ASSESSMENT OF PORT HARCOURT RESIDENTS’ REACTION ON NEWS REPORTS OF FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL

Abstract

This study examines the assessment of Port Harcourt residents’ reaction to news reports of fuel subsidy removal. To achieve this, the study raised five objectives which are to; Find out Port Harcourt residents sources of information/news concerning issues of the fuel subsidy removal; ascertain how well these sources said to be more mediated than personal; examine their reactions/opinions on the issue of fuel subsidy removal. The study was anchored on two theories, political economy theory and individual differences theory. The study adopted the survey research design with questionnaire and interview guides as instrument for data collection. The population of the study comprised all the residents of Port Harcourt City which is 122,313 and Taro Yamane sample size determination formula was used to arrive at the sample size of 400 used for the study. Data obtained from the questionnaire was analysed using weighted means scores (four points likert scale) while data generated from the interview guide was qualitatively recorded using yin’s explanation building techniques.  Findings of the study showed that Port Harcourt resident received information/news from traditional media such as radio, television, newspapers and from word of mouth. Also, findings of this study also showed that the sources are more mediated than personal. Based on the strength of the findings, the study concluded that Port Harcourt resident received information/news from traditional media such as radio, television, newspapers and from word of mouth.  Also, the study concluded that the sources are more mediated than personal. The study recommended that the citizens should always avail themselves the opportunity of listening to news reports especially through the traditional media such as radio, television, newspaper and from word of mouth. The study also recommended that it is good and relevant for people to get their sources of information/news from sources that are more mediated than personal because of its credibility.