ABSTRACT
The primary aim of the research was to examine
audience perception of Rivers State radio local news programme on Gokana local
government. People as a communication being always anxious to get date news on
local, state, national and international. In fact, news is the reason why many
buy radio or listen to radio activities just because everyone wants to be
informed, educated and enlightened which can easily be achieved via news
programme. Survey research method was adopted and 400 copies of questionnaires
were printed and distributed to 400 respondents selected through Taro Yemane
sampling method formular and 374 copies were retuned for analysis. Also, the
research use frequency and percentage method coupled with tables. In other
words, it is highly necessary for radio station to carry out a critical
research on its audience which will enable them to know the type of programmes
its audience will prefer and enjoy particularly the news types. Also, more
local news stations should be established to take care of rural needs and
gratifications in terms of news and other current affairs.