1.7 THE THEORITICAL FRAMEWOK
The Social Categories Theory
This theory assumes tat there are broad collective aggregate or social categories in urban industrial societies whose behavior in the face of a given set of stimuli is more or less uniform.
(Defleur, 1970: 122 – 123) Giving the idea that the press function as a group being professional family, the press laws therefore provides the pressmen the environment with whom which to practice their profession. Thus, the pressmen cannot function outside the confine of the press laws, the essence of pres laws is to categorize the pressmen into one group to ensure the immunization of media practice. Therefore, the social category which presupposes that pressmen shares similar mentality and reacts to issues as a group in line with their modus operandi is quite germane to this study.
Cognitive Dissonance Theory and Selective Processed
People consciously and unconsciously work to preserve their existing (views) it is found also that people seek out media message consistent with the values of beliefs of those around them. This finding implored that people tired to preserve their existing views by avoiding messages that challenge them.
To ensure of those press law is to uphold the tenets of the cognitive dissonance theory as propounded by Leon festinger. According to the theory people and groups strives to preserve their values and beliefs and anything contrary in that courses psychological discomfort. In other words, the rationale behind the codification of the press laws is to ensure that pressmen function within the premises of tier ethical values. These press laws guide the pressmen in their selective processes such as selective retention, exposure and perception.
To these extents any practice outside the press laws or misconducts wish the press law does not only create psychological discomfort but attracts physical consequences.
1.8 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The research empirically will center on the analysis of press laws in Nigeria practicing journalist as regard to the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria and the NUJ code of professional and ethical conduct practice. Thus, certain press laws that journalist adhere to will be analyzed and discussed for instance; libel, slander, copy right law, obscenity, privacy, etc. furthermore, it is clear that the press laws have been able to enhance and promote standard journalistic practices in Nigeria through various moral and constitutional backings.
1.9 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The limitation of the study shall pin around the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria and the NUJ code of professional and ethical conduct. However, in the actual sense analyzing press laws in Nigeria. One should imperatively note the dynamism of the topic and that it demand a national outlook and affiliated orientation. But suffice it state categorically at this juncture that it will be wise to fully acquaint the reader of this study a full academic expectation owing to envisaged hazards such as monetary constraints, lack of pertinent data, logistic hazard among other hazard which will act negatively as empirically impediments to derail the motive of the study.
1.10 DEFINITION OF TERMS (CONCEPTUAL OPERATIONAL)
In this sub chapter, certain words that have duplicated meanings outside the work have been carefully defined as tied to this research in other to guide the reader against derailed interpretation.
Some of this words or phrases are as follows:
Analysis: (conceptually) this entails the detailed examination of elements or structure for extensive understanding.
Analysis: (operationally) the process of providing deeper meaning into issues or constituent.
Law: (conceptually) this is the whole system of rules that everyone must adhere to.
Law: (operationally) rules subject to a system of professional practice someone regarded as having binding force or effect.
Press: (conceptually) this is the journalist who work for newspaper or broadcast medium
Press: (operationally) those who gather and disseminate new items for public consumption.
