This study sought to investigate Ikot Udota residents' perception of the credibility of information disseminated through town criers. Specifically, the study objectives were to: examine the extent to which Ikot Udota residents are exposed to information disseminated by local town criers; find out the perception of Ikot Udota residents of information disseminated by town criers; examine Ikot Udota residents' perception of the credibility of information disseminated by town criers; and find out the effectiveness of town criers in disseminating credible information to positively influence Ikot Udota residents' perception. Anchored on the Social Category Theory and Perception Theory, the study adopted a survey research design, administering questionnaires to 342 respondents selected through a combination of purposive and systematic random sampling techniques. Findings reveal that a significant proportion of Ikot Udota residents are exposed to town crier announcements to a very large extent (54%); hold a positive perception of town crier announcements (71%); perceive town criers as credible sources of information (65%); and believe that town crying ensures accuracy and maintains credibility (77%). Recommendations are that town criers in Ikot Udota should continue to leverage local dialects and cultural references; community leaders should support town criers with accurate and timely information; Ikot Udota residents should remain receptive to town crier announcements and provide feedback; and relevant stakeholders should collaborate with town criers to promote public health campaigns, community development initiatives, and social cohesion Nwokeocha, Brown, Obi 572 INTRODUCTION For many years, the spread of knowledge in rural areas has been essential to the advancement of society. Through the use of oral communication and local resources, traditional media systems have been instrumental in reaching a large audience in rural Africa. The town crier, who is tasked with informing the public and frequently uses a gong or bell to draw attention, is one example of a traditional medium. In many Nigerian villages, town criers have long been the main source of communication, declaring social issues, governmental directives, and significant news in a lively and rhythmic way (Ogunyemi, 2018). In Nigeria, the reliability of town criers has a big impact on how information is shared. Town criers are reliable information sources who can be extremely helpful in government, Nwokeocha, Brown, Obi 574 according to Nwanmuo (2014), the town crier could be called to attend the traditional governing council meetings where vital decisions are taken, but generally, information is often conveyed through him to the community. Before the introduction of a formal police force, the Town Crier, being a true, trusted royalist, was also often empowered to uphold the law. Town Criers or Heralds, as they were known in earlier times, were considered to be sacrosanct. An assault on a Town Crier was regarded as a treasonab le act, as the crier spoke with the voice of the King. Town Criers were protected by law. “Don’t shoot the messenger” was a very real command back in those days. To this day, any Town Crier in the British Commonwealth is protected under old English law tha t they are not to be hindered or heckled while performing their duties. The town crier is in most cases appointed by the tradition ruler, or through inheritance from family lineage. The person must have retentive memory to retain instructions given and recall them at different times and places where he has to make the announce ments. He should have a clear voice, courageous and effective in the use of his dialect. The town crier must equally be resonant in voice, which is, he could be heard even in remote corners of the village. He should be a man of perseverance and patience since he has to go too far distances at odd times. He should be able to respond on time if he is called upon. He should know the culture of his people and be able to interpret it to fit the objectives of his community. He should not only be respected and rev ered but also regarded as authoritative and credible source of information. Finally, the sound from his communication medium; the gong (wooden or metal), or the drum should be decodable appropriately and receive attention from the audiences to whom they are addressed. In most cases, the town crier is always a matured and respected man. Town Criers as Traditional Newsmen in Nigeria In the rich tapestry of Nigeria's cultural heritage, town criers have emerged as pivotal figures, serving as traditional newsmen who bridge the gap between information and the community. Town criers have historically functioned as the primary sources of ne ws in many Nigerian communities, particularly in areas where literacy rates are low and access to modern media is limited. As Ogunyemi (2015) notes, "town criers are the voice of the people, delivering news and information that is vital for communal living ." Their presence is often marked by distinctive attire and a loud, rhythmic call that commands attention, ensuring that messages reach a wide audience. The role of town criers extends beyond mere announcement; they serve as a conduit for local governance, relaying decrees, community news, and events. Their announcements can range from public health advice to cultural celebrations, making them indispensable in the daily lives of community members (Eze, 2020). In this capacity, they help foster civic awarene ss and engagement, encouraging citizens to participate in community affairs. Town criers utilise a variety of techniques to convey information effectively. Their announcements are often infused with local dialects, proverbs, and folklore, which resonate with the community and enhance the message's relatability. As Adeyanju (2018) h ighlights, "the art of town crying is not just