CONTEXTAND CONTENT OF DISPUTE SETTLEMENT INTERVENTION IN SELECTED TELEVISION STATIONS IN SOUTH WEST, NIGERIA

Abstract

The mass media, particularly television, contribute to alternative means of dispute resolution in contemporary society. It is used as a peace building tool in developing societies, even though scholars have not paid enough attention to the content and context of the dispute settlement intervention television programmes in SouthWest Nigeria. This study, therefore, focused on the dispute settlement intervention programmes on selected television stations. It examined the content and context of dispute settlement processes on television and how they influence the dynamics of conflict.

Social Responsibility and Media Cultivation theories provided the framework, while case study research design was adopted. Five television dispute settlement programmes on state-owned television stations across SouthWest Nigeria were selected. They includedṢó Dáa Bẹ́ẹ̀? (Oyo, BCOS), Ọlọ́wọ́gbọgbọrọ (Ogun, OGTV),Má j’ìyà gbé (Osun, OSBC), Mo gb’ẹ́jọ́ mi dé (Lagos, LTV) and ÌjòkóỌ̀jọ̀gbọ́n (Ondo, OSRC). Data were collected from interviews with 24 key informants and 58 in-depth interviewees. The key informants comprised the programme presenters, the presenter-producers and the panelists. In-depth interviewees comprised television staff, parties to disputes and programmes audiences. Non-participant observations of selected programmes were carried out over a period of two years, while analysis of recorded episodes and diaries were also conducted. Data were content analysed.

The most popular conflicts handled on the television dispute settlement programmes were civil in nature, such as disputes over property and land, inheritance, marital and family matters, business and commerce. Methods adopted in settling disputes were varied and depended on the nature of the conflict. They included facilitated dialogue, mediation and reconciliation. The use of Yoruba proverbs and anecdotes, adherence to the principles and values of ọmọlúàbí(good and respectable character) and significant reference to communalism in peace negotiations influenced the processes and outcomes. Most of the disputants were of the opinion that the interventions were effective, owing to high level of confidence reposed in television because of its sound and sight quality, as well as the credibility of the panelists who were often experienced elders drawn from communities in which the television stations were sited. However, poor funding, aging panel members, lack of follow-up on cases and limited capacity to enforce decisions were some of the identified challenges.

Television dispute settlement intervention programmes contribute to peaceful coexistence in SouthWest Nigeria by intervening in family and business disputes largely through the Yoruba principle of ọmọlúàbí. The programmes can be enhanced with adequate funding and by including younger but experienced people on the panelists.