ATTITUDES OF YOUTH TOWARDS VIEWERSHIP OF NTA PROGRAMS IN NIGERIA; A STUDY OF YOUTHS IN GBOKO METROPOLIS

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: In the 21st century, television is an important means of communication that can be used for a variety of purposes, including the dissemination of information, the education of audiences, the entertainment of audiences, and the persuasion of audiences. The provision of vision as part of mass communication is a strength that television possesses. The programs that are broadcast are both a means of attracting an audience and a means of determining whether or not the station can remain profitable. According to Ogbuoshi (2005), television is an electronic medium that conveys both visual and aural information. The social and psychological development of children and adolescents is impacted by television to a significant degree. The public's interest can be better served and a deeper understanding of the world can be gained thanks to the contributions of television. Ibadan was the location in Nigeria where television broadcasting first began in 1959. Initially known as western Nigerian television, the station was later renamed Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Ibadan. People are impacted differently by television depending on the kind of content they consume and the amount of time they spend in front of the screen. The government makes provisions for the implementation of measures that regulate and prohibit the transmission of particular programs. They prohibit the dissemination of information and methods that might put the viewing population in danger. Consequently, the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission has in recent times sanctioned some stations over breach of professional conduct (Aliyu, 2010). The study seeks to appraise the attitude of youth towards viewership of NTA programs in Nigeria. A case study of youths in Gboko metropolis, Benue State.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In today's culture, one of the most prevalent and important uses of television is as a medium for educational and entertaining programming. This is made easier by the kinds of programs that are shown on Nigerian television, which are designed to appeal to a wide audience. In the 21st century, television is an important means of communication that may be used for a variety of purposes, including the dissemination of information, the education of audiences, the enjoyment of audiences, and the persuading of audiences. The provision of visual as part of mass communication is a strength that television has. The programs that are broadcast are both a means of attracting an audience and a means of determining whether or not the station can remain profitable. As a result, the challenge that the research faces is to evaluate the perspective of Nigeria's young people about their participation in the viewing of NTA programs. A case study of the young people living in the metropolis of Gboko in Benue State.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The Main Objective of the research is to proffer an appraisal on the attitude of youth towards viewership of NTA programs in Nigeria. A case study of youths in Gboko metropolis. The specific objectives include:

1. Determine the extent to which NTA programs interest the youths to view.

2. Ascertain how often youth view NTA programs.

3. Determine the attitudes of youths towards viewership of NTA programs in Nigeria.

4. Ascertain whether youths viewership of NTA programs have an influence on their behavior.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the extent to which NTA programs interest the youths to view

2. How often does youth view NTA programs?

3. What is the attitudes of youths towards viewership of NTA programs in Nigeria?

4. Does youths viewership of NTA programs have an influence on their behavior?

1.5 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS

The statement of the hypothesis for the study is stated in Null as follows:

Ho: The attitude of youths in Gboko metropolis towards viewership of NTA programs in Nigeria is negative.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study presents an evaluation on the perspective that young people in Nigeria have about their participation in watching NTA programs. A case study of young people in the metropolitan area of Gboko. It offers essential data that may be used for the successful creation and execution of policies to increase the achievement of the envisioned purpose.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The research proffers an appraisal on the attitude of youth towards viewership of NTA programs in Nigeria. A case study of youths in Gboko metropolis.

1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study was confronted with logistics and geographical factors.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

NTA DEFINED

NTA refers to the Nigerian Television Authority which is a Nigerian government-owned commercial television station inaugurated in 1977.  

AUDIENCE DEFINED

The Audience consists of the group of people who participate in a lecture, training sessions, and show or encounter a work of art, literature etc.

PERCEPTION DEFINED

Perception is the arrangement, recognition, and interpretation of sensory information so as  to represent and understand the presented information, or the environment.

NEWSPAPER   DEFINED

A newspaper is a new publication containing current events, articles and advertisements.

CARTOON   DEFINED

Cartoons are those simple drawings in a newspaper or magazine showing the features of its subjects in a humorously exaggerated way, especially a satirical one. A cartoon shows a typical illustration, oftened animated, in a non-realistic or semi-realistic style. It is an image or series of images displayed in form of a satire, caricature, or humor; or a motion picture use for illustrations. A cartoon is a humorous illustration in magazines and newspapers. In print media, a cartoon is a display of humorous illustration or series of illustrations, in intent.