Television Programmes and Cultural Proximity: A Panacea for Violence in a Multi-Cultural Society

Abstract

Considering the prominence of television as a visual medium, this study sought to know the relationship between television programmes and cultural proximity as well as the appropriate ways to inculcate violence-free behaviour in the viewers through cultural based programmes. The symbolic interaction theory was used as a framework.  The survey research design was adopted to collect quantitative data from 138 respondents. Qualitative data was gathered through the observation of the different television channels received in Abia state. It was discovered that a majority of the respondents get exposed to Western TV channels (which contain a lot of violence) more than the local ones. It was also found that infusing lifestyles that are peculiar to the local setting helps to create closeness between programmes and the viewers. It was therefore concluded that television programmes that are culturally close to the people help to reduce violence in the society by injecting moral virtues that eschew violence.  Finally it was recommended that NBC should strictly enforce the local content policy because presently, TV stations do not adhere to the rules; when they do, the programmes are adulterated with western values.

Keywords: culture, proximity, television programmes, violence, behaviour.