NDUBUISI N. UMORO

This study assessed the perception of University of Benin (UNIBEN) students on broadcast media reportage of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The study examined students’ level of exposure to broadcast media coverage, their engagement with such content, perceived credibility and reliability of broadcast information, and the extent to which media exposure influences their awareness and understanding of the policy agenda. The study was anchored on the Agenda Setting Theory and Uses and Gratifications Theory as its theoretical framework. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 387 validly retrieved questionnaires administered to UNIBEN students. Findings revealed that respondents are highly exposed to broadcast media coverage of the Renewed Hope Agenda, with television and radio identified as dominant sources of information. The study further showed frequent engagement with broadcast content, indicating that students regularly consume broadcast reports on government programmes. Results also indicated that broadcast media play a significant role in shaping students’ awareness of the Renewed Hope Agenda, as a majority of respondents acknowledged that their understanding of the policy is largely influenced by broadcast media reports. However, the influence of media exposure was found to be relatively uneven across respondents, suggesting variations in access, interpretation, and reliance on alternative information sources such as social media and interpersonal communication. The study concludes that broadcast media remain a major instrument of political communication and public enlightenment among UNIBEN students. The study recommends sustained and structured coverage of government programmes by broadcast media, strengthened collaboration between government communication units and media organisations, simplified presentation of policy information, and the introduction of media literacy programmes in universities to enhance critical understanding of broadcast content.

This study is focused on assessing attitudes of Benin residents towards broadcast media reportage of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The objectives of the study were to examine the level of exposure of Benin residents to broadcast media reports on President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda assess the attitudes of Benin residents towards the credibility and accuracy of broadcast media reportage on the Renewed Hope Agenda, ascertain the influence of Benin residents towards broadcast media reportage of President Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda and to determine the perception of Benin residents towards broadcast media reportage of President Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda. In terms of the theoretical framework, the Agenda Setting Theory and the Uses and Gratification Theory was adopted by the researcher, while the research method employed was the survey research method. Questionnaire was used by the researcher to gather data for the study. The findings show that residents rely on television and radio as major sources of information, and media programmes effectively improve understanding and draw attention to government activities. The findings also showed that public trust in media accuracy, balance, and credibility is low, with many respondents perceiving bias and skepticism in coverage. While broadcast media influence understanding and opinion formation, they are less effective in stimulating interest or satisfaction with government programmes. It was concluded that broadcast media play a significant but complex role in political communication. Although they educate and shape awareness, issues of credibility, bias, and framing limit their impact on public perception and engagement. It was recommended that broadcast media should improve accuracy, professionalism, and fact-based reporting to enhance public trust in political coverage. It was also recommend that journalists should receive training on ethical reporting, balanced coverage, and clear separation of facts and opinions to ensure credibility and objectivity.