103 International Journal of Media, Security and Development (IJMSD). 2017, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 103-111 International Journal of Media, Security and Development (IJMSD) 2017, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 103-111 ISSN: 2476-7808 (Print), 2476-7794 (Online) Indigenization Paradigm: A Must Shift for Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) Television Programme Content. Bassey N. Ekpe Abstract: Television is a conduit for cultural learning, through which the mass society are constantly reminded of their cultural heritage. This paper examined the programming content of Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) television based on the indigenization paradigm with particular interest on the use of indigenous language. It was aimed at determining the percentage of local to foreign content as well as ascertaining the level to which the cultural objectives of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Code are projected through the programme content of AKBC Television. The study adopted a triangulation of qualitative and quantitative research methods and revealed that the AKBC television aligns its programmes to achieve these objectives, as the station has 76.4% local content against 23.6% foreign content. Programmes with indigenous language make up 5.2% of the local content. Results obtained supported the station‟s priority on local content while its use of indigenous language produced both positive and negative reactions. The paper recommends that greater efforts should be geared towards improved production of local content so as to promote the development and sustenance of the diverse cultures, moral and community life of the Akwa Ibom people in particular and Nigeria at large. Key Words: Television, Programme, Local Content, Indigenous Language, Culture Introduction Television is a mass communication medium that aid in the transmission and sustenance of culture. Fiske (1987) describes television as “a popular cultural medium with programmes that are disseminated to a mass audience from numerous subcultures and wide variety of social relations, socio-cultural experience, and discourse” (p. 37). In tandem with Fiske‟s view, McQuail (2005) assert that television has some potentials of strengthening or weakening the hold of our indigenous traditional and cultural values, especially through over exposure to their contents. According to Chioma (2013), television is: The principal medium for obtaining visual entertainment and information which are presented through various programme genres such as: News, Sports, Documentary, Interviews, Drama, Music and lots more. It establishes a direct relationship which presents particular sets, values and attitudes to its mass audience (p. 32). Television contents represent real life and fictional worlds to its viewers. Its visual and aural nature affords its viewers the opportunity to participate as they watch and afterwards, as they are able to perceive, interpret and accept or reject images as real or imaginary. However, beyond this, television contents as explained by O‟Donnell (2007) are “strategies through which a society‟s cultural values, norms, practices, fads, interest, and trends are developed” (p. 145). Lasode (1994) adds that Television broadcasting in Africa began in Nigeria, as a major step toward the modernization of the traditional system of communication and the development of the continent. He adds that the earliest forms of content on Nigerian television were “Drama, Variety Shows, Public Affairs Programmes and News Bulletins, most of which were broadcast in the local language of the people” (p. 52).