AUDIENCE PRECEPTION USAGAE OF PIDGIN ENGLISH FOR LAGOS TRAFFIC RADIO 96.1 PROGRAMME

This study investigated audience perception of Nigerian Pidgin English usage in the programming of Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM, a government-owned station dedicated to traffic updates and road safety awareness in Lagos State, Nigeria. The research explored how the use of Pidgin English affects audience comprehension, engagement, and the perceived credibility of broadcast content. It also examined the social factors, such as age, education, and occupation, that influence listener attitudes toward the language choice. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 400 respondents selected using multistage sampling techniques. The study population comprised regular listeners of Lagos Traffic Radio across various demographic categories within Lagos State. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and inferential tools via SPSS software. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents perceived Pidgin English as enhancing clarity, simplifying complex information, and increasing listener engagement. Although some participants expressed concern that the use of Pidgin might reduce the perceived professionalism of the station, most agreed that the language fosters inclusivity and cultural connection. Audience responses also indicated that the use of Pidgin English does not compromise the credibility or reliability of the station’s message. Social variables such as age and educational background significantly influenced listener attitudes. The study concludes that Pidgin English serves as an effective medium for engaging a linguistically diverse urban audience, particularly in public service broadcasting. It recommends that media practitioners consider audience preferences when selecting broadcast languages and that policy-makers support the strategic use of indigenous languages to enhance public communication, especially in multicultural contexts like Lagos. Keywords: Pidgin English, audience perception, Lagos Traffic Radio, media language, communication engagement