AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PRINT MEDIA ON EVALUATING MASS MEDIA ROLE IN SHAPING PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF CRIME IN ORIADE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IKEJI ARA-IKEJI, OSUN STATE

ABSTRACT This project examined “An Assessment of The Print Media on Evaluating Mass Media Role in Shaping Public Perception of Crime in Oriade Local Government Area Ikeji Ara-Ikeji, Osun State”. The project aimed at assessing the extent to which print media influences the public's perception on crime, analysing how different types of print media portray crime, examining the impact of print media portrayals on public fear, policy, and behavior related to crime, investigating the relationship between print media consumption and individuals' views on crime severity and victimization. The theoretical framework is premised on the Exposure Theory and the Agenda Setting Theory. The research employs a quantitative research design and the instrument used is questionnaire. The findings of this study emphasize the influential role of print media in shaping public perception of crime in Oriade LGA. While regular crime reportage has proven effective in raising awareness and caution among residents, the media’s tendency toward sensationalism and focus on violent crimes may inadvertently heighten public fear and skew perceptions of reality. Although many citizens recognize the influence of media on their personal security views, there is a prevailing uncertainty about whether this influence extends to government policy or broader societal change. Keywords: Print Media, Mass Media, Public Perception, Crime