Department of Mass Communication

The study investigates the role of ITV's 'You and the Law' programme in raising human rights awareness among residents of Benin Metropolis, Nigeria. The research seeks to assess the programmes's contribution to human rights awareness, identify the specific human rights issues it addresses, and examine the challenges that Benin residents face in accessing the programme. The study draws upon two theoretical frameworks: the Social Responsibility Theory, emphasizing the media's responsibility to society, and the Agenda Setting Theory, which highlights the media's influence on public perception. The researcher employs a survey method to gather and analyze quantitative data from Benin Metropolis residents who are familiar with human rights awareness programs. The findings indicate that 'You and the Law' significantly informs, educates, sensitizes, and exposes human rights violations among Benin residents. However, there are varying opinions regarding its empowerment, influence, and ability to draw attention. The program effectively addresses a range of human rights issues, including poor infrastructure, police brutality, minimum wage, discrimination, violence, and security. Based on the findings, the researcher concludes that the study underscores the critical role of media, represented by ITV's 'You and the Law,' in advancing human rights awareness. It advocates for strategic improvements to maximize the positive impact of media in promoting human rights, fostering a more informed and empowered citizenry in Benin Metropolis, and contributing to broader discussions about human rights in Nigeria. Based on
the conclusion, the researcher recommends among others the improvement in content quality, a stronger online presence and potential program timing adjustments. Implementing these measures will enable ITV's 'You and the Law' to continue its vital mission, furthering awareness and driving positive change in Benin Metropolis.

This study explored the Influence of Social Media on the Mental Health of Mass Communication Undergraduates in Select Universities in Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were Examine the extent of the use of social media by Mass Communication undergraduates in select universities in Edo State, identify specific platforms and their impact, find out the influence of the use of social media on the mental health, highlight contributing mental health factors, and determine the challenges students face as a result of social media engagement. The research adopted a descriptive survey design and in-depth interviews. A structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 490 students drawn from the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, Edo University Iyamho, and Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, was used to generate data. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics percentages, frequency tables, means, and standard deviations and inferential tools. Findings revealed a high level of social media usage among respondents. While a significant number of respondents acknowledged that social media positively influenced their well-being through positive interactions others reported adverse effects such as low self-esteem, distraction from academic work and increased anxiety.
Key challenges faced by students included academic distraction, online bullying, and sleep disruption. These findings support the social comparison and the uses and gratifications tenets adopted for this study. This suggests that the motivations behind social media use, and how individuals interpret content, significantly influence its psychological impact. The study concludes that although social media can foster emotional connection and engagement, it simultaneously exposes students to psychological vulnerabilities. It recommends that universities implement digital literacy programmes, provide mental health support services, and promote balanced digital habits among students.

This study examined the influence of family communication and sociocultural factors on the intellectual Pursuit of women after marriage in Edo State, Nigeria. The research aimed to analyse how family communication and sociocultural dynamics shape women's intellectual trajectories post-marriage. Specifically, it explored the impact of different family communication styles on women’s confidence and motivation for continued education and professional growth, as well as the influence of sociocultural expectations and gender norms on educational opportunities and personal development. Additionally, the study investigated the intersectionality of ethnicity, class, and geographic location with family communication and sociocultural norms as well as family communication practices, educational policies, and community programmes aimed at enhancing women’s intellectual engagement and success.

Grounded in Family Communication Patterns Theory, Gender Role Theory, Ecological Systems Theory and Genderlect Styles Theory, the study employed a descriptive-correlational design using a mixed-methods approach. A sample of 385 married women was selected using the Taro Yamane formula for calculating sample size, drawn from a population of 9,802 across Egor, Oredo, and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Reliability testing using Cronbach Alpha Statistics yielded a coefficient of 0.76.
Findings revealed that the interaction of family communication and sociocultural factors, including ethnicity, class, geographic location, and family financial status, shapes women’s learning experiences and cognitive outcomes (grand mean = 3.90; highest-rated item mean = 4.01). Conversely, supportive family practices, educational policies, and community programmes are strongly endorsed as effective strategies to enhance women’s intellectual pursuit post-marriage, particularly adult learning policies and lifelong learning workshops (grand mean = 4.23). Furthermore, there is a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between family communication and women’s intellectual pursuit after marriage (r = 0.62, p = 0.000). Finally there is a moderate, negative, and statistically significant relationship between sociocultural factors such as gender roles/limited access to educational resources and women’s intellectual development after marriage (r = -0.57, p = 0.000). The study rejected the null hypotheses, confirming significant relationships among the variables. The study concluded that, open and supportive family communication, enhances the intellectual development of married women. In conclusion, the study revealed that, the interaction between family communication and Socio-cultural dynamics can either amplify or suppress intellectual development. Based on these findings, it recommends fostering supportive family environments, revising educational policies, and initiating community-based programmes that promote lifelong learning among married women. These measures are vital for advancing intellectual equity and enhancing opportunities for women in marital contexts.

In this discourse, the relevane of building Development Communication intervention on establish models of communication ot achieve maximum benefits from such intervention is highlighted. It borrowed from posiont of communication models such as the objective or transmission model. Subjective or receiver-oriented model and the social network or negotiation model. Important considerations to make the most of Development Communication interventions are also x-rayed. This include among others sing development communication as participatory tool for agriculture nad rural development, seeing it as worthwhile venture and not mere megaphone of development interventions, its usefulness for varied development intervention an seeking the service of trained development communication specialists,

This research explores the dynamic interplay between online newspaper reporting and public perception of crime and justice issues, with a particular focus on the Nigerian media landscape. As online newspapers have gained prominence in the information landscape, understanding their influence on how the public views matters related to crime and justice becomes increasingly vital. The study delved into the reporting practices of two major Nigerian online newspapers, Punch and Vanguard, aimed at deciphering how their coverage of crime and justice impacts public perception. It employed content analysis as the research method, systematically collecting and analyzing data from a total of 178 editions of both newspapers published between January 1, 2023, and March 31, 2023.The findings of this study offer noteworthy insights. Media organizations, it appears, give considerable coverage to crime and justice issues, but often lack prominence in their reporting. Their interpretative function falls short, as most articles tend to present straight news. Furthermore, the frequency of reporting on these critical topics is not as high as might be expected. The media's standpoint leans more towards the negative side concerning crime and justice matters, with a particular focus on criticism and public reactions to policies.In light of these findings, several recommendations emerge. Media organizations are urged to maintain a balanced emotional tone in their news reporting. Increased frequency in reporting on policy-related issues, especially in their early stages, is advised to enhance public understanding. The media should prioritize informative reporting that enlightens the public rather than emphasizing stories of conflict and policy challenges. Finally, a call is made for the media to uphold neutrality, truth, and accuracy in their reporting to present a fair representation of government policies. This research underscores the pivotal role of online newspapers in shaping public perceptions of crime and justice in Nigeria. It contributes to the fields of media studies and journalism, offering a comprehensive examination of how these newspapers influence public opinion and policy-making in this crucial domain.

This study investigated the impact of public relations (PR) strategies employed by Holy Cross Private Hospital Ibusa on the institution's image and reputation within the local community. The study's key objectives were to assess the hospital's current PR strategies, examine their influence on local perceptions, and evaluate the overall impact on the organization's image building and reputation. More so, the study had two hypotheses which were tested using Chi-square. Anchored on the Image Repair Theory and the Stakeholder Theory, the research adopted a survey research design and utilized a structured questionnaire to gather data from a representative sample of Ibusa residents. The findings reveal that Holy Cross Private Hospital Ibusa's public relations efforts have been largely successful in enhancing the institution's standing, trustworthiness, and performance within the Ibusa healthcare market. Specifically, the hospital's strategic communication, community engagement initiatives, and proactive media relations activities were found to have positively shaped the local community's views and impressions. Based on these insights, the study recommends that the hospital management conduct a thorough audit of its existing PR approaches, evaluating the effectiveness of current communication channels, media engagement practices, community outreach programs, and the overall coherence and impact of the institution's public relations initiatives. By optimizing its PR strategies, Holy Cross Private Hospital Ibusa can further strengthen its position, bolster its reputation, and better serve the evolving healthcare needs of the Ibusa community.

This study, examined the users assessment of the effectiveness of social media campaigns on the
Corona Virus Vaccination. This study became necessary due to the fact that the COVID-19
disease gripped the world with shock and vaccines were made to curb the spread of the deadly
disease. So many Campaigns including social media Campaigns were made to influence people
take the vaccine and this study is to ascertain the effectiveness of the social media Campaigns in
influencing people's decision to take the Vaccination.
The population of the study was 500,000 Edo state residents. The sample consisted of 400
respondents who were selected using the simple random and purposive technique. A well
organized questionnaire was designed and administered to the respondents. The data gathered
were analyzed and presented using frequency tables and percentages.
Findings revealed that the social media Campaigns on the Corona virus Vaccination was
effective in influencing respondents to make a decision. In addition, it was recommended that in
addition to social media Campaigns, the government and the organizations involved should also
make use of the traditional media so as to make the awareness reach more people.

This study examined the role of social media platforms in enhancing peace in Nigerian higher institutions using the University of Benin as case study. The research objectives were to find out ways social media platforms can help enhance peace in Nigerian tertiary institutions; establish the extent to which social media platforms are enhancing peace in Nigerian tertiary institutions; examine the significance of social media’s peace enhancement to Nigerian tertiary institutions; and x-ray the hindrances of social media in promoting peace in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Furthermore, the study was anchored on the Media Framing theory and the research methodology was the survey using questionnaire as the research instrument. 270 copies of questionnaire were distributed to the research respondents, and while 251 were returned, 19 copies were unreturned. Findings from the study showed that there was a high usage of social media by Nigerianhigher institution students; social media is effective in enhancing peace in Nigerianhigher institutions but is under-utilized by students in conflict resolution andpeacekeeping; and that the ways social media platforms can help enhance peace in Nigeriantertiary institutions include publishing unbiased stories and pictures of the conflicts, making objective judgments and recommendations to the conflicts, and by supporting peace keeping bodies in resolving the conflicts. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Social media users, especially higher institution students should report and help enhance peace among Nigerian higher institutions through conflict resolution and peace-keeping strategies and that social media users should be mindful of their actions and inactions towards conflicts in Nigerian higher institution as such actions and inactions could escalate or de-escalate conflicts.

A century and half ago, communication between countries involved physical presence. Once, a reporter had to run as fast as possible back to the newsroom after interviewing and tried to beat the competition to print. With the advent of the digital age the role of the journalist changed. The inception of information communication technology such as the internet has made it possible to find out about events without actually being there. Journalists can report news across the world over the internet. Throughout history, developments in technology and communication have gone hand in-hand, and the latest technological developments such as the internet have resulted in the advancement of the science of communication to a new level. The process of human communication has evolved over the years, with many path- breaking inventions and discoveries heralding revolutions. The invention of pictographs or the first written communication in the ancient world brought about written communication. These writings were on stone, and remained immobile. The invention of paper, papyrus and wax, culminating in the invention of the printing press in the 15th century made possible transfer of documents from one place to another, allowing for uniformity of languages over long distances. The latest revolution is the widespread application of electronic technology such as electronic waves and signals to communication, manifesting in the electronic creation and transfer of documents over the World Wide Web (www.wikipediathefreeencyclopedia.com)

This study investigated UNIBEN students’ perception of the use of social media for advertising by Bolt Transportation Company in Benin City. The study was anchored on the Technological Acceptance Model and Perception Theory as its theoretical framework. It also adopted the survey research design and the questionnaire was used as instrument for generating data from respondents. A total of 300 students from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Benin were selected as sample size and studied. From the analysis of the data gathered, it was discovered that a students have a very high level of awareness of Bolt social media advertising. Findings also discovered that students have a favorable and positive perception towards Bolt adverts on social media. This is due to the fact that they find it informative and useful in choosing transportation services. Consequently, it influences their behavior by making them use Bolt often. Therefore, the study recommended that social media advertisers should come up with better strategies in crafting and developing their advertising messages in order to engage students for improved results and patronage. It also recommended that advertisers and marketers should craft simple, clear and credible messages in order to build trust, brand awareness and patronage.