ABSTRACT
The research examines audience
perception on coverage of political news of Africa Independent Television (AIT)
in Lagos metropolis Lagos state with the view to know the impact of television
in reporting political activities. The research is anchored on Agenda Setting
Theory, Democratic Participant and Social Responsibility Theories. Cross
sectional survey research was adopted while the data collection instrument is
questionnaire. Descriptive Statistical was used to analysed the data collected
(frequency percentage and tables. A total of 400 copies of the questionnaire
were distributed. The number of retrieved questionnaire was 280, representing
70% response rate. Results showed that audience attach importance to the status
and pedigree of African Independent Television (AIT) hence influences their
perception and believes and in the way they react to certain issues of life and
act as a watchdog over the government. The researcher recommends that since the
primary purpose of the media is to inform the public then media houses should
ensure that contents of their news are absolutely free from bias, factual and
relevant to the larger society.
