CHAPTER ONE

1:1             BACKGROUND TO STUDY

The coming of television broadcasting to Nigeria expectedly prompted diverse programmes which range from politics, socials to entertainment, business and education. So, from the various programmes there was the need for television advertisement in broadcasting.

Advertising is basically the dissemination of sales messages through purchased space, time or other media (Arens and Bovee: 6). It is one of the marketing tools used by businessmen and women to promote their goods and services.

Just as the media of social communication have enormous influence everywhere, so does advertising which uses the media as a vehicle for persuasion as well as a powerful force for shaping attitudes and behaviour in today’s world. Individuals are exposed each day to a tremendous number of advertising stimuli. To cope with this bombardment, our sensory organs select those stimuli to which attention is given (Wells: 242).

Advertising is not done by the management of a product just for the fun of it. It is principally undertaken for persuasion or advocacy even apparently just giving us information, using media that are paid to get through to the mass audience with the identity of advertisers being clear(Arens and Bovee:7).

‘Advertising has mandate to sell the advertisers’ goods and help the consumers to shop wisely’’ (Okoro: 42). Advertising is important because it influences audiences by informing or reminding them of the existences of a brand or alternatively by persuading or helping them differentiate a product from others in the market (Fill: 486).

Advertising can reach a wide range of audiences with simple messages that announce the availability and location of products express their quality and value, imbue brands with personality and simultaneously define the personality of people who can buy them (Arens and Bovee: 22).Some of the keys roles of advertising are; building awareness, inducing dialogue and positioning or repositioning brands by changing either perception or attitudes (Fill: 487).

Advertising through all media influences audiences, but television is one of the strongest mediums of advertising and due to its mass reach and visual components; it can not only influence individuals’ attitude, behaviour, lifestyle, exposure but can, in the long run, even influence the culture of the country (Latif and Abideen:156).

Television advertisement came up in the society because it helps to showcase goods and service. It also helps producers to sell their goods more, informs the public not only about the product but also the qualities of the products than any other medium. Advertising also serves as a means of raising huge revenue for the television house.