Audience perception of African Independent Television's Focus Nigeria programme

Abstract

The research is based on the popular television show AIT Focus Nigeria, which was broadcast to discuss democratic issues in Nigeria. The study's relevance stemmed from the program's ability to remain on the news despite its candid and unvarnished examination of political issues in a nation where the Government has used intimidation and censorship against the media. The study used the agenda-setting theory and drew on scholars' understanding of the importance of broadcast media in maintaining long-term democracy and the use of broadcasting to promote the ideas of accountability, integrity, honesty, justice, and equality in the polity. The theory advances the notion that the media can effectively influence public opinion and present arguments for the kinds of innovations that proliferate in a country. This research used a survey as its primary data collection tool and a cross-sectional design. The average findings demonstrate that the Nigerian political class and electorates are aware of the AIT Focus Nigeria program, with coefficients of variations for awareness among observed cities to be 9.47%, 11.67%, and 13.59. The program has a favorable impact on the cities used, with C.V. values of 4.68%, 4.73%, and 7.81%. More than two-thirds of the respondents thought the initiative was worthwhile to continue. The research urges the opening of more channels for audience participation in the program.