Agenda setting theory is the theory
that mass media have large influences on audience by their choice of what story
to consider news worthy. It tells us what to think about and then, the publics
get interested from that and begin to have their own options. Mass media can
control the interest of their publics this theory involves two concepts media
agenda and public agenda. Media agenda are issues that are discussed in media
such as television, newspaper, and radio. Public agenda are issues what are
discussed and personally relevant to the public.
This research has focused on
three sets of contingent conditions: Characteristics of audience, the issues,
and the media. This agenda setting only happens to certain people under certain
condition to make the public feel that this is a significant issue in
programme, for example in a Unity FM a woman commented on the importance of
girl child education. She emphasized the empowerment of the girl child through
education in our country because of her importance in the family, states and
nations in general.
So those who listened to that
particular programme will see the impotence of girl-child education.
This review of literature has among
other things succeeded in supporting the view that there are various levels of
marginalization of the girl child across cultures, religion etc world over.
Certain parent remains apprehensive on the types of education and exposure the girls’
child ought to receive.
Evaluation of this girl further
reveals that women who acquired western education and has the privilege of occupying positions of
authority and trusts which were hitherto regards as purgatives of men,
performed creditably. The review further reveals that the education of the girl
child has however not be given pride of place in the scheme of things despite
various campaigns by various women groups and organizations in support of
proper gender mainstreaming, aimed at achieving equality or equality of
opportunity between the female and her male counter part.
Lastly, it is the expectation of
this study to unravel the extent radio programmes and parental attitudes
supports the education of the girl child, using Onicha Local Government Area of
Ebonyi state as a study.