BROADCAST MEDIA ADVOCACY FRAMED MESSAGES AND AUDIENCE PERCEPTIONS OF BANDITRY ACTIVITIES IN KATSINA AND ZAMFARA STATES, NIGERIA

Abstract

Banditry has created sustained demand for timely, credible, and locally intelligible public communication in  north-western Nigeria. This study assessed the advocacy messages broadcast by Katsina State Radio Service and  Gold City FM, Gusau, and examined audience perceptions of those messages in Katsina and Zamfara States. A  descriptive comparative design combined quantitative content analysis of 240 radio items broadcast during a  six-month monitoring period with a cross-sectional survey of 420 adult listeners. Broadcast items were coded  for themes, frames, advocacy strategies, tone, and calls to action. Survey data were analyzed using frequencies,  means, standard deviations, and comparisons between the two state audiences. Security awareness and public  vigilance were the most common message purposes, while direct reporting guidance and peace building appeals  occurred less often. Audience respondents generally rated the messages as relevant and understandable, but  perceived credibility was lower where reports lacked clear sourcing or used alarm-oriented language. Listeners  in Katsina reported higher exposure, whereas respondents in Zamfara reported stronger perceived need for  reporting and cooperation messages. The study concludes that state-based radio can support security  communication when messages combine verified information, practical guidance, local-language accessibility,  and protection of affected communities from sensational presentation.