CHUKWUNONSO NNABUIFE

This study titled “citizen journalism vs professional journalism: A comparative analysis examines the different features, strengths, weaknesses, and the whole impact of citizen and professional journalism in today’s growing media environment. The main purpose of the study was to compare citizen journalism and professional journalism I terms of their credibility, accuracy, trust, characteristics, and influence on public trust and perception, as well as to solve how technological advancements have shaped their operations. The study took in a survey research design, and data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire which brought out 279 respondents from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Benin. The data collected were carefully analyzed using simple percentages and frequency tables. Findings showed that while citizen journalism improves immediacy, participation and inclusivity in news sharing. It sometimes lacks accountability and professional training and editorial oversight. In opposite view, professional journalism is guided by ethical standards, accountability, and fact checking making it more trustworthy among audiences. The study also discovered that technological advancements have greatly impacted both forms of journalism, narrowing the gap between them and enabling citizens to actively engage in the news process. It is recommended that citizen journalists be encouraged to get basic training in ethical training in ethical reporting and fact checking, while professional journalists should always continue to adapt to digital trends to secure relevance in the modern media landscape.

This study examined the audience perception of the credibility of social media platforms as sources of breaking news stories in Benin City. The increasing use of social media platforms for accessing and disseminating breaking news has raised concerns regarding the credibility of information shared through these channels. The study sought to determine whether social media platforms are perceived as credible sources of breaking news, identify the social media platform considered most credible by audiences, and ascertain the categories of information often regarded as less credible on social media platforms. The study adopted the survey research design. The population comprised residents of Benin City, while a sample size of 287 respondents was selected for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using frequency counts and simple percentages. The theoretical foundation of the study was anchored on the Source Credibility Theory, which explains how audiences evaluate the trustworthiness and expertise of information sources before accepting messages as credible. Findings revealed that social media platforms have become major sources of breaking news among audiences in Benin City. The study found that a majority of respondents perceived social media platforms as credible sources of breaking news stories due to their speed, accessibility, and ability to provide real-time updates. However, respondents also expressed concerns regarding the accuracy of information circulated on these platforms, with many indicating that they verify information before believing or sharing it. The findings further revealed that X (formerly Twitter) was perceived as the most credible social media platform for breaking news, while celebrity and entertainment news, as well as political and election-related news, were regarded as the least credible categories of information. The study also established that recognised news organisations, verified accounts, corroboration from multiple sources, and supporting visual evidence significantly influence audience perceptions of credibility. The study concludes that although social media platforms are generally perceived as credible sources of breaking news stories, their credibility remains conditional upon the reliability of the source, the accuracy of information provided, and the verification practices adopted by users. The study recommends increased media literacy, stronger fact-checking mechanisms, improved content moderation by social media companies, and greater public awareness regarding the verification of online information.

The study was aimed at investigating the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing educational outcomes among students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Grounded on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Constructivist Learning Theory, the survey research method was employed in this research. Data were obtained from 382 respondents covering different faculties of the university. The majority of students knew of AI programs such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, Quillbot, and Gemini, and the most frequently utilized was ChatGPT. The result also showed that students utilize these tools mainly to aid in writing activities, research, grammar corrections, and creating summaries. The participants felt that AI improved their understanding of course content, encouraged creativity, and the quality of their work. Conversely, issues of concern such as plagiarism, over-reliance on technology, low internet connectivity and the high price of some of the AI tools were realized. The study recommended inclusion of AI literacy in the education syllabus, conducting training and awareness workshops, upgrading digital infrastructure, and adopting firm policies to guide moral use of AI. The research concludes that AI can, i.e. if utilized effectively, will improve the learning efficiency of students as well as their overall educational performance.

This study investigates the impact of university radio stations on campus community development, using UNIBEN 100.1FM as a case study. It explores the extent to which the station fosters student engagement, promotes academic and cultural growth, and supports social interaction within the University of Benin. The study is guided by five core objectives: to assess the level of student engagement and listenership, examine the station’s influence on academic and cultural life, identify the challenges hindering its effectiveness, evaluate the role of digital technologies in content delivery, and analyze how programming strategies align with campus development needs. Anchored on the Participatory Communication Theory, which emphasizes inclusive, dialogic communication, the research employs a descriptive survey method and gathers quantitative data through structured questionnaires administered to 100 undergraduate students. The findings reveal a high awareness of the station (93%) but lower levels of regular engagement and interactive participation. UNIBEN 100.1FM significantly contributes to students' academic interests and social cohesion, yet its full potential is hampered by limited funding, low student participation, and infrastructural constraints. Nonetheless, digital integration via online streaming and social media has extended the station’s reach. The study concludes that while UNIBEN 100.1FM plays a pivotal role in enriching campus life, deliberate reforms in programming, funding, and interactivity are needed to maximize its developmental impact.

This study investigates the impact of university radio stations on campus community development, using UNIBEN 100.1FM as a case study. It explores the extent to which the station fosters student engagement, promotes academic and cultural growth, and supports social interaction within the University of Benin. The study is guided by five core objectives: to assess the level of student engagement and listenership, examine the station’s influence on academic and cultural life, identify the challenges hindering its effectiveness, evaluate the role of digital technologies in content delivery, and analyze how programming strategies align with campus development needs. Anchored on the Participatory Communication Theory, which emphasizes inclusive, dialogic communication, the research employs a descriptive survey method and gathers quantitative data through structured questionnaires administered to 100 undergraduate students. The findings reveal a high awareness of the station (93%) but lower levels of regular engagement and interactive participation. UNIBEN 100.1FM significantly contributes to students' academic interests and social cohesion, yet its full potential is hampered by limited funding, low student participation, and infrastructural constraints. Nonetheless, digital integration via online streaming and social media has extended the station’s reach. The study concludes that while UNIBEN 100.1FM plays a pivotal role in enriching campus life, deliberate reforms in programming, funding, and interactivity are needed to maximize its developmental impact.