Channels Television’ “Politics Today” and Abia Residents’ Interest in Political Participation.

Abstract:

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to determine the influence of Channels Television "Politics Today" on Abia residents’ interest in Political Participation. Using the survey research method, the researcher sought the opinions of residents in Abia State who watch and participate in "Politics Today" on the extent the programme has influenced their interest in political participation. Agenda setting theory and The Media Dependency Theory served as the theoretical framework for the study. The population of the study was 4,143,100 out of which a total of 400 residents of Abia State were sampled from the three senatorial districts. The questionnaire was used as the survey instrument for data collection. The findings of the study revealed that political participation among Abia residents was significantly high, primarily due to the influence of "Politics Today" programme. The programme not only exposed residents to politics but also sustained their interest and participation in political activities. Based on the findings, it was concluded that exposure to Channels Television "Politics Today" influences the audience to participate in elections and other electoral processes. Finally, the researcher recommends that the programme should be utilised as a means for political organisations to interact with residents through interviews, public service announcements and similar activities.