Audience Perception of Public Affairs Programme on Nigeria Democracy: A Case Study of Politics Today on Channels Television

Abstract

Given the nature of public affairs programme, they ought to hold the government accountable and canvass issues that are of interest to the political and economic development of the nation. This study investigated the audience perception of public affairs programme (politics today on channels television) on Nigeria’s Democracy. The study became necessary to find out the contribution of politics today on channels television to the development of Nigeria’s Democracy. Ascertain the public perception of the issue frequently discussed on the program (politic today). The study was anchored on political economy theory and media accountability theory. Survey design was employed with the aid of 13-table questionnaire. The data obtained from questionnaire administered were analysed and presented using four point Likert scale, frequency table, simple percentage and mean score. The sample size of 400 was derived using Taro Yamane formula through sample random and purposive sampling techniques to reflect and represent all the residents in 12 wards of OREDO Local government area of Edo State.. The result shows that politics today on channels television has contributed significantly to the development of Nigeria’s democracy through the dissemination of information, education of audience about political issues. Finding also shows that the public perception of the issues frequently discussed on politics today on channels television are considered favuorable, highly positive and signifies acceptance, respondents perceive the issues discussed on politics today as capable of contributing to a healthy and sustainable political climate in Nigeria. Also it was revealed from the findings that the programme provides a framework for the government to be responsible to the people. This study concluded that the time allocated to the programme is inadequate to effectively explore the various issues raise in the programme. Based on findings of this study, the researcher recommended that more time should be allotted to the programme and the media as the fourth estate of the realm should be given free hand to operate and function as the watchdog of the society.