Browsing by Author "Oko-Epelle Lydia"

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    A SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS: EVALUATING ROLES OF OPINION LEADERS IN SHAPING PUBLIC OPINION ON COVID-19 NEWS
    (Sapientia Global Journal of Arts, Humanities and Development Studies (SGOJAHDS), 2022) Oko-Epelle Lydia
    The essence of human communication is to convey meaning into understanding because communication without understanding does not result in desired behavioural change. Hence, this paper examined a social network analysis: evaluating the roles of opinion leaders in shaping public opinion on covid-19 news. 62,119 online posts from 11 social networks were examined to analyze the novel coronavirus disease information. These platforms include Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Linkedin, Pinterest, WhatApp, Tiktok, Telegram, Snapchat, and Google Hangouts. Strong influences, engagements, and hot values were the best predictors of opinion-leader classification across 11 Internet forums. This study abreast the Two-Step Flow theory, the characteristics of opinion leaders, and how they interpret media messages, all of which have much influence. The findings called into question traditional news sources because opinion leaders drew widespread attention to the health threat issues during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak. This study contributes to a better understanding of social network types, follower engagement, and maximizing the impact of opinion leaders in social networks. It concluded that during the COVID-19 outbreak, the roles of opinion leaders were to interpret government policies regarding the pandemic, explain non-pharmaceutical measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, and encourage the public to get the COVID-19 vaccine
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    Analysis Of the Roles of Artificial Intelligence in News Programme Production at Select Commercial Radio Stations in Southwest Nigeria
    (Corpus Intellectual, 2024) Oko-Epelle Lydia
    The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly impacting various aspects of society, including the media. To remain relevant, commercial radio stations must adapt to these technological advancements. This study explores the role of AI in news production at select commercial radio stations in Southwest Nigeria. The objectives include assessing the level of AI awareness, identifying specific roles of AI, and understanding the challenges of integrating AI into broadcast production among these stations. The study is grounded in Diffusion of Innovation Theory and the concept of Metamorphosis. A survey design was employed, using a questionnaire to collect data from 122 registered members of the Association of Nigerian Radio Broadcasters. The findings reveal that most of the selected commercial radio stations in Southwest Nigeria are aware of AI's presence in media production. Key roles identified for AI include audio editing and enhancement, transcription of text to audio, voiceovers, program summarisation, automated announcements, and news script generation. The challenges encountered include staff inexperience and concerns about the authenticity and ethical implications of AI-generated content. The study concludes that automation represents the future of media, and commercial radio stations must embrace this shift to remain competitive on a global scale.
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    Audience's Perception of Campus Radio Station Local News Programs as a Tool for Public Enlightenment: A Study of Redeemer’s 103.5FM
    (Zaria Journal of Communication, 2022) Oko-Epelle Lydia
    Radio is a powerful medium for communication, especially when spreading knowledge about various issues as they arise in society. Radio also provides citizens who need news and updates about current events. Because of the usefulness of radio, the audience tends to perceive radio programs differently as it appeals to them. Thus, this study examined the audience's perception of campus radio station local news programs as a tool for public enlightenment. This study aimed to understand the audience's perception of Redeemer's 103.5FM local news programs, determine which programs they considered more educative and informative and examine the frequency of exposure to these programs. The psychological theory of perception was adopted. Descriptive research was used, and the purposive sampling technique was adopted in the study to ensure that only those who had been exposed to Redeemer's 103.5 FM local news programs were selected from the two local government areas. Taro Yamane's sample size formula was used to determine a sample size of 383. The questionnaire served as the research instrument used to administer questions to respondents in Ede North and South Local Government Areas in Osun State. Findings showed that most respondents were frequently exposed to the Redeemer's 103.5 FM local news program. These local news programs enlightened respondents on sports, politics, security, state of the nation and economy. The study concluded that the perception was rated low due to some challenges identified as a limitation by respondents, such as the inability of the radio transmitter to cover some locations, inconsistencies in programs, lack of incorporation of more entertainment content into some programs of the station and inability to bring on air more knowledgeable news analysts and social commentators. The study recommended that Redeemer's 103.5 FM needs to critically examine these challenges and improve its local news to enhance the desired perception.
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    EFFECT OF FOREIGN TELEVISION CONTENTS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF REDEEMER’S UNIVERSITY: CULTURAL IMPERIALISM REVISITED
    (International Journal of Management, Social Sciences, Peace and Conflict Studies (IJMSSPCS), 2022) Oko-Epelle Lydia
    Television is a force that provides audiences with new ways of seeing and interpreting issues, thereby shaping their very existence and participation in society. Previous studies assert that it has a significant impact on how media audiences think, and act. This paper therefore sought to examine the effect of foreign television contents among undergraduate students of Redeemer’s University. To achieve the objectives of this study, purposive sampling method was employed to gather data from respondents using a structured questionnaire. Findings indicated that exposure to foreign television content has resulted to a shift in the cultural orientation of majority of respondents. This study therefore concluded that exposure to foreign television contents can influence preference of the audience in favour of foreign contents and culture. The paper recommended that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) should effectively regulate the proliferation of foreign television contents capable of eroding indigenous culture.
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    EFFECTIVENESS OF THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA FOR DRUG ABUSE SENSITISATION AMONG UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES IN NIGERIA
    (Nasarawa Journal of Multimedia and Communication Studies, 2024-12) Oko-Epelle Lydia
    This study investigates the effectiveness of the use of social media for drug abuse sensitisation among undergraduates in Nigeria. Given the widespread use of social media and the prevalence of drug-related content, this study aims to understand how exposure to anti-drug and pro-drug messages affects students’ attitudes and behaviours. The social media platforms that were examined in this study include Tik-Tok, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, X (formerly twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook and Youtube. A descriptive research design was used, while the population of the study comprised undergraduates from three public universities in Nigeria: Osun State University, Osun State, Kwara State University, Kwara State and the University of Ibadan, Oyo State. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to select 400 respondents for the study, and data were collected through an online, self-structured questionnaire. Reliability testing yielded a Spearman-Brown coefficient of 0.71, ensuring consistency in the instrument. Data were analysed using statistical package for social sciences while frequency tables and percentages were used to present results. Findings indicated that while students are frequently exposed to social media content that promotes awareness against drug abuse, many feel that current anti-drug efforts on these platforms are insufficient. Further findings showed that social media also exposes students to content that glamorises drug use, which can influence their peers. Most respondents suggested that sanctions on prodrug content could help mitigate this exposure. The study concludes that while social media has the potential to disseminate anti-drug messages widely, it is currently not doing enough in curbing drug abuse. The study underscores the need for a strategic approach to social media messaging on drug abuse, emphasising the potential of digital platforms as powerful tools for health communication.
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    FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
    (IMSU Journal of Communication Studies, 2023) Oko-Epelle Lydia
    In order to facilitate easy access to information and create an open society, the concept of freedom of information (FOI) is widely accepted, particularly in democratic societies. Nigeria adopted the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in 2011 to make information easily accessible, as obtainable in other climes. This study examines the concept of information freedom and the issues and challenges associated with FOIA. It also examines the nature of Nigerian journalism practice. Some of the challenges mentioned in this paper include information access denial, legal loopholes, and public servants needing to be aware of the Freedom of Information Act. The paper finds that the current Freedom of Information Act 2011 offers no relief. The Act does not provide the media with any additional protection; rather it merely imposed duties and obligations on the media without explicitly granting rights or privileges beyond the general right to free expression enjoined by all citizens.
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    MASS MEDIA AND CULTURAL IMPERIALISM
    (Global Journal of Education, Humanities and Management Sciences (GOJEHMS), 2020-07) Oko-Epelle Lydia
    The article focuses on mass media and cultural imperialism: the Nigerian experience. Culture comprises the whole complex of distinctive spiritual, intellectual and emotional features that characterize society, our thought about life, and our ideas. Culture shape the way we see world, it has capacity to bring about the change of attitudes needed to ensure peace and sustainable development which we know form the only possible way forward for life on planet earth. This paper examined increasing in cultural dominance that one culture exerts over another as a function of the relation of both overall deficiencies, in the sense that flood of cultural elements pour from dominant culture on the dominated. Mass media was studied under the two theories: cultural imperialism and media dependency theory. Mass media is found to represents one of the most significant institutions, the powerful tool for socialization as well as cultural domination. Domination here means holding superiority or mastery in strength and to suppress or overshadow in dominance, recognition and prestige. It involves the exercise of great influence in the society as well as political and economic influence. The work suggests that, powerful measure to combat the aggression of the global media dependence should be based on selective acceptance and dissemination of local contents to satisfy audience needs. To ensuring a bright future for Nigeria cultural heritage, there is a need to continually promote her heritage through the various media.
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    PREFERRED APPROACH TO COMMUNICATION RESEARCH IN NIGERIA: THE SCHOLARS’ PERCEPTION.
    (Online Journal of Arts, Management and Social Sciences (OJAMSS), 2021-10) Oko-Epelle Lydia
    This study examined the perception of communication scholar on their preference of communication research approach with the objectives to: ascertain the type of research approach communication scholars adopt in scientific research, and know what influences or stimulates the choice of the research approach adopted by communication scholars. The study adopted survey design as means of investigation. Online questionnaire was structured for data collection. Census was adopted for the study where 28 respondents who are lecturers were drawn from Fountain University, Osogbo, Redeemer’s University, Ede, and Osun State Polytechnic, Iree. Study revealed that mass communication scholar adopts mixed-method in their approach in addressing communication research as survey was revealed to be the most adopted design; and that communication scholars’ preference for a research approach is often determined by the nature of research a scholar is embarking on for easy comprehension of data collected. It was recommended therefore that scholars should continue to encourage one another to continually adopt the mixed-method approach with other designs such as KAP, FGD etc.
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    Public perceptions of radio messages on Malaria Preventive Measures among Rural Dwellers in Osun State
    (Corpus Intellectual, 2024) Oko-Epelle Lydia
    Malaria is a public health issue, and as such, there is a need for constant sensitisation of the populace by the media on the transmission, symptoms, health implications and treatment. Regardless, how the messages on malaria prevention are perceived could affect the adoption or otherwise of the measures. This paper examined public perception of radio messages on malaria measures among rural dwellers in Osun State. The study's objective is to examine how rural dwellers perceive the effectiveness of radio in educating them about malaria preventive measures and their attitude towards adopting the preventive measures. This study used a multiple-stage sampling technique to select 32 participants from Iwo and Ede South Local Government Areas. Findings showed that participants had a good perception of the radio to educate them about malaria preventive measures as they claimed exposure and adoption of the measures. Further findings revealed that participants were most familiar with using insecticide, treated mosquito nets, and anti-malaria drugs, while other measures received low responses. Based on the findings, the study concluded that the media needs to sensitise rural residents to the effectiveness of other measures to achieve the desired change in health behaviour. The study recommended that the radio be considered an effective communication channel for sensitising rural residents on public health issues.
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    REGULATING ONLINE ADVERTISING IN THE INTERNET AGE: A STUDY OF ADVERTISING PRACTITIONERS COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (APCON)
    (2022) Oko-Epelle Lydia
    Online advertisements regulation has become one of the challenges the advertising industry in Nigeria is faced. The emergence of the internet has turned the world into a global village where advertisers can reach the target audience with various sales messages using different online platforms. Thus the easily assessable nature of online platforms has left humanity at the mercy of advertisers who disseminate harmful messages without regulation or vetting from the appropriate agencies. Therefore, this paper made emphasis how the regulation of online advertisements is limited to APCON members. This means non-members are not to be forced into APCON regulations. This shows the extent to which APCON is misunderstood. The regulatory agency’s situation is not healthy for humanity as it will expose people to harmful online advertisement messages. This paper recommended among others that relevant regulation should be evolved to guide online advertising practice and to support the existing legal framework. It also recommended that APCON and other stakeholders should support online media literacy campaigns to equip online users against offensive and deceptive advertising. This is important to address the obvious misconceptions about online advertisements and the rights and responsibilities of the players in the digital advertising industry in Nigeria. A consumers awareness campaign should be put in place to encourage consumers to make complaints to the appropriate authority whenever their rights are trampled upon through advertising practice.
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    THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ENGLISH ON STUDENTS' SPELLING ABILITY… THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ENGLISH ON STUDENTS' SPELLING ABILITY: A STUDY OF REDEEMER'S UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES
    (Sapientia Foundation Journal of Education, Sciences and Gender Studies (SFJESGS), 2022) Oko-Epelle Lydia
    Communication is a vital tool that enables interaction among people. The information and communication technology revolution has resulted in easy and free access to various social media sites that allow users to receive and send messages. However, because this revolution has altered the information world, it also threatens effective communication. This study examined the effect of social media English on students' spelling ability. The objectives examined the effect of social media English on the spelling ability amongst Redeemer's university undergraduates, the extent to which abridged spellings are used and the attitude of respondents toward using social media English for communication. Cultivation and Dependency theories were adopted, and focus group discussion was used for data gathering, with thirty-one (31) participants selected purposively from each department in the eight faculties to serve the purpose of this study. Also, eight (8) focus group interviews were conducted at Redeemer's University Findings revealed that the students were involved in using social media English and even did in formal settings. Further research revealed that the use of social media English is preferred for communication among undergraduates, indicating that they have positive attitudes toward the use of social media English. Based on the findings, it was concluded that social media English is prevalent among undergraduates and that if usage is not limited, graduates who do not know how to spell correctly even in formal settings will be produced. The researchers recommended that for students to achieve effective communication, they should maintain the habit of clarity in their written communication and not rely on social media English.