MASS COMMUNICATION

This study examined the influence of social media algorithms in shaping news exposure among undergraduate students in the University of Benin. The objectives were to determine how students use social media for news consumption, their awareness of algorithmic filtering, and its effect on perceptions of news credibility. Guided by the Uses and Gratification Theory and Media Dependency Theory, the study adopted a survey design. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 400 undergraduate students, and structured questionnaires served as the main instrument for data collection.Findings revealed that most undergraduate students in the University of Benin rely on social
media as their primary source of news, with Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp ranking highest. However, while many recognized the role of algorithms in shaping their news exposure, less than half verified stories before sharing, exposing gaps in media literacy. The study also found that algorithms not only determine the kind of news students encounter but also influence their perception of its credibility, with Instagram and Twitter considered more trustworthy due to their visual appeal and real-time updates.The study concludes that social media algorithms significantly shape news consumption and trust. It recommends strengthening media literacy and promoting fact-checking practices among students.

The study investigated audience assessment of the challenges affecting Edo
Broadcasting Service in Edo State. The study became necessary arising from the
fact that Broadcast station has so many challenges that affect them. This study
was anchored on the postulation of social responsibility and libertarian theories. Descriptive survey design was employed with the aid of 11 items questionnaires. The sample size of this study constituted 400 Edo State residents selected
through proportional stratified technique. The sample reflected and represented
Edo state residents. Data obtained were analyzed and presented with the aid of
frequency tables, simple percentages and mean scores. It was discovered that the
average respondent indicated that the EBS suffers human resource deficits, political pressure, poor welfare packages and lack of equipment for broadcasting
in EBS. Also the study found out that that average audience considers the
effectiveness of EBS is being hampered by political interference, welfare
shortfalls, and poor management. Respondents are of the opinion that resolving
the challenges of EBS would require that the Edo state government sells its stake
in the station and government should invest heavily in training the workforce of
EBS. In the light of these observation the study recommends the need for
government to carry out an inventory of the stock of human capital in the EBS.