Perception of media coverage of coronavirus outbreak (in select local government areas) in Edo state, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the perception of media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic among the residents of Edo State. The researchers adopted a survey research design, while the questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. The data showed that most respondents know about coronavirus outbreaks in Nigeria. The data also revealed that the respondents primarily assessed COVID-19 messages through television. The findings further showed that the respondents perceived the media coverage of the pandemic as credible and informative, and the messages had a positive influence on them. Thus, the researchers concluded that most respondents in select LGAs of Edo State know about coronavirus outbreaks in Nigeria. Therefore, it was recommended that the government sponsor different media enlightenment campaigns, especially in vernacular languages, to educate and sensitise more people in rural areas of the country on the prevention of coronavirus.