Influence of the Boko Haram Security Threat in Nigeria on the Level of Interest in Mainstream Media News among Postgraduate Students at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Odoemelam Chinedu Christian ,

Abstract

In times of uncertainty and insecurity, people rely on all types of media (social media, traditional, inter-personal, etc) for information on the state of affairs. Therefore, in the light of the recent insecurity and threats to lives and properties in Nigeria by the activities of the Boko Haram Sect, this study investigated how this influenced the level of interest in mainstream media news by Post Graduate students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The Survey method of research was adopted in a randomized sample selection of survey participants. A 10-item questionnaire was employed in eliciting data from the population of Post Graduate Students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Data generated was analyszed using the Rensis Likert’s scaling technique. As the findings show, consequent upon the insecurity in the country posed by Boko Haram, there was a significant increase in the level of interest in the mainstream media news by Postgraduate students of the University of Nigeria, than other sources of news. Findings also showed that the increase in interest in mainstream media news was associated with participants’ perception of mainstream media news as credible and dependable. Among others, we recommend that the mainstream media, should, irrespective of the stiff competition from other sources, continue in their social responsibility role, since they are seen as credible and dependable source of information in times of crises.