An Assessment of Media Relations Practices of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration And Control In Rivers State

Abstract

This study investigated media relations practices of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control in Rivers State. The objectives were: to evaluate media relations programmes of the agency in Rivers State, to assess types of media used by the agency in its media relations programmes and to ascertain the extent to which media relations practices of the agency impact on the agency's relationship with media practitioners in the state. The research design adopted was survey method. Findings showed that what constituted media relations practices of NAFDAC were luncheon programmes, sharing of gift items to reporters at year end events and visits to media houses in the state. Findings further showed that there is a disconnect in the implementation of the activities arising from lack of consistency and continuity. The study also found out that the media relations practices of the agency did not influence the relationship between the agency and the mass media in the state. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others that NAFDAC should design and implement strategies that will guarantee regular interactions with the mass media in Rivers State and to explore on regular basis the use of all media platforms in the promotion of their programmes.