International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: In the competitive information world of today, the survival of the privately owned radio stations is hugely dependent on their ability to provide satisfactory programmes at the lowest possible price at the right time to the right audience
Objective: This study examined how audience perceive the news programmes of select private radio stations in Benue state
Method: The study adopted the descriptive survey design and primary data were gathered through used questionnaires and it was administered to 400 respondents within the 3 senatorial district were these private radio Makurdi metropolis. Results: Findings revealed that the impact of private radio stations on quality of news programme is through factual and objective reportage. Further finding in the study suggest that private radio stations enhances quality presentation of news programmes
Conclusion: Based on the result in the study private radio stations present factual and objective news reportage this is because of the competitive nature of private radio stations and the need to attract audience Unique contribution: The study contributes to existing literatures on the importance of private radio stations on the society especially in the area of news quality and presentations Key Recommendations: The study recommends that private radio stations in Benue state should initiate and produce programmes that will have positive impact on the society and that private radio stations should encourage audience participation through phone in programmes so that they can understand the feelings and aspirations of their listeners so as to produce programmes of their choice.