READERS PERCEPTION OF THE UTILIZATION OF PHOTOGRAPHS IN THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER NEWSPAPER IN BENIN CITY.

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.