AMAMIHE Journal of Applied Philosophy

Flooding remains one of the most destructive climate-related hazards in Nigeria, with North-East Nigeria experiencing recurrent events that intersect with conflict, displacement, and infrastructural deficits. While broadcast media serve as the primary channels for disaster communication, limited empirical attention has been devoted to understanding how programme formats influence the effectiveness of flood risk communication. This study examines broadcast programme formats as communication mechanisms for flood risk communication in Borno, Adamawa, and Bauchi States between 2020 and 2023. Employing a quantitative content analysis of 583 flood-related broadcast programmes, the study reveals a significant divergence between the formats most frequently employed by broadcasters and those perceived as most effective for enhancing audience understanding of flood prevention measures. News bulletins dominated flood-related broadcasts at 23.33%, followed by jingles at 14.58%. Radio dramas and storytelling comprised only 5.32% of broadcasts but were identified as the most influential format for audience comprehension at 17.15%. Drawing on the Protective Action Decision Model and narrative communication theory. This study argues that effective flood risk communication requires not merely the transmission of warnings but the strategic use of programme formats that facilitate explanation, contextual understanding, and audience engagement. The findings demonstrate that media effects in disaster communication are shaped not only by message exposure but also by the structural and narrative characteristics of programme formats, with practical implications for broadcasters, emergency management agencies, and communication policymakers seeking to strengthen community resilience beyond emergency alerts.

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