Influence of Western Television Stations’ Programmes on the Lifestyles of Youth in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between programmes on Western television stations and the lifestyles of youth in Edo State. Following the influx of foreign programmes on Nigerian media space, with an obvious decline in the cultural values and lifestyles, revamping of most youth in Nigeria; necessitate this study. The study was guided by the postulations of social cognitive and cultivation theories. The sample consisted of 400 youth, who were selected from the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Edo State using the multi-stage sampling technique. Data obtained were analysed and presented using frequency tables, simple percentage, mean scores and Pearson Product Moment Correlation using SPSS version 20 software. Findings showed that the youth in Edo State regularly watch programmes on Western television stations. Results also revealed that youth’ frequent watching of programmes on Western television stations did not make them behave violently. However, a significant relationship was established between youth’s watching of programmes on Western television stations and the lifestyles they exhibited especially as it relates to their dressing patterns, desire to travel abroad, learning, feeding habits and passion to be slim. The study concluded that the lifestyles of youth were largely products of programmes on Western Television Stations. Therefore, programmes on Western Television Stations could be considered as a formidable force in moulding the lifestyles of youth in Edo State, especially under the right guidance.