Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

12-2014

School/College

School of Communication (SOC)

Degree Name

MA in Communication

First Advisor

Professor Eui Bun Lee

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was three fold: to examine television program preferences of Nigerians living in Houston, Texas; to examine their perceptions towards the violence and sex appearing in American TV programs; and also to determine whether there are cultural differences impacting these Nigerians attitudes towards such programs. A total of 200 Nigerians adults living in Houston, Texas, participated in this survey using the convenience sampling technique. Roughly 56 percent of the participants were . females and 44 percent were males. Nearly half of the participants were lbo, 49 percent were Yoruba, and the rest were Hausa. The findings revealed that the news was the most popular TV program, followed by drama and the documentary. Also, the findings showed that there were more females who watched African movies everyday than males, on the other hand, males watch news more than females. The relationship between tribes and the numbers of African movies watched by . Nigerians was examined. It also reveals that Ibo respondents watched African movies more than other tribes. Also, most respondents strongly agreed that more violence was on American TV programs. They likewise agreed that there was too much sexual content shown on American television. Finally, the majority of the respondents did perceive " .(.:."., , cultural differences. ". ;. Future research should involve Nigerian adults living in different geographical areas of the United States .The popularity of African movies among Nigerian adults, .. 'i' ,;' particularly among Ibos and Yoruba's should be examined .Arising from the above reflections on future research, there is implied in this present study and findings that films, movies and television programs can seriously impact the behaviors of viewers and other consumers. Therefore, a move towards the transmission and presentation of various word customs and traditions, of cultural artifacts and information can certainly help in bringing about cultural adoption, adaptation and re-orientation, across nationality and cultural boundaries. Moreover, careful selection of the types and the quality of programs shown to children can greatly enhance their behavior modification, likewise enhancing the quality of life and learning, not only in children but also in the adult population of various nationalities.

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