DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION,

This study was undertaken to ascertain readers perception of the utilization of photographs in the Nigerian observer newspaper in Benin City. Thus, the survey design was employed with the aid of a 9- item questionnaire to elicit response from 300 residents in Benin City. The sample was selected purposively based on background knowledge of the topic. Data generated were analyzed using the simple percentage, presented using frequency table. Findings reveals that majority of the people’s perception are influenced by photographs used in the Nigerian observer newspaper in Benin City. Also found out that readers of the newspaper judge the credibility of the stories posted based on the photographs accompany such stories. The study concluded that the photographs are the windows from which readers of newspaper can see into the stories. Therefore, the study recommended newspaper owners should ensure that they make extensive use of photographs in their publications and to increase readership, they
must use colorful and attractive photographs that can capture the attention of readers among others.

This study evaluated the use of social media for critical democratic citizenship among residents of Edo State, Nigeria. The study addressed the following research Objectives: Ascertain social media users’ engagement with government policies in Edo state, determine the level of social media users’ criticism of the democratic process, examine citizens Critical reflection on the political and economic systems in place on social media, evaluate how citizens have used the social media to call for social justice, ascertain the relationship between government performance and critical democratic citizenship. Survey method was adopted, with a cross sectional design, using purposive sampling technique. A sample of 400 respondents was drawn from the estimated 960,000 Social media users in Edo State (Datareportal's Digital 2023 Report). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that social media is widely used for political awareness, active engagement in discussions but activism remains limited. Respondents reported using social media daily to stay informed about political issues (Mean = 3.68, SD = 1.40), but active participation in discussions was less common (Mean = 3.02, SD = 1.23). WhatsApp emerged as the most preferred platform for political discussions (Mean = 3.46, SD = 1.28), while Instagram was the least preferred (Mean = 2.14, SD = 1.28). Users trust social media for government-related information (Mean = 3.97, SD = 1.44) but exercise caution in verifying content before sharing (Mean = 4.14, SD = 0.87).Demographic factors influenced social media engagement, with men and older individuals showing higher participation rates, while women and highly educated individuals exhibited lower levels of engagement. For instance, 68.8% of respondents were female, and 49.9% held postgraduate degrees, yet engagement among these groups was lower compared to their counterparts. A moderate positive correlation was found between social media engagement and critical democratic citizenship (r = 0.461, p < 0.01), indicating that active users are more likely to participate in democratic processes. However, despite recognizing the impact of government performance on civic engagement (Mean = 4.67, SD = 0.68), this awareness does not always translate into active participation. The study concluded that social media is a vital tool for political awareness in Edo State, but active engagement, criticism, and critical reflection remain limited. To address these gaps, the study recommends the implementation of educational programmes to promote responsible and critical engagement with political content and developing targeted initiatives to increase the participation of women and highly educated individuals in online political discourse.

This research was conducted to examine the coverage of new CBN policy on redesigned naira note, by select mainstream newspapers in Nigeria. Its aimwereto ascertain the level of coverage given to CBN new policy on redesigned naira note, find out what prominence was given to new CBN policy on redesigned naira note, ascertain the possible position of newspapers in the newspaper reportage of CBN policy on redesigned naira note, determine the pattern of reports given to report age on new CBN policy on redesigned naira note and lastly ascertain the frequency of stories on the CBN policy on redesigned naira note. The content analysis method was adopted to carefully collect data from newspaper stories published from October 26, 2022 to February 2023. A total of 71 editions of both Vanguard and Guardian newspapers were collated and analyzed. The study was anchored on the Agenda-Setting theory and the media dependency theory. The findings of the research revealed that; Media organizations in Nigeria, gave a high level of reportage onCBNpolicy on redesigned naira note, media organizations did not give prominence to there portage of activities on CBN policy on redesigned naira note, media organizationsfailed in their correlation or interpretative function as most of the items on the subject matter were reported as straight news, newspapers in Nigeria were not frequent enough with the reportage of CBN policy on redesigned naira note, media organizations is on the negative stand point on the issue of CBN policy on redesigned naira note, media organizations, covered more items on criticism and reactions of the public on the policy. The researcher however recommends that; Media organizations should avoid adding too much emotions to their new stories, so that the audience will not get too emotional and miss the message, on issues of government policies, media organizations, should be more frequent in the reportage of stories, that has to do with policies at its early stage, rather than engaging in the rush hour approach, to ensure proper understanding, more media practitioners should be trained on financial analysis, so that when any policy that has to do with finance, is made by the government, they will be able to conduct proper analysis on it, while trying to represent the public, on issues of government policies, the media should place more focus on stories that will enlighten the members of the public rather than projecting stories of attack and problems emanating from the policy, the media should try as much as possible to be on a neutral position and uphold truth and accuracy, so that they will not present the government in a bad light.

This study focused on Social Media as a credible source of information and information dissemination with the view of UNIBEN students of the Department of Mass Communication. It aimed at examining the credibility of social media with UNIBEN students of the Mass Communication department as the population of the study. The objectives of the study were to find ways to differentiate between factual news and made-up news. To educate the public about the consequences of spreading unverified information, to educate the public on the importance of creating a safe social media environment, and to educate social media users about the possible practices or user behavior to make social media a credible source of information. For its theoretical framework, the study adopted the medium is the message theory by McLuhan to further buttress the point of the study. The survey research was used to gather the data used for this study. The findings of the study revealed that UNIBEN students of the mass communication department agreed that social media is not a credible source of information and that the information they receive on social media affects their personal decision as students. Findings also reveal the rate at which information is shared and received on social media and how this information can be verified. The study, therefore concluded that there is a necessity in ensuring that social media is a safe space for information dissemination. It was recommended that users of social media should be wary of some of the content they consume as mischievous users display misleading information that may be harmful, Social media users must see the need to verify the information they receive and share on social media from credible sources etc

This research examines the role of Instagram as an advertising platform for promoting small-scale businesses. With its vast user base and visual-centric format, Instagram has become an increasingly popular medium for businesses to reach potential customers. This study presents the findings from a comprehensive field survey conducted in 2023, investigating the effectiveness of Instagram in business promotion, user perceptions, and the convenience of its advertising platform for buying and selling..The survey collected responses from 250 participants covering demographics, Instagram usage patterns, and attitudes towards the platform's role in business promotion. The results indicate a balanced gender distribution among respondents, with the majority falling between 15 and 30 years old. A significant portion of participants reported being single and having diverse educational qualifications. Regarding Instagram usage, the survey highlighted that approximately half of the respondents were frequently on the platform, with a significant percentage using it as a primary shopping destination. The findings further indicated that a notable proportion of respondents viewed Instagram as an effective platform for promoting small-scale businesses, emphasizing its impact in generating awareness and reaching potential customers. However, concerns about the authenticity of goods and services emerged, with almost half of the respondents expressing reservations about the platform's consistency in delivering what was advertised. Additionally, a considerable number of participants acknowledged that the effectiveness of Instagram in business promotion may be affected by factors like hacked social media accounts, raising questions about security and trustworthiness. Despite the mixed perceptions, the study revealed that Instagram's advertising platform is perceived as convenient for buying and selling, primarily attributed to its user-friendly interface, direct shopping features, and seamless integration with various payment options. In conclusion, Instagram has shown significant potential as an effective advertising platform for small-scale businesses, benefiting from its visual appeal and influencer marketing strategies. However, addressing concerns regarding authenticity and security will be critical in sustaining its effectiveness in the long term. The research provides valuable insights for businesses seeking to leverage Instagram's potential and lays the groundwork for future investigations into the evolving landscape of social media-driven business promotion.

This project assessed the influence of comedy skit as a therapeutic aid among students of the University of Benin. The survey design was adopted for the study with the aid of an 7-item questionnaire administered to 100 respondents purposively selected from the various faculty that makes up University of Benin. Data obtained were analyzed and presented with the aid of Frequency Tables, simple percentages, and Mean Scores. Based on the findings, the researcher concludes that comedy skits are valued for their role in providing entertainment, enhancing moods, offering stress relief, and fostering positive social interactions. The researcher therefore recommends among others that UNIBEN students continue to embrace and enjoy comedy skits for their positive contributions to social interactions, mood elevation, entertainment, and stress relief.

The Study Analyzes The Impact Of Reality Television Show On the reading culture of Nigeria students, Using Big Brother Naija As Case Study. The Objective Was To Access The Popularity Of The Show And Its Impact On student. The Social Construction Theory Is Used As A Theoretical Framework. The Investigation Was Carried Out Within The Ekenwan Campus Of The University Of Benin. Based On The Survey Methodology And Random Sampling Technique, The Questionnaire Was Used For Data Collection. One Hundred (100) Respondent Were Sampled Data Was Analyzed In Simple Percentage And Presented In Tables. Findings Reveals That 87 Percent Respondents Find Big Brother Naija Show Popular Among Nigerian Youth. It Was Also Found That Through Co-Habitation Of Housemates From Different Background, The Show Promotes Cultural/Traditional Tolerance Although Certain Negative Trends Were Identified; Respondents Believe That The Show Has Its Positive Value. The Research Recommends That The Reality Television Show Continue To Air Producers Should Ensure Proper Themes And Sanctions On Wholesome Behavior Amongst Housemates.

In the competitive market of goods and services, language plays a pivotal role in attracting the target audience, customers and residents within the Benin metropolis. It is against this backdrop that the study assesses the effectiveness of the use of Pidgin English language by brands in the promotion of their products and services among residents of the Benin Metropolis. Through a comprehensive approach incorporating quantitative surveys, data were collected from the residents of Benin metropolis. Findings revealed that the use of Pidgin English in advertisements by some brands
seem more persuasive than advertisements made with the standard English language within the Benin Metropolis. Based on the findings, the researcher concluded that the adoption of the use of Pidgin English by brands to reach out to a wider audience and also make relatable advertisements would resonate with the target audience experiences in order to capture their attention and make more sales

The study examined on the level of engagement in digital technology among the students of university of Benin. Survey method was adopted and the instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire. Using the Taro Yamane formula, 398 people were sampled from the population of 77,000 in the University of Benin City being a Federal University in Edo State, this is a statistical figure of 2023 population census during the cause of this survey. 398questionnaires were distributed among the University of Benin undergraduates and in all, 376were retrieved. Data collected was analyzed in tables and simple percentages. Digital
technologies play an important role in the in the day to day activities of the University of Benin undergraduates. In Nigeria, the use of digital technology for academic purpose startedin1932with simple British teaching aids being used to help with instruction within the country. With time, the use of digital technology for academic purposes by students became rampant around the corners and crannies of the country, which has made educational activities, interactions, and communication easier and faster. However, it is important to measure how often students engage in the use of Digital Technology and how it has impacted in them positively in order to promote and utilize the use of digital technologies in the academic activities of the undergraduate students in the University of Benin. This study assessed the knowledge, perceptions and use of digital technology among the University of Benin undergraduates. The findings affirm that the University of Benin undergraduates are highly knowledgeable about
digital technologies and engage in the use of those digital technologies to achieve their academic success. Using digital technology to achieve academic purposes have become imperative.

The study sought to evaluate the perception of UNIBENN students on the media brokers in peace and conflict resolutions in the 21 st century. The researcher revealed that the changing nature of peace and conflict resolution as brought by trends in modern communication technologies have af orded the media to be active participants in the negotiation process. However, the study shows that UNIBEN students of mass communication have little knowledge about the concept especially in the area of peace journalism to foster stability in crisis prone areas. Anchored on the agenda setting theory, the researcher articulates views that with the media ability to set the agenda for the society, it can help through its programme content drive social change and advocate peace oriented messages giving the society’s impression on the media as credible institution to push their course. The study adopted the survey research design method eliciting findings that the influence of the media on the society has weakened the power of diplomats in foreign af airs as well as the sovereignty of national government. To this end, the researcher revealed that as the media functions as mediators and peace brokers, the role of brokers is been threatened. The study concludes that institutions of government should make frantic ef orts towards improving a stronger synergy with the power house of information- the media. The study also looked at the knowledge of the new concept amongst student of mass communication advocating for the need to fully review the curriculum to accommodate this new trend in public diplomacy as
well as charting a direction towards peace journalism most especially in the African continent, Nigeria especially.