Television Broadcasting and Mental Health Campaigns in Nigeria

Irrespective of the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders, responses within the Nigerian media remain inconsistent, poorly structured and largely insufficient to address cultural misconceptions and stigma. This study, therefore, explored the role of television broadcasting in advancing mental health campaigns in Nigeria. Drawing on framing theory as propounded by Erving Goffman, the study underscored how the framing of mental health content shapes public perception and societal attitudes. This paper contends that television broadcasting holds immense, but underutilised potential in advancing mental health campaigns. Given its reach, accessibility and emotional influence, television can serve as a deliberate and coordinated tool for reshaping narratives, fostering social change and driving sustained advocacy in mental health discourse across Nigeria. Keywords: Television, Mental Health, Nigeria, Public Perception