Perception of Government Communication on Online Journalism Platforms in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14038536Keywords:
: Government-related News, Online Journalism Platforms, Trust, Engagement, TransparencyAbstract
The researchers examined how Nasarawa State Government’s activities and policies are portrayed on online journalism platforms, focusing on public perception, credibility, and engagement. Despite the growing prominence of online media, challenges remain concerning trustworthiness, transparency, and citizen engagement with government-related news. Guided by the uses and gratifications theory and social identity theory, the researchers investigated these issues and suggested improvements. Using a survey research design, they analyzed responses from 393 completed questionnaires out of 400 distributed. The findings showed a range of perceptions among respondents, from trust and engagement to skepticism and disengagement. While many respondents found government-related news to be somewhat trustworthy, concerns over bias and misinformation were prevalent. Perceptions of transparency and accountability also varied, highlighting the need for more effective communication strategies. The researchers recommended strengthening media literacy initiatives, diversifying content and viewpoints, fostering interactive engagement platforms, and promoting collaborative partnerships among stakeholders. By addressing these challenges and applying theoretical insights, stakeholders could contribute to building a more informed, engaged, and participatory democracy in Nasarawa State.