INFLUENCE OF DREAM FM “POLITICAL VOICES” ON POLITICAL AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION AMONG THE YOUTH IN SOUTH-EAST, NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to examine the influence of Dream fm Political Voices on the political awareness and participation among the youth in South-East, Nigeria. Four research questions were raised to guide the objective of the study. The study used survey research method using questionnaire as instrument of data collection to study 385 respondents in the five states of the South-East. The results analysed from 380 returned copies of questionnaire show a high level of listenership to Dream fm and Political Voices. Awareness among youth in the South- East on political issues is equally high just as political participation though limited to mainly discussing politics is high among respondents who listen to the programme. Respondents’ political awareness corresponds accordingly with high exposure to the informative, educative and objective politicgal content in the programme. The study reports a high confidence level of respondents about the way and manner political issues are treated in Political Voices. In view of the findings from the study, further research using larger number of participants who are not young people in different geopolitical zones is recommended. It was found that political participation of respondents was limited mainly to discussion of politics. At a time when there are increasing agitation for more political engagement and participation of the youth, media organisations and other public enlightenment agencies should design and sustain programmes that have the capacity to instil in the youth, the drive to attain the highest level of political participation-which is seeking elective position.