KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF BENIN RESIDENTS TOWARDS BROADCAST MEDIA REPORTAGE ON GOVERNOR OBASEKI'S STREET LIGHT PROJECT IN BENIN METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

The main objective of the study is to examine knowledge and perception of Benin residents towards broadcast media reportage on governor Obaseki's street light project in Benin metropolis. The study is anchored on Perception Media Theory, Agenda-Setting Theory and Developmental Media Theory to give the study the needed footing. A cross-sectional survey research method was adopted while questionnaire was used to elicit responses from the respondents within Benin using quota sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) while the data were presented with the aid of tables. Findings indicated that substantial number of the respondents (85.6%) admitted to be aware of Governor Obaseki's street light project. Also, a sizable number of the respondents (90.7%) pointed out that broadcast media outlets cover the street light project in the Benin metropolis. Equally, out of 375 analyzed, 267 respondents (71.2%) pointed out they have positive perception of the street light project in Benin Metropolis. Also, many of

the respondents (52.3%) admitted that major criticism about the media's reportage on the street light project in the Benin metropolis is the lack of follow-up reports and updates on the progress of the project. Majority of the respondents (49%) suggested that creating feedback mechanism will go a long way to improve public awareness of street light project by the broadcast media. The study recommended that the government should collaborate with media outlets to ensure that accurate and timely information about the street light project is disseminated to the public. This could involve hosting press conferences, providing regular updates to media outlets, and inviting journalists to visit project sites to report on progress.