MEDIA

This study examines Benin City residents’ perception of broadcast media reportage of Governor Obaseki’s “Edojob Policy.” The research sought to determine the level of awareness of Edojob Policy among residents, the media channels through which they accessed information, their attitudes towards the policy, and their overall perception of it. The study was anchored on Media Dependency Theory and Framing Theory. A survey research design was employed, with a sample size of 400 respondents drawn from Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, and Egor Local Government Areas of Edo State. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using frequency distribution and simple percentages. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents were aware of Edojob Policy, with social media emerging as the dominant channel of information. Residents generally perceived the policy positively, acknowledging its contribution to job creation and empowerment. The study concludes that broadcast media reportage has been effective in creating awareness and shaping public perception of the Edojob Policy. The study recommends that media organizations continue to provide extensive coverage of developmental policies and that government sustains and expands the Edojob Initiative for broader impact.

This study examined the impact of fake news on media credibility, with a focus on how exposure to misinformation influences public trust in media organizations. The increasing spread of fake news, particularly through social media platforms, has raised concerns about the reliability of information and the credibility of the media. The study adopted a survey research design, using a structured questionnaire to collect data from respondents. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 350 were retrieved and used for analysis, representing an 87.5% response rate. The data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and simple percentages. Findings from the study revealed that exposure to fake news is widespread, with the majority of respondents encountering false or misleading information, especially on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. The study also found that fake news has significantly reduced public trust in media organizations and has increased skepticism among media users. Many respondents indicated that they now verify information from multiple sources before believing or sharing it. The study concludes that fake news has a negative impact on media credibility and poses a serious challenge to the integrity of the media. It therefore recommends improved factchecking by media organizations, increased media literacy among the public, and stronger regulatory measures to control the spread of misinformation.

This study examined the impact of fake news on media credibility, with a focus on how exposure to misinformation influences public trust in media organizations. The increasing spread of fake news, particularly through social media platforms, has raised concerns about the reliability of information and the credibility of the media. The study adopted a survey research design, using a structured questionnaire to collect data from respondents. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 350 were retrieved and used for analysis, representing an 87.5% response rate. The data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and simple percentages. Findings from the study revealed that exposure to fake news is widespread, with the majority of respondents encountering false or misleading information, especially on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. The study also found that fake news has significantly reduced public trust in media organizations and has increased skepticism among media users. Many respondents indicated that they now verify information from multiple sources before believing or sharing it. The study concludes that fake news has a negative impact on media credibility and poses a serious challenge to the integrity of the media. It therefore recommends improved factchecking by media organizations, increased media literacy among the public, and stronger regulatory measures to control the spread of misinformation.

The study focused on examining the influence of media representation of Dele Farotimi versus Afe Babalola criminal defamation suit on Uniben students’ perception of the law. It is aimed at analyzing the media representation of the Dele Farotimi versus Afe Babalola criminal defamation suit, assessing the perception of Uniben student regarding criminal defamation law in 12Nigeria, the influence of media representation on Uniben students’ understanding of criminal defamation law and explaining the implications of media representation on Uniben students’ attitude toward freedom of expression and protection of reputation. For its theoretical framework, the study adopted the agenda setting and framing theory to further buttress the point of the study. While the stratified random sampling method was used to gather the data used for the study. Findings of the study revealed that Uniben students have negative perception of criminal defamation law and that positive steps have not been taken to balance freedom of speech and protection of reputation. The findings also revealed that Uniben students agreed that they will be cautious of what they post online and they are aware of the potential consequences of defamatory statements and online actions and will take steps to protect themselves from potential legal consequences. The researcher therefore concluded that it is necessary that the law makers review the constitution to balance protection of reputation and free speech in Nigeria. The researcher recommended among other things that the media should ensure balanced and fair reporting and avoid sensationalism and bias. The researcher also recommended that the media should create more awareness about the existence of defamation.

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.

Podcasting has evolved from a niche digital medium into a mainstream content platform, revolutionizing how people consume and interact with media in the digital era. Originating in the 1980s as 'audioblogs', it has undergone significant transformation. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining descriptive qualitative and quantitative survey designs, to investigate podcast users, utilizing estimated population figures where necessary. The findings reveal that podcasting has fundamentally transformed media consumption patterns, shifting audiences from traditional scheduled broadcasting towards on-demand, personalized content. Crucially, podcasting empowers individuals and niche groups to create and distribute content, effectively bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. By catering to specific interests, podcasts foster dedicated communities around shared topics. Consequently, the research recommends that traditional media organizations proactively develop their own podcast offerings and embrace on-demand content strategies to remain competitive.

This study investigates the effectiveness of media literacy interventions in reducing children's exposure to harmful media content. It explores the nature of harmful media content, the extent of children's exposure, and the role of various stakeholders including parents, educators, media professionals, and regulatory bodies in mitigating these risks through media literacy efforts. The study adopts a quantitative research design and uses a structured questionnaire to gather data. Findings reveal that children are increasingly exposed to violent, sexual, and misleading content through various media platforms. However, media literacy interventions when properly implemented, are seen as effective tools for equipping children with critical thinking skills to navigate media content safely. The study concludes that a collaborative approach involving schools, families, media institutions, and government agencies is vital for enhancing the impact of media literacy. It recommends the integration of media literacy into school curricula, improved parental supervision, and stronger regulatory frameworks to protect children from harmful media influences.