Mass Media Habits of Benguet State University Student, First Semester 2006-2007

Abstract

This study was  conducted to determine the characteristics of the respondents, to identify the mass media used by the BSU students, to determine their reasons for using a particular type of mass media, to determine the frequency and duration of exposure to mess media and to determine the information needs of BSU students. An interview schedule was used to gather data from 214 respondents chosen using quota sampling. Most of the respondents were single and belonged to the age range of 19 years old and below.

The commonly used medium was the radio but the respondents used various other mass media to be informed, to be entertained and to complete school requirements. From the different mass media, the students acquired information on politics, showbiz, economy, religion, job opportunities, and agriculture. Majority of the respondents listened to the radio daily for around two to three hours. Less than half watched TV everyday and/or read newspapers.

It is concluded that most of the students of BSU are within the age group of regular college students; that students are multi-media users; that they have different reasons for using mass media and that they get varied information from mass media not only for academic requirements but also for general information. Mass media are a part of the students’ daily lives.

It is recommended that teachers should design alternative learning activities to encourage students to read more or to use mass media. Mass media producers should continue airing, publishing, and posting more educational topics especially on agriculture. BSU may use radio as a medium in disseminating information from the school to BSU students of BSU employees. It is further recommended that a study on the mass media habits of Benguet State University teachers should also be conducted.