  The mass media play at least five basic functions which include news
dissemination, surveillance of the environment, correlation of the components
of the society, entertainment and transmission of social heritage. Sometimes,
disruptions and impairments do occur in the performance of these roles and some
of these basic functions become dysfunctions, which turn the media into
purveyor of negative values. The present study investigates how popular the
Nigerian TV reality show, Big Brother Naija BBN, is perceived by its viewers.
Three hundred heavy viewers of the program were surveyed from Lagos and Ede,
South-West Nigeria, and their opinions and attitudes were sought regarding, why
they like or dislike the program; the gratifications that those who like the
program derive and whether the BBN, as media content, is generally functional
or dysfunctional to the society. Sixty six per cent 66 33.7 of respondents like
the program because it entertains. Half of the respondents, 99 50.5 dislike
immoral aspects of the program. The viewers affirm that the eviction part of
the program was their highest form of gratification. Most respondents, despite
public outcry against the program, consider the program to be functional.
Findings reinforce the postulation that TV viewers are not passive consumers of
media contents.
