AUDIENCE PERCEPTION OF THE PROMOTION OF IMMORALITY AND INDECENCY IN THE BIG BROTHER NAIJA REALITY TV SHOW. A STUDY OF STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

This study, anchored on the tenets of the cultivation and Social learning theories investigated and ascertained audience perception of the promotion of immortality and indecency in Big Brother Naija reality show, using students of the University of Benin as a case study. It sought to discover the effect of such promotion on students as well as ascertain factors that contribute to the showcase of immorality and indecency. For the generation of data, the researcher applied the survey design method while the simple random and purposive sampling methods were used to arrive at the sample size. A fifteen-item questionnaire was distributed to 237 students of the Theatre Arts department of the University of Benin. Data generated were analysed and presented with the aid of simple percentages and frequency tables. The study revealed that majority of students were exposed to immorality and indecent acts on the show to a high extent. It was also revealed that majority consider the level of immorality and indecency in the show to be very high leading to a negative effect on their viewing behaviour. The study concludes that although the television programme has a high level of viewership, there is a need to reduce or completely eradicate the promotion of immorality and indecency in reality tv shows. The researcher recommended that a massive orientation should occur for all Nigerians on the need to avoid viewership of programmes that offended their taste of morality if the promotion of such acts cannot be completely stopped.