News Coverage and Perception of 2023 Elections by Academic Staff of Select Universities in South-South, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined how academic staff at select universities in Nigeria's South-South region reported on and perceived the 2023 elections. The key goals were to determine academic staff's exposure to election news, identify their favorite sources of information, assess their impression of the credibility and quality of news coverage, and assess their perceived influence of media coverage on election results. Based on the Uses and Gratifications, Agenda-Setting, and Perception Theories, the study used a quantitative research approach, with standardized questionnaire forms distributed to 318 academic staff from selected universities. The data were examined using descriptive statistics and chi-square testing to assess the hypotheses. The findings demonstrated that academic personnel were significantly exposed to election-related news coverage and had strong preferences for specific media sources. However, the majority of respondents thought the news coverage was untrustworthy, and they considered that media coverage had little influence on election results. These findings emphasize the importance of media literacy and the limitations of news coverage in molding political opinions among a highly educated population. Based on these conclusions, the study advises media outlets to improve journalistic credibility, offer impartial and balanced reporting, and create plans to successfully engage informed audiences. In addition to providing insights for policymakers, media practitioners, and academics interested in the relationship between media coverage and political processes, the study advances knowledge of media consumption and perception among Nigerian academic audiences.