THE IMPACT OF THE MULTIPLICITY OF RADIO IN ANNOUNCING ELECTORAL RESULTS.

THE IMPACT OF THE MULTIPLICITY OF RADIO IN ANNOUNCING ELECTORAL RESULTS



ABSTRACT
This study explores how the multiplicity of radio impacts on electoral results in Ghana. The aim is to identify the role of radio stations as guardians of the electoral process and analyze how radio’s announcement of electoral results influences the electorate. Using interviews, the study gathers data from the electorate of the Ghana Institute of Journalism, Electoral Commission of Ghana, National Media Commission and some media personnel. Findings show that the multiplicity of radio can be a facilitator or a threat to the democratic process, given that radio stations compromise the results of the E.C. where these have not been authenticated. This offers a great opportunity for further research in the future.




CHAPTER ONE


1.0 INTRODUCTION
This chapter addresses the background to the study, statement of problem, research questions, significance and the scope of study.


1.1 BACKGROUND STATEMENT
BRIEF HISTORY OF RADIO
Radio, according to McCutcheon, Shaffer and Wycoff, (1994, p. 586) was invented in 1895 by Gugliemo Marconi. However, it was not really perfected until 1922 when the first radio broadcast occurred in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the United States of America. Radio instantly became popular and developed interest overnight and in 1940, the use of radio skyrocketed and became the lifeline for many because it was a cheap way to be aware of what was going on around them. Since the invention of radio, it has become a major medium through which all kinds of information ranging from politics, religious, entertainment, education and other important news are disseminated. In 1936, Prall, first Commissioner of America’s Federal Communication Commission hailed radio as “a combination of school, house, church, the public rostrum, the newspaper, the theatre, the concert hall and in fact all the media devoted to the education and enlightenment of the people at the same time” (Hilmes and Loviglio, 2002 p. xi).
RADIO IN GHANA
The introduction of Radio in Ghana according to Ansah (1985, pp.1-8), was due to the initiative and personal commitment of the then colonial Governor of the Gold Coast, Sir Arnold Hodson through the assistance of his engineer friend, F.A.W. Byron. On the 31st July 1935, a small wired relay station called “ZOY” was set up at 9th Road, Ridge, Accra “to cater for the information, cultural and entertainment needs of the political, and educated elites who consisted of European Settlers and some small group of educated Africans”. This relayed service expanded rapidly and, in 1954, Gold Coast Broadcasting System (now Ghana Broadcasting Corporation) (GBC) was established.
He goes on to say that “as far as the development of radio is concerned, the next important milestone worth recording was the inauguration of the external service in June 1964 which led to broadcasting in English, French, Hausa, Swahili and other languages”. From the time radio was established in Ghana, “it remained a monopoly of the British colonial government until in 1968 when the GBC was converted into a public corporation by a decree which did not explicitly proscribe private broadcasting. This de facto monopoly of broadcasting by the state existed for over 40 years till 1996 when in line with a relevant provision of the constitution, authorization was extended to privately owned radio stations” (Ghana National Media Policy, 2000 p.4).
Radio has made a remarkable stride since then and has become such an indispensable channel hence Amin (1996, p.46), put it that ”the introduction of radio broadcasting in Ghana, is without doubt the best the country has ever had using multiplicity of stations and the liberalization of the sector as the yardstick”.
Supporting this claim are Jemin and Jonathan (2001, p.12) who also believe in this assertion and therefore conclude that “radio by far has the widest and largest audience than any form of media in Ghana”.
THE LIBERALIZATION OF THE AIRWAVES
As a key medium and considered as the most important source of news information for the public, radio which was considered by government authorities as their own cherished territory is now penetrated by private operators and “in the last decade there has been an expansion in the diversity of the media in Ghana with the growth of independent radio stations throughout the country” (European Union Election Observation Mission, February, 2009).

This development is attributed to the fact that since the establishment of radio and the subsequent birth of GBC Radio in Ghana, the monopoly enjoyed by the state-owned media as the sole disseminator of information has ended after liberalization of the airwaves as envisaged in articles 162 and 163 of the 1992 constitution of Ghana. Today, many organizations, institutions and individuals have taken advantage of the liberalization and set up radio stations throughout the country. According to a report by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) “the National Communications Authority (NCA), the body charged with issuing license for the setting up of FM Stations has granted license to 167 stations out of which 130 are in operation” (African Media Barometer, Ghana, 2008, p.12).



1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Yankah (2004, p.5) believes that “radio is by far the most people friendly medium for democratic practice”. In the same vein, Ayee (2001, p.161), thinks that “FM radio stations are essential actors in democratic governance in the country especially in the coverage of elections“ and “with the liberalization of the airwaves meaning that GBC no longer has the monopoly in reporting on electoral issues” (Badu and Lavie, p.62), the National Media Commission (NMC), the body charged to ensure high journalistic standards in the mass media therefore charges them “not to limit political coverage to just campaigns but be extended to encompass all phases up to the declaration of results” (NMC, Guidelines for Political Reporting, p.14). In the same line, Badu and Lavie (1997, p.71) also share the view that “both the state and private media should be encouraged to abide by guidelines’’ and also challenge them that “if they are to be considered as the true fourth estate of the realm, then they must make more of an effort to discharge their responsibilities ethically and fairly especially during elections”.
It is no secret that the media have on numerous occasions been showered with praises after elections. In examples, after the 2000 Elections, Ahiawordor (2001, p.110) said that “The 2000 election in Ghana was largely successful due to the important role played by both public and private media”. Likewise, after the 2008 Elections, the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) (an independent, non-partisan, research and policy think-tank dedicated to promoting democracy, good governance and economic openness in Ghana and Africa), came out that:
Radio Stations were clearly in competition to cast their nets wider and made personal sacrifices to wait and keep the public informed during the entire 2008 election period and even in cases where results delayed, reporters were sent to practically every nook and cranny to get them for listeners.
However, in another way, this competition brings the striving of the same news which leads to the compromising of ethical standards. A situation the Electoral Commission (EC) says brings ”hasty announcement of uncertified results and skewed electoral reportage” that “incites, heightens political tension, creates confusion and jeopardizes the credibility of the election results” (GNA, 28 December 2008).
Daze (2005, p.73) also argues that “the hasty announcement of results brings confusion since the results often differ” and therefore warns that “though they survive by scooping each other for survival, there is the need to always exercise restraint and circumspection and publish official results announced by the Electoral Commission”. In the same vein Bafawara (2005, p.9), advises that “election news is very delicate issue which should be properly handled and as such must always be authenticated by an established organization vested with that responsibility before they are made public”.
During the 2008 General Elections, results announced by state-owned and privately owned ones were contradictory sparking tension in the country. According to the BBC (December, 2008), “Unofficial results by, Joy FM, a privately owned radio station said Mr. Atta Mills had an unassailable lead but the state broadcaster, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), said Mr. Akufo-Addo had a slight lead, also based on results from the same 229 constituencies”. This nearly created mayhem hence this study seeks to identify how the multiplicity of radio affects the announcement of electoral results with reference to the 2008 general elections.


1.3 RESEACRH QUESTIONS:
The research questions are:
1. What roles do radio stations play in releasing electoral results?
2. How have radio stations been announcing electoral results?
3. What is the best way for radio stations in announcing electoral results?



1.4 OBJECTIVES
The general objective of this study is to assess the impact of the multiplicity of radio in announcing electoral results. Specifically, the study seeks:
• To identify the role of radio stations in announcing electoral results.
• To analyse how radio stations announce electoral results.
• To suggest the best way for radio in announcing electoral results.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
This study seeks to examine the negative impact the multiplicity of radio has on the announcement of electoral results. It also seeks to examine how early announcement of election results by radio stations due to competition impacts on the electorate.
1.6 SCOPE OF STUDY
This study is limited to the electorate of The Ghana Institute of Journalism, some selected media men, the Electoral Commission and the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) (an independent, non-partisan, research and policy think-tank).
1.7 ORGANISATION OF STUDY
This study covers five chapters. Chapter one comprises of introduction, background of the study, the statement of the research problem, the objectives of the study, research questions, the importance of the study, scope of study and the organization of study.

Chapter two is made up of literature review where related studies and theoretical framework were looked at. While chapter three entails the research methodology. Under this chapter, the research design, the population of the study, sample and sampling techniques, data collection method and data analyzing procedure are discussed.

The chapter four is on data analysis and interpretation of the findings.
Finally, chapter five focuses on the drawing of conclusions based on the research findings, and the necessary recommendations as well as limitations to the study.







CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0. INTRODUCTION
This chapter deals with the theoretical framework and review of related studies.
2.1. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The Social Responsibility Theory which was propounded by Schram, Siebert and Peterson in 1956 was in an attempt to clarify the link between the media and the political society in the modern world.
According to McQuail (2007, pp.170-172), the theory calls for the balance of private and public ownership and argues that media ownership is a public trust. The theory stipulates that the media have an important function to fulfil in the society and these functions include the supporting of democratic political principles. It says that the media are therefore under the obligation to fulfil other social functions such as the transmission of information.
However, the Social Responsibility Theory entrusts the media which obviously include radio stations to be responsible for what they put out. They are, therefore, charged to report accurate and balanced information to the public.
Again, the theory reconciles freedom with responsibility, hence the need to follow laid-down codes of conduct and ethics as well as meeting certain standards.
McQuail (2007, p, 172), again goes on to say that this theory rests on the concept of freedom to achieve goals through ethical means.
In relation to this study, radio stations are expected to support democratic political principle and obliged to transmit information which includes electoral results but are charged to meet and follow ethical standards and follow the laid down codes of conduct regarding the electoral process. This code may include “guidelines for political reporting’’ from the National Media Commission. The theory reconciles freedom with responsibility; radio stations have the freedom to announce the results but must be careful to report accurate and certified ones to the public.
2.2. REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES
Various studies shows that radio has wide audience and also plays an integral part in elections. Gadzekpo (1997, p.57) is of the view that due to its role in contributing to the survival of democracy, it has the responsibility not only to inform voters but aid in the electoral process. According to Temin and Smith (2001), separate surveys by the Department of Political Science, University of Ghana, and African Media Barometer (1999) revealed that radio has by far the widest reach and audience than any media in Ghana and it is the most useful and trusted source of information during elections.
In another study by Ayee (2001, pp.168-169) on “The media and the 2000 Elections,” it was discovered that 47.3% of respondents believe that radio was the most useful medium during the elections followed by television with 19.6%.
Also affirming the assertion of the dominance of radio is , Mbeke (2009, pp.11-15) who, in a presentation quoted that “radio is the number one source of information reaching almost 90% of the entire population in Kenya”. He goes on to say that during the 2007 Kenyan elections, “radio stations were fundamental in raising civic awareness on local issues, helped introduce various contestants to local voters and also provided consistent flow of updates on unfolding events across the country”.
He, however, said that despite the key role played by radio stations in elections, they also contributed to “the post election violence as some reports fuelled the violence” because there was the “absence of professional conduct and verification of facts because ethical standards, balance and social responsibility of FM Stations were compromised”. This, he said, led to media houses handling electoral results in an unprofessional manner. According to his research, they released “varying, piecemeal and speculative results and their own version of the presidential results which did not tally with that of the Electoral Commission’s and caused confusion among already anxious voters“. He, therefore, concludes that in spite of the dominance and proliferation of FM Stations, most of them are characterised by unprofessionalism and warns that “radio affects audience”, hence irresponsible and pessimistic presentation of facts can “incite people towards conflicts”.

















CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY


3.0. INTRODUCTION
This chapter discuses methods used in collecting the data, the research design, population, sample and sampling techniques and data analysis procedure.
3.1 RESERCH DESIGN
The Researcher employed the qualitative approach in the data collection. Under this, in-depth or personal interview was used to elicit views and information from respondents. An interview guide was prepared and interviews were done at the natural environment of the respondents to ensure that any biases likely to affect the outcome of the research were avoided. The interview technique was used because it gave the platform for further probing, clarification and follow-up questions when the need arose.

3.2 POPULATION
Population as defined by Wimmer and Dominick (2003, p.85) “is a group or class of subjects, variables, concepts or phenomenon”. The population for the study therefore included media personnel from radio stations, a media regulating body like the National Media Commission, the electorate, personnel from political think-tanks and an election regulating body, the Electoral Commission of Ghana. Personnel from radio stations were selected because they play key roles in the electoral process especially in making results available to the electorate. The electorate were also used because the outcome of elections affects them. The Electoral Commission of Ghana was also added to the population because it is the body mandated and charged with conducting elections in the country. The National Media Commission was also considered because it is a body charged to come out with measures to ensure the establishment and maintenance of high journalistic standards in the mass media.


3.3 SAMPLING AND SAMPLNG TECHNIQUES
Since the entire population could not be examined, due to time and resource constraints, some unit of the population were selected. A sample according to Wimmer and Dominick (2003, p.85) “ is a subset of the population that is representative of the entire population” hence, for the purpose of this study, the non-random sampling method under which the purposive sampling technique was employed to sample the population. The purposive sampling technique was used because with this, elements or subjects are selected due to their specific characteristics or qualities and again it eliminates the people in the population who fail to meet the criteria the researcher wants. So to suit the objectives of this study, people who have knowledge on the topic to provide the expected answers were selected. Their involvement in the electoral process, background and how the topic affects them was also taken into consideration for the sampling.
The sample selected were; thirty (30) electorate from the Diploma Two (2) morning class of the Ghana Institute of Journalism, one (1) official each from the Electoral Commission (E.C.), the National Media Commission and the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana); one (1) news editor each from Asempa Fm, Joy FM, Uniiq FM and Choice FM. Therefore the sample size was thirty seven (37) with seventeen (17) being male and fifteen (15) being female.


3.4 DATA COLLECTION
The collection of data was done by interviewing the selected respondents and as McCutcheon, Shaffer and Wyckoff, (1994, p.106) put it, an interview is “a conversation with a special purpose” which is “non-controlled but not dominated by one person who asks the questions”. For this study, in-depth face-to-face and structured type of interview was employed to elicit information from the respondents. With the aid of a structured interview guide, simple questions were posed to respondents and answers recorded via a recorder and a note pad. An interview guide was used to make the interview logical. The questions were made simple to avoid misunderstanding and also open-ended questions were employed to enable the respondents answer the questions freely without limitations.
The funnel-type of questioning was used hence questions were from broad perspectives and then limited to specific questions on the theme.


3.5. DATA ANALYSIS PROCEDURES
After collecting the data from the respondents, the information gathered was critically interpreted and analyzed.















CHAPTER FOUR
FINDINGS AND DATA ANALYSIS

4.0 INTRODUCTION
The aim of this chapter is to analyze the data gathered from the interviewing of electorate and personnel from the media, National Media Commission, Electoral Commission and CDD-Ghana.

4.1 RESPONSES FROM THE INTERVIEW
RESPONSES FROM ELECTORATE INTERVIEWED
Data collected from the interview revealed that almost all the electorate interviewed are of the view that the multiplicity of radio in the country is a blessing to the democratic development of the country. According to them, it enables the public access to information easily at their door step and also provides the platform and opportunity for them to partake in governance and voice their feelings freely.
Again, most of the respondents did not undermine the important role played by radio stations during elections. To them, radio stations keep them updated as events unfold and apart from aiding them to make electoral decisions, radio stations also keep them abreast of electoral results too.
Although, most of them hailed the important role of radio stations in elections, they also condemned radio stations during the 2008 general elections especially in the announcement of the results. In their view, facts were distorted because some radio stations were unprofessional and irresponsible in the handling of the results as they did not painstakingly collate and crosscheck from the Electoral Commission before announcing them. This irresponsible behaviour of the radio stations, the electorate interviewed said brought tension and confusion since the results varied from one station to the other.
Most of the respondents also attributed this to the fact that because of the liberalization of the airwaves and the subsequent multiplicity of radio stations in the country, some politicians have come to own some of these radio stations. The obvious result is the political inclination of their radio stations. They, therefore, tend to announce results in a way and manner that suits their parties.
Conclusively, most of the electorate agreed that these actions by radio stations to announce their version of results created tension and confusion among the electorate and therefore recommended that radio stations should always wait for certified results and try as much as not to usurp the Electoral Commission in the announcement of the results to prevent the release of different figures which may or has the tendency to undermine the credibility of the electoral results.


RESPONSES FROM MEDIA PERSONNEL INTERVIEWED
Media personnel in both state-owned and private-owned radio stations believe that the multiplicity of radio stations in the country is very helpful because it gives a voice to the voiceless and also helps the listening public access information easily.
Most of them also said radio plays a key role in elections since it helps check rigging due to its multiplicity and also feeds the electorate with results as they troop in.
When asked to asses the performance of radio stations in the 2008 General Elections especially in the way the results were handled, most of them said some radio stations did well in updating the public with electoral news. Yet, most of them also lamented on the unprofessional manner results were handled. According to them some radio stations could not draw the line between official and unofficial results which generated unnecessary confusion among the electorate.
They all concluded that though it is good for radio stations to announce results, they should be responsible to indicate that they are provisional results to prevent panic due to the tension this announcement conveys.
RESPONSES FROM THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF GHANA
Response from the Electoral Commission indicated stations play a vital role in elections and the work of the Electoral Commission in the sense that they help in electoral education , awareness raising and aid in the publicity duties of the E.C. like the broadcasting of results.
Regarding the performance of radio stations during the 2008 Elections, it was revealed that radio stations partially did well as some stations did announce verified results but, on the other hand, some of them acted unprofessionally by announcing uncertified results without indicating that they are unofficial. Again, some stations generalised isolated cases and also made some pronouncements without verifying or crosschecking from the Commission which nearly sparked tension during the election period and therefore observed that election periods are volatile and for that matter, the least mistake could spark confusion and war. Hence, radio stations should be careful in the way they handle results and the terms they use.
It was also said that though radio stations can announce provisional results, they should follow the Electoral Commission’s and that results by the E.C. should take precedence to avoid creating problems, panic, and undermining credibility of the official and certified results.





RESPONSE FROM THE NATIONAL MEDIA COMMISSION
Data collected from the National Media Commission indicated that the multiplicity of radio stations in the country is very helpful because radio is a very powerful medium and therefore helps satisfy the listening needs of not only those in the urban areas, but rural settlers too.
Again, to them, the multiplicity of radio stations in the country has also come to help in the democratic development of the country.
Furthermore, it was revealed that it is very suicidal for radio stations to call results as though they can make projections based on the collated results. It must be noted that the declaration of results is the sole responsibility of the Electoral Commission.









CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
5.0 INTRODUCTION
This chapter involves summary of findings, conclusion and recommendations, as well as limitations of the study.


5.1 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
It is apparent from the findings that the multiplicity of radio stations in the country is very developmental and as such, many see it as a blessing because it contributes to the democratic development of the country and provides them the platform to access news and express themselves through phone-in sections.

Also evident from the response from the Electoral Commission, National Media Commission, the electorate and Media practitioners is that radio stations play an important role during elections by educating the electorate on the electoral process and furnishing the electorate with electoral results.

Moreover, it is clear from the findings that some of the respondents were pleased with the role of some radio stations during the 2008 Elections. But, on the other hand, most were not happy with the way results were handled by some stations and therefore attribute the tension that nearly marred the elections to the failure of some stations to differentiate between official and unofficial results.

It is clear from the responses given by the stakeholders that the early announcement of results before the E.C.’s creates confusion among the electorate as figures tend to differ from station to station and this undermines the credibility of officially certified results by the Electoral Commission.
This goes on to prove the assertion made by Ayee (2001, p.161), that ”FM radio stations are essential actors in democratic governance in the country especially in the coverage of elections” and supports Daze (2005, p.73) who also argues that “the hasty announcement of results brings confusion since the results often vary”. Again, the findings also vindicate Mbeke (2009, pp11-15) that “radio affects audience hence irresponsible and pessimistic presentation of facts can “incite people towards conflicts”.


5.2 RECOMMENDATION
Based on the findings and the responses from respondents, the researcher recommends the following:

1. Radio stations should keep on assisting the Electoral Commission of Ghana in its publicity and in educating the electorate during election periods.

2. Election periods are volatile hence radio stations should be professional in their reportage and follow laid-down guidelines spelt out in the NMC’s “Guidelines for Political Reporting”.

3. Radio stations should crosscheck provisional results from the Electoral Commission before broadcasting the results.

4. Radio stations should indicate to the electorate whether results being announced are provisional or certified.

5. Radio stations should not usurp the role of the Electoral Commission of Ghana and declare winners of elections since it is the sole responsibility of the Electoral Commission .


5.3 PROBLEMS AND LIMITATIONS
Like any other research work, this study was met with a few challenges.
Due to time constraints and lack of funds, the researcher had to limit the number of respondents. Also some respondents did not co-operate due to their busy schedule.

5.4 SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDIES
Due to lack of time, financial and material resources, the researcher limited himself to the electorate at the Ghana Institute of Journalism and to media practitioners within the Greater Accra Region. It is hereby suggested to any prospective researcher who would like to conduct further studies into this field to extend it to other regions in order to offer the researcher the opportunity to have a wider scope of findings.














REFERENCES
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• Boafo-Arthur, K. (2006), Democracy in Ghana: The 2004 Election in Perspective. Freedom Publication, Legon, Accra.

• Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, Government Printer, Assembly Press, Ghana Publishing Corporation, Accra, 1998.

• Ghana National Media Policy, Executive Summary (Accra, Ghana 2000).

• Hilmes, M. and Loviglio, J. (2002), Radio Reader, Routlege, New York.

• http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7804212.stm, (Accessed on Tuesday, May 25, 2010).

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• National Media Commission, Guidelines for Political Reporting, Gold Type Limited, Accra.

• Olumyomi, D. (2005), Nigeria Media and the Challenges of Democracy, Nigeria Union of Journalist, Ikeja.

• Temin, J. and Daniel, A. S. (2002), Media Matters: Evaluating the Role of the Media in Ghana’s 2000 Elections, Royal African Society.

• Wimmer, R. D. and Dominick, J. R. (2003), Mass Communication Research, Thomson Wadsworth, Belmont, CA.