THE IMPACT OF NEWS COMMENTARIES ON RADIO LISTENERS (A STUDY OF WAZOBIA FM, 8:15 TO 10:30AM PROGRAM)

THE IMPACT OF NEWS COMMENTARIES ON RADIO LISTENERS (A STUDY OF WAZOBIA FM, 8:15 TO 10:30AM PROGRAM)

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Background of the study

The history of radio news commentary in Nigeria dated back to the 1930’s when what was known as radio receiver was just a wooden box and as amp liter.  The audience was thrilled by these live commentaries run by various pioneer commentators (Agboola & Imisi, 2021). Ever since the tradition of running radio commentary has remained with radio to this day. In presidential democracy such as ours news commentary whether on the radio or television do not only serve as surveyor of public opinion but also serve as a requisite for bridging the credibility gap between government and the governed. Perhaps, it might be necessary to draw a line of distinction between news and news commentary. The mass media has been seen as an indispensible tool in the development of the society as it performs important functions where they exist. The broadcast media is not exempted from this category as it is seen as one of the most influential media that causes a change in behavior and attitude of people (Akingbulu et al., 2018). One way through which the broadcast media brings about change in social action of the people is through their content among which is news commentary.  News commentary has been described as an analysis of events of the day written by a staff of the station or a guest contributor. News Commentary is to the broadcast media what Editorial is to the print media. It presents a detailed analysis of news and issues of public concern, in a way that the audience understands and appreciates. The News commentary also contains opinions and suggestions on how to improve the particular situation since authorities in that field are consulted and their opinion sought (Akintayo, 2013). A news commentary plays a strategic role in social change because it represents, or rather presents society as something already under discussion. In other words, it provides a communication infrastructure for the revolution of everyday life. Therefore, the study examines the impact of news commentaries on radio listeners.

1.2       Statement Of Problem

The introduction of news commentary has been hailed by many where as, others counter such. The supporters of news commentaries believe that commentaries aid them to understand the important issues and also make them know how the station perceives such issues (Akintayo, 2013). Whichever way one looks at it, one thing seems obvious: news commentary has an effect on the understanding level of the audience on crucial and controversial issues. However, the extent and direction of this effect is yet to be empirically determined. For it is difficult to determine the extent to which these commentaries affect the understanding of crucial news items. A country like Nigeria with diverse culture and human resource & need radio commentaries or news talk capable of interpreting events bordering global and societal issues (Akingbulu et al., 2018). Obviously these news-commentary are staunchly provided to listeners on a daily basis. Unfortunately about 80% of radio listeners ignore news- talk once they have listened to actual news broadcast but radio listeners are 100% attentive to sport commentaries. If all radio commentaries are said to interpret events occurring earlier on illuminating the hidden fact (news behind the news) to the layman then it is  to be preferred to actual broadcast (Agboola & Imisi, 2021). Moreover, the Nigeria audience seems not to appreciate radio commentaries as their western counterpart who listen to radio and write feedback to their radio stations such as BBC which in turn  offers them a round the clock service.  Therefore, the study seeks to examine the impact of news commentaries on radio listeners.

1.3 Objective of the study 

The broad objective of the study is to examine the impact of news commentaries on radio listeners using Wazobia FM, 8:15 to 10:30am program as a case study. Other specific objectives are as follows:

1. To ascertain whether radio listeners are interested in the oga madam 8:15am to 10:30am program on wazobia fm.

2. To examine how frequent the oga madam 8:15am to 10:30am program air on wazobia fm.

3. To determine the extent to which radio listeners understand issues commented on oga madam 8:15am to 10:30am program on wazobia fm.

4. To assess whether  news commentary on oga madam 8:15am to 10:30am program influence the attitude and opinions of the listening public.

1.4 Research Questions

The following question will guide this study:

1. Are radio listeners interested in the oga madam 8:15am to 10:30am program on wazobia fm?

2. How frequent does the oga madam 8:15am to 10:30am program air on wazobia fm?

3. What is the extent to which radio listeners understand issues commented on oga madam 8:15am to 10:30am program on wazobia fm?

4. Does news commentary on oga madam 8:15am to 10:30am program influence the attitude and opinions of the listening public?

1.5 Significance of the study

This study when completed will be beneficial to Wazobia FM radio station and advertisers cum production/manufacturing companies.

Wazobia FM will be able to know how effective a news commentary is and will adjust where necessary.

More so, this study will give the advertisers the opportunity to assess the audience of Wazobia FM and thus, lead to effective advertising.

Finally, the study would be useful to academias wishing to carry out research on similar topics.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study will ascertain whether radio listeners are interested in the oga madam 8:15am to 10:30am program on wazobia fm. The study will also examine how frequent the oga madam 8:15am to 10:30am program air on wazobia fm. The study will further determine the extent to which radio listeners understand issues commented on oga madam 8:15am to 10:30am program on wazobia fm. Finally, the study will assess whether  news commentry on oga madam 8:15am to 10:30am program influence the attitude and opinions of the listening public. Hence the study is delimited to Wazobia FM listeners in Ifako ijaiye, Lagos State.

1.7 Limitations of the study

The researcher encountered minor obstacles when conducting the study, as with any human endeavor. The significant constraint was the scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse, so the researcher incurred more financial expenses and spent more time sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. Furthermore, the researcher did this investigation alongside other academic activities. Furthermore, the sample size was limited because only a few respondents were chosen to answer the research instrument, therefore the results cannot be generalized to other radio stations. Despite the constraints encountered during the research, all elements were minimized in order to provide the best results and make the research effective.

1.8 Definition of terms

 News commentaries: A commentary contains and explains a journalist's personal opinion about a controversial issue.

Radio: the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves of radio frequency, especially those carrying sound messages.

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