Perception of Enugu Residents Toward Igbo Language Podcast Contents

This study examined the perception of Enugu residents toward Igbo language podcast contents, with particular attention to how exposure, cultural identity attachment, and demographic characteristics shape audience attitudes. The study adopted the survey research design and was anchored on Uses and Gratifications Theory and Ethnolinguistic Vitality Theory. Using Taro Yamane's formula, a sample of 376 respondents was drawn from Enugu metropolis through a multi-stage sampling procedure. A 25-item structured questionnaire served as the instrument of data collection, yielding a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.81, indicating strong internal reliability. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression with SPSS v25. Findings revealed that Enugu residents held a generally positive perception of Igbo language podcast contents, with an overall mean score of M = 3.76 (SD = 0.95). A significant positive correlation was established between exposure to Igbo language podcasts and overall perception (r = 0.614, p < .001). Multiple regression analysis indicated that exposure to Igbo podcasts (β = .412), cultural identity attachment (β = .318), age (β = .179), and education level (β = .153) were significant predictors of audience perception, jointly accounting for 50.7% of the variance in perception scores (R² = 0.507, F(4, 371) = 47.84, p < .001). The study concludes that Igbo language podcasting holds significant promise as an instrument for language revitalisation and cultural reinforcement among urban Igbo communities. Practitioners and policymakers are urged to invest in quality indigenous-language audio content and digital infrastructure to sustain growing audience engagement.