AUDIENCE PERCEPTION OF MEDIA COVERAGE ON BANDITRY IN ZAMFARA STATE

This study investigated media coverage of banditry and its influence on public perception in Zamfara State, Nigeria. The research was prompted by the alarming rise in banditry-related violence in the state and the crucial role of the media in shaping public opinion on security matters. The study adopted the survey research design, targeting residents of Gusau, Shinkafi, and Maru Local Government Areas. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed, and 382 valid responses were analysed. The findings revealed that radio was the most preferred source of information due to its affordability and accessibility, especially in rural areas. The results also showed a high level of awareness of banditry incidents, with 68.06% of respondents acknowledging that media reports significantly influenced their opinions about the security situation. However, only half of the respondents considered media coverage accurate and fair, indicating a trust gap. Moreover, 69.63% of respondents rated government response to banditry as ineffective. The study concluded that while the media is vital in informing the public, there is a need for improved credibility and balanced reporting. Recommendations included ethical journalism practices, enhanced government communication, and community-based media programmes to improve public trust and engagement. Keywords: Media coverage, Banditry, Public perception, Zamfara State, Nigeria, Security reporting.