Audience feedback and programming in three selected television stations

The place of feedback in communication is not in doubt. But whether or not it is attended to, and the level of attention given to it has always been a source of concern. This study examined the influence of audience feedback on television programming in three selected television stations in Lagos: Lagos Television (LTV), Television Continental (TVC), and Nigerian Television Authority 2 Channel 5 (NTA2 Channel 5). The purpose of the study was to find out whether or not television stations in Nigeria consider audience feedback in planning, scheduling, executing and evaluating their programmes. The following research questions were raised: Do LTV, NTA 2 channel 5 and TVC have operational feedback channels? Does audience feedback influence programming of LTV, NTA 2 channel 5 and TVC? What other Factors influence programming of LTV, NTA 2 channel 5 and TVC apart from audience feedback?

The programme managers of the stations were interviewed to find out the role which audience feedback plays in the programming of the selected stations. Also, to verify the interview data, the programme schedule the three stations for two quarters were observed along with two social media feedback channels (Facebook and Twitter).

The findings of study show that all the three selected television stations consider audience feedback in implementing their programmes except NTA2 Channel 5, with evidence that programming is also influenced by other factors, especially government activities, in government owned stations.