaires and use of Bibliotical Materials. Through this study, it was observed that television is a great and effective tool in propagating culture and cultural programmes are beneficial and serves the purpose of information education and entertainment. It discovered that NTA Benin transmits cultural programmes, however this programmes are not presented in the local dialect of the people. This study concludes that, when cultural programmes are broadcasted like NTA, it can contribute to National building thereby making people more aware of their cultures and traditions. This study recommends that, more airtime should be allotted to cultural programmes, NTA Benin should transmit programmes promoting the indigenous culture of the people.