Charles Osazemen FESTUS

This study was conducted to evaluate Politics Today on Channels Television in shaping the opinion of Edo Youth on Controversial issues in Nigeria. The study employed survey design which helped to gather data from a sample of 398 respondents derived from Seventy-Seven thousand(77,000) undergraduates of the University of Benin (both Ekehuan and Ugbowo campuses for the 2024/2025 academic session, where thirteen departments were randomly selected out of the fourteen faculties that made up the institution. It was discovered in this study that there is a high level of engagement on Politics Today on Channels Television by Edo Youth, which has influenced them to a high level. The findings further unveiled that Politics Today on Channels is a medium where Edo Youth surf and consume news bulletins, it was an effective platform for promoting informed citizenship and shaping public opinion on national issues. The programme’s comprehensive coverage and analysis of political events enabled young viewers to stay informed about current issues and make informed decisions about their engagement in politics.. The respondents appreciated the programme’s objective and detribalized approach to reporting and the diverse perspectives presented by the Guests. This study is pivotal for media practitioners, policymakers and relevant stakeholders interested in promoting democratic development and civic engagement in Nigeria. However, the programme’s ability to shapen Edo Youth opinion on controversial issues was threatened by the spread of fake news on social media which has been due to advancement of technology which birthed yellow Journalism. Social media’s influence on news consumption habits brought attention to the necessity of media literacy programmes that foster critical thinking and discernment in young audiences. This will increase the programme’s ability to encourage informed citizenship and democratic participation.