VIEWERS PERCEPTION ON THE ROLE OF TELEVISION STATIONS IN CREATING AWARENESS TOWARDS HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE IN EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This Study, hinged on the perception information processing theories, investigated Benin resident’s perception of the role of television stations in creating awareness towards human right abuse in Edo state. The survey design was adopted with the aid of 8 item questionnaire to elicit data from the respondents. The sample consisted of 400 residents of Benin, Edo State Nigeria. The stratified random sampling technique was employed to select the sample from the 1,904,631 residents of Benin City. Data obtained were presented and analyzed with the aid of frequency Tables, simple percentage and mean scores. It was discovered that indeed television stations are living up to expectation in human right abuse campaigns. Also, it was discovered that television stations are effective to a very high extent in creating awareness on human right abuse in Edo state. Findings also show that certain factors influence the perception of the viewers on the role of television stations in creating awareness towards human right abuse. Some of such factors are the experience of the viewer, age, level of exposure to the laws of the state, previous failed promises by the media, communication problems and lack of belief in the media. The study concluded that television stations are relevant in curbing some societal problems that might pose threat to the lives of the citizens of the state. Therefore the study recommended that television messages should give vivid explanation on how people can get help if they have any case of human right abuse. Also, television stations should teach the people their rights and obligations so that it will not be trampled upon. Above all, Government should improve the supply of power most especially in rural areas so that viewers will not always miss important human rights programmes.