1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
One of the distinguishing features of human beings is that he is endowed with free will from creation. He is therefore free to act and prefer whatever seems satisfactory in terms of listening or viewing.
However, as a social being, he is expected to align his values with those as the society where he lives. As such, information they say is education and as well power.
The increasing number of communication media has made communication research an imperative.
Today, there are so many radio stations in the country with focus on catering for the audience needs. Therefore, there is need to fine out how audience communication needs can be met. (NWAOGU 2010: 352).
For instance, we need to understand through research, which programme the audiences prefer Select at a particular time and why.
Since the increasing number or media houses are demanding for the attention and listenership of the audience there is need for a research into factors that enhance the competitive edge of a programme.
This research will allow each media organization to know its area of competitive advantage by understanding its area of strength, weakness, opportunities and threats as to obtain their target goal which is satisfying their audience.
In meeting audience programmes needs the problem of choice, this has poised a great challenge to radio stations. It is on that basic that we ask; does student's programmes preference have anything to do with circumstances beyond their control? (Time).
On the other hand, it will be right to also clarity the programme classification of the selected media houses to know it media houses have taken cognizance of their audience needs in packaging their program, one will therefore ask; Have radio stations been able to package their programmes in every way it will satisfy their listeners audience?
1.2 Statement of the Problem
In our everyday life we are faced with the reality of making choices. Our quest to satisfy our want at a particular time has resulted to the choice of programmes that we listen to on radio. We ask if circumstances surrounding and individual determine the selection of programme we listen to?
Despite the array of daily programmes in our radio stations, students still have preferred programmes, which suite their desire at the particular time. Why are some programmes preferred at some particular time to others? Does the individual at anytime prefer to listen to news and other educative programmes? What forms their search in programme selection?
1.3 Objective of the Study
Based on the statement of the problems
- The study will help find out what programmes students prefer.
- It will help radio stations know how to package their programmes to suite the audience preference.
1.4 Research Questions and Hypothesis
- Why do students listen to radio programmes?
- Do students receive radio signals?
- Do students prefer/select radio programme based on time?
- Do they listen to radio programme based on the package (content)?
- Do students listen to radio programme for informative/educative purpose?
Hypothesis
- H2. Student proprammes preference is not based on timing of such programmes
- H2. Student's preference to a particular programme is strictly not based on packaging of such programme.
1.5 Scope and Limitation of Study
This study, student's radio programme preference which affects the Nigerian states, in delimited to Owerri, Imo state, as covering all the states will be very tedious. Its focus is on the two (2) radio stations in Owerri Radio Nigeria Heartland FM (100.5) MHZ and Imo Broadcasting Corporation Orient FM (94.4) MHZ.
1.6 Limitations On The Study
Limitations refer to anything that is a barriers or hindrance to the successful execution of a research work and study. However, there will be problem in the courses of this study; a result from lack of fund will limit us from carrying out a thorough research work on this topic, these constraints our work.
1.7 Definition of Terms
Students:
According to the oxford Advanced learners Dictionary. Is a person who is studying at university or collage?
Radio:
The activity of broadcasting programmes for people to listen to.
Radio Programme:
Wikipedia defined radio programme as the contents that a radio broadcast.
Preference:
According to the Oxford Advanced Learner Dictionary. Is a greater linking for an alternative over another or others?
Operationalization of terms
Is where words used peculiarly to the study is defined, for their significance and in the context of the study.
Students:
Here is referred to the listener in tertiary institution.
Radio:
This is a piece of equipment used in listening to programmes aired to the public.
Radio Programme:
A radio programme is a schedule event or presentation designed for a predetermined audience.
Preferences:
This can be used here to mean the most desired at any given time.
