The Role of Radio in Shaping Political Awareness: A Public Perception Study in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

This study investigated the nexus between radio Programme preferences and political awareness and participation among residents in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Utilizing the survey research method, structured questionnaires were administered to 382 respondents across Lafia, Akwanga, and Keffi communities. The findings reveal intriguing insights into the role of radio in shaping political engagement. The results indicated that political commentaries and political debate/interview Programmes wield substantial influence, with 56.3% and 77.1% of their respective audiences exhibiting high political awareness and participation. In contrast, talk shows and music Programmes, while popular, were linked to lower political engagement, potentially due to their entertainment-centric nature. It was also found that cultural and traditional Programmes, despite their non-political focus, contributed to moderate political awareness and participation (32.5%), possibly by fostering cultural connections. Additionally, it was found that news Programmes, often including political content, attracted a significant audience but displayed an almost equal distribution between high and low political engagements. Health and folk cultures Programmes, while receiving moderate interest, demonstrated relatively high political awareness and participation (55.6% and 66.7%, respectively). This study reaffirms the pivotal role of radio in shaping political awareness, particularly in linguistically and culturally diverse states like Nasarawa State. The study concluded that Radio's accessibility, affordability, and ability to convey content in local languages make it a crucial tool for political communication and civic engagement.The implications extend beyond Nasarawa State, highlighting the enduring significance of radio in similar contexts worldwide. It recommended, among others things that Radio broadcasters should prioritize Programme types that promote political engagement, while also offering diverse content to cater to various interests and incorporating cultural elements to enhance relevance.