Nigeria

2009 Final Report Media Sector Mapping in the Niger Delta

From October 2008 to December 2008, Search for Common Ground carried out a DFID-supported project with the overarching goal of studying how information is accessed by citizens and how communications processes are or are not functioning in a certain location. Included in this broad goal is analyzing the consistency of information, extent to which information is understood by audiences, and perceived credibility of the information. Due to budgetary and time constraints, the mapping focused on three states in particular; Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states. To collect data, purposive sampling was used to identify 816 quantitative surveys, 33 focus groups, and 67 key informant interviews. Ultimately, the data analysis underscored the disconnect between local, state, and federal levels of government in each state. In terms of media information flows, the report highlights that most people receive information from radio and television but this information is not aligned with information demanded. This imbalance frequently results in diminished levels of trust between media sources and audiences, as well as a one-way flow of information.

Read the Media Mapping Report

Pilot Study: Audience Perceptions and Effects of the Entertainment-Education Drama "The Station"

This study investigates the viewing experiences and attitudinal/behavioral effects of those witnessing The Station, an intended-outcome, character-driven television drama series set in a fictional Nigerian television news station. The evaluation team underscored five principal, recurring themes throughout The Station; preference of dialogue over violence, empowerment (youth and gender), acceptance of the ‘other’, social responsibility, and civic/political engagement.   The central hypothesis of the study is that the higher rate of viewer engagement with the program, the more they will adopt attitudes implied in the series. To test this hypothesis, the evaluation team carried out pre- and post-viewing questionnaires designed to assess the impact of the program in light of the five themes. Ultimately, the evaluation highlights the attitudinal shifts resulting from viewership in the five thematic areas mentioned. Furthermore, the evaluation notes that viewers overwhelmingly found The Station realistic and relevant to their own lives.

Read the Key Findings

Read the Full Study

Visit SFCG's Nigeria Page