The Big Brother NaijaTV Reality Show as Coordinate of Media Functions and Dysfunctions

TL;DR

This study assesses how the popular Nigerian TV reality show Big Brother Naija is perceived by viewers, examining its entertainment value, societal impact, and whether it functions or dysfunctions within media roles.

Contribution

It provides empirical data on viewer perceptions of Big Brother Naija, highlighting its entertainment value and societal implications in Nigeria.

Findings

66% of viewers like the program for entertainment

Half of the viewers dislike immoral aspects of the show

Most viewers consider the program to be societally functional

Abstract

The mass media play at least five basic functions which include news dissemination, surveillance of the environment, correlation of the components of the society, entertainment and transmission of social heritage. Sometimes, disruptions and impairments do occur in the performance of these roles and some of these basic functions become dysfunctions, which turn the media into purveyor of negative values. The present study investigates how popular the Nigerian TV reality show, Big Brother Naija BBN, is perceived by its viewers. Three hundred heavy viewers of the program were surveyed from Lagos and Ede, South-West Nigeria, and their opinions and attitudes were sought regarding, why they like or dislike the program; the gratifications that those who like the program derive and whether the BBN, as media content, is generally functional or dysfunctional to the society. Sixty six per cent 66 33.7 of respondents like the program because it entertains. Half of the respondents, 99 50.5 dislike immoral aspects of the program. The viewers affirm that the eviction part of the program was their highest form of gratification. Most respondents, despite public outcry against the program, consider the program to be functional. Findings reinforce the postulation that TV viewers are not passive consumers of media contents.