DANIEL EKHAREAFO

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.

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of radio in propagating Edo culture amongst students in the University of Benin. The aim of this study was to examine students’ perception of radio programmes propagation of Edo culture among students. Agenda-setting theory was used as the theoretical framework, while data were collected through an online questionnaire administered to a purposive sample size of 168 Mass Communication students across various academic levels at the University of Benin, Ekehuan Campus. Descriptive statistics tools such as tables, frequency counts, and simple percentages, were used to analyse the obtained data. The findings obtained revealed that the majority of the students are exposed to Edo cultural programmes on radio, while some acknowledge their significance particularly in learning about Edo history and customs. These programmes were perceived as effective in motivating cultural participation and inclusivity. Music was also found to be one of the most preferred radio contents among students, overshadowing cultural and educational programmes. Despite this, there is strong support for the increased inclusion of Edo cultural content on radio. The study concludes that radio remains an indispensable medium for cultural education preservation, and revival. Yet, to fully realise its potential in propagating Edo culture among students, programme quality, content relevance, and audience engagement must be improved. The study, therefore, recommends the following: collaboration between broadcasters and cultural experts to develop engaging cultural content, scheduling programmes at convenient times for students, employing interactive storytelling techniques, integrating cultural education within academic institutions, instituting government policies to mandate indigenous cultural programming, and conducting regular audience evaluations to improve programme effectiveness.