ROLE OF BROADCAST MEDIA IN CREATING AWARENESS AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

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ABSTRACT: The primary objective of this study was to examine the role of broadcast media in creating awareness against drug abuse with a specific focus on residence of Owerri. The continuous abuse of drugs has led to a situation of drug addiction and various harmful effect of drug on individuals and society at a large. The study was anchored on Social Responsibility Theory and Agenda Setting Theory. A survey research method was adopted coupled with questionnaire that was administered to respondents to elicit responses from them. The data collected were analyzed using frequency and percentage method while data were presented with the aid of tables. The study finds out that both the radio stations expose its audience to various anti-drug abuses in the form of programmes, news and announcements. It was recommended that more anti-drug abuse programme should be promoted especially now that youth are becoming victims of drug abuse.

Drug Abuse

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of Contents vi

Abstract vii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study________________________________________1

1.2 Statement of the Problem _______________________________________3

1.3 Objectives of the Study_________________________________________4

1.4 Research Questions____________________________________________4

1.5 Significance of the Study________________________________________5

1.6 Scope of the Study____________________________________________6

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms _________________________________6

References

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction_________________________________________________8

2.1 Conceptual Review___________________________________________20

2.2 Empirical Studies____________________________________________25

2.3 Theoretical Framework_______________________________________25

References

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction________________________________________________33

3.1 Research Design____________________________________________33

3.2 Research Method___________________________________________33

3.3 Study Population_____________________________________________34

3.4 Sample Size ________________________________________________34

3.5 Sampling Technique _________________________________________34

3.6 Instrument for Data Collection__________________________________35

3.7 Validity and Reliability of Research Instrument_____________________35

3.8 Data Collection Process________________________________________36

3.9 Method of Data Analysis_______________________________________36

3.10 Ethical Consideration__________________________________________37

References

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

Introduction _________________________________________________39

4.1 Data Analysis ________________________________________________39

4.2 Discussion of Findings_________________________________________48

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

Introduction________________________________________________50

5.1 Summary__________________________________________________50

5.2. Conclusions ________________________________________________51

5.3 Recommendations ___________________________________________52

References

Appendix

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, is the use of drugs in a way that causes harm to an individual or society. This can include the use of illegal drugs, the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs, and the abuse of alcohol. Drug abuse can have a variety of negative consequences, including physical and mental health problems, social and relationship issues, and financial problems (Olayinka, 2019).

It can also lead to addiction, which is a chronic and often relapsing disorder characterized by an inability to stop using a substance despite the negative consequences it causes. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug abuse, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. There are many resources available, including addiction treatment centers, support groups, and individual therapy, that can help individuals overcome their substance abuse and move towards a healthy and fulfilling life (Montgomery, 2019).

Broadcast media, such as television and radio, can play a role in shaping public attitudes and understanding about drug abuse. These media outlets can be used to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse and to promote prevention and treatment efforts. They can also be used to highlight stories of individuals who have struggled with addiction and have overcome it, which can be an inspiration and source of hope for others who are struggling with substance abuse (Rigon, 2018).

At the same time, it is important for broadcast media to present accurate and balanced information about drug abuse and to avoid glorifying or romanticizing substance use. Research has shown that exposure to media messages that glamorize drug use can increase the risk of drug abuse and addiction, particularly among young people. It is important for media outlets to consider the potential impact of their content on their audience and to be mindful of the message they are conveying (researchcage, 2016).

Media can play a role in preventing and controlling drug abuse by educating the public about the risks and consequences of substance use and promoting prevention and treatment efforts. This can include presenting accurate information about the dangers of drug abuse, highlighting successful prevention and treatment programs, and promoting healthy alternatives to substance use (James, 2018).

In addition, media can be used to raise awareness about the availability of resources for individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction, such as support groups, rehabilitation centers, and individual therapy. This can help to remove barriers to seeking help and encourage individuals to take the first step towards recovery (Okidu, 2016).

It is important for media outlets to present balanced and accurate information about drug abuse and to avoid glorifying or romanticizing substance use. This can help to reduce the risk of drug abuse and encourage individuals to make informed and healthy choices about their substance use (James, 2018). There are a number of ways that broadcast media can create awareness about drug abuse and its consequences. Some examples include the following as highlighted by (Dejong, 2016).

Presenting accurate information about the dangers of drug abuse: Media outlets can educate the public about the risks and consequences of substance use, including physical and mental health problems, social and relationship issues, and financial problems. Highlighting successful prevention and treatment programs: Media can showcase examples of successful prevention and treatment programs, which can inspire others to seek help and support for their substance abuse issues.

Promoting healthy alternatives to substance use: Media can promote healthy alternatives to substance use, such as participating in sports, hobbies, or other activities that provide enjoyment and fulfillment without the need for drugs. Raising awareness about resources for substance abuse: Media can highlight the availability of resources for individuals struggling with substance abuse, such as support groups, rehabilitation centers, and individual therapy, to help remove barriers to seeking help.

Avoiding glorifying or romanticizing substance use: It is important for media outlets to present balanced and accurate information about drug abuse and to avoid glamorizing or romanticizing substance use, which can increase the risk of drug abuse and addiction. It is against this backdrop that the study examines the role of broadcast media in creating awareness against drug abuse and its related.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Drug abuse is one of the crucial challenges among especially among youths in Nigeria, that doesn’t mean there is no drug abuse presence among adult. The continuous abuse of these drugs has led to a situation of drug addiction and the addict developing a bondage to the drug.

One problem is the potential for media outlets to present inaccurate or biased information about drug abuse. This can include presenting misinformation about the risks and consequences of substance use, or promoting certain prevention or treatment approaches without fully considering their effectiveness. Another problem is the potential for media to glamorize or romanticize substance use, which can increase the risk of drug abuse and addiction. This can be especially problematic for young people who may be more susceptible to the influence of media messages.

Equally, media outlets may not always have the resources or expertise to provide accurate and comprehensive information about drug abuse and its prevention. This can lead to a lack of in-depth coverage or a lack of information about certain aspects of substance abuse. Overall, it is important for media outlets to be mindful of these potential problems and to strive to present accurate and balanced information about drug abuse and its prevention.

However, despite the consequences in drug abuse, there is a few studies on broadcast media efforts at eradicating this menace, many of these studies on media and drug abuse were conducted outside Nigeria, making their findings difficult to replicate in Nigeria, hence, the study investigates the role of broadcast media against drug abuse in Nigeria.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To examine the extent to which Heartland and Hot FM stations educate and enlighten the general public on drug abuse.
To examine the extent to which Heartland and Hot FM stations face any difficulty in creating awareness on drug abuse.

1.4 Research Questions

To what extent do Heartland and Hot FM stations educate and enlighten the general public on drug abuse?
To what extent do Heartland and Hot FM stations face any difficulty in creating awareness on drug abuse?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This research will benefit different people, organization, and government and other agencies especially the youth. This study has important contribution to make in the education of drug abuse among our youths and society in general.

Drug abuse has lots of effects on the health of the nation. There is a danger of the waste of Nigeria’s next generation if the best Nigerian youth is consumed by an addiction that will leave effects on the economy.

The national security implication will be disastrous, hence the need for the media to intensity their role with various organization like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to combat this scourge in all its ramification.

Government through the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) will benefit from the study to know the harmful effect of media drama showing lots of drinking and alcoholic programme, advert and marking on print media to the society.

Media practitioners and students of mass communication will equally benefit from the study to understand fully on the dangers in drug advertisement.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study investigated the role of broadcast media in creating awareness against drug abuse has been narrowed in scope to the residence of Owerri. The geographical location of this study was Owerri. The rationale for selecting Owerri was due to its proximity to the researcher while inadequate time to study all broadcast media organizations in Owerri state which is very difficult if not impossible. Also, the demographic factors of the respondents will carefully study before the administration of research instrument such demographic factors include: age, gender, academic level e.t.c.

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

Role: It is a function or contribution of broadcast media in curbing abuse of drug in society.

Broadcast Media: It is the broadcast media usage for the dissemination of information against drug abuse.

Creating Awareness: It means various efforts by the broadcast media in curbing drug abuse in the society.

Drug Abuse: In this study, it means the use of drugs or substances either liquid, tablet, injection or inhale it in amount or with methods neither approved or nor supervise by medical professionals e. t. c