THE AIRWAVES: UNDERSTANDING THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the airwaves with a focus on understanding the organizational structure of Radio and Television Broadcasting in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to determine how ownership pattern influence the organizational structure of radio and television broadcasting in Nigeria, find out how operational activities influence the organizational structure of radio and television broadcasting in Nigeria, etc. The study employed Diffusion of Innovation and System Management Theories to anchor the work. Survey research design was used for the study. A population of 870,682 was randomly drawn from Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State with a sample size of 400 which was determined using Taro Yamene Formula as a guide. Systematic sampling method was used to anchor the study. Questionnaire was the instrument employed in the gathering of relevant data for the study. Data were presented and analyzed in four point likert criterion mean. The finding revealed that Government and private ownership pattern influence organizational structure of Radio and Television Broadcasting in Nigeria because they appoint key management staff based on nepotism, tribalism, political affiliation and personal interest rather than focus on merit, experience and qualifications. The finding further indicated that market size increased the organizational structure of Radio and Television Broadcasting in Nigeria. It also showed that managerial skills helped to harness human and material resources to achieve success in Radio and Television Broadcasting in Nigeria. The study concludes that broadcasting plays a significant role in society and should be structured based on professionalism and creativity to achieve the philosophy for which it was established. The study however recommended that government and private ownership of broadcast stations should employ experienced, competent and qualified management staffs who understand the dynamics of global best practices of organizational structure so as to enhance their productivity and profitability in Nigeria especially Rivers State.