BAYELSA RESIDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF NEWS REPORTAGE ON GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES FOR THE STATE

Abstract

Global climate change presents urgent ecological and socio-economic challenges, particularly for low-lying, coastal regions such as Bayelsa State in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. This study examined residents’ perceptions of mass media reportage on climate change and its local consequences, with the aim of identifying gaps in awareness, interpretation, and adaptive response. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining a survey of 400 residents selected through multi-stage sampling across all eight Local Government Areas, with in-depth interviews involving 12 purposively chosen stakeholders, including community leaders, media professionals, and environmental advocates. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Weighted Mean Scores, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings revealed high but largely incidental exposure to climate change messages across television, radio, and social media. While reportage was often detailed and emotionally engaging, it frequently lacked localization to Bayelsa-specific issues such as recurrent flooding, coastal erosion, and declining fishery resources. Perceptions of urgency and relevance were strongly influenced by education level, personal experience with environmental hazards, and trust in media credibility, whereas cultural and social factors had comparatively less impact. Although media coverage effectively raised awareness, it seldom translated into sustained adaptive behaviors, indicating a gap between knowledge and action. The study underscores the media’s pivotal role in shaping public agendas and framing climate narratives but highlights the need for sustained, locally contextualized, and action-oriented communication. It recommends increased consistency in coverage, integration of indigenous knowledge, collaboration with trusted community figures, and the inclusion of practical guidance for climate adaptation. These strategies could enhance both the salience and behavioral impact of climate change reportage, thereby strengthening resilience in vulnerable regions like Bayelsa State.