The Mass Media and Gender-Based Violence in Imo State, Nigeria: A Critical Analysis

The study examined the mass media and gender base violence in Imo State. The investigation was anchored on the agenda setting and social network theories. The survey method was adopted for the study, while the sample size of 385 was drawn from a population of 5,408,756, using the Australian sample size calculator. The multistage sampling technique was adopted using questionnaire as the instrument of data collection. The researcher used simple percentages and mean analysis for the statistical analysis of data. Findings revealed that the extent to which residents of Imo State are exposed to media reports and programmes on gender-based violence is high at 44%. Analysis also revealed that, at a mean average of 3.5 (N=379), the knowledge level of residents on gender-based violence is high. It was also revealed that, at an average mean of 3.5 (N=379), media programmes and reports have been able to induce perceptive/attitudinal change on gender-based violence positively. This is so because the respondents perceive the menace or act as a threat to human, family, societal and national development. The study further revealed that adequate awareness campaigns, enlightening programme, media programmes/reports on the need for the abolition of harmful social practices were the factors that can aid media efforts in actualizing perceptive/attitudinal change on gender base violence. The researcher recommended that more media programmes aimed at discouraging all forms of violence against women should be put in place by both the state government and non-governmental organisations.