INFLUENCE OF NEWSPAPER REPORTS ON TERRORISM IN NIGERIA
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INFLUENCE OF NEWSPAPER REPORTS ON TERRORISM IN NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
This study examined the impact of newspaper reportage on terrorism in Nigeria, using content analysis of Punch and Guardian newspapers from January to June 2018. The study’s theoretical framework was based on the agenda setting theory and the social responsibility theory of communication.
The content analysis research design was implemented using a coding sheet for three content categories. The sample included 156 newspaper issues produced over a four-month period by two selected Nigerian dailies, the Punch and The Guardian newspapers. The data generated were examined using frequency tables and simple percentages from the coding sheet.
The study’s findings revealed that Nigerian newspapers provided adequate coverage to reports on terrorism, despite the fact that the majority of the stories published on the issue were published on the back pages of the newspapers, giving the impression that reportage on terrorism was not given prominence.
As a result, the study suggests that because the majority of the pages devoted to terrorist coverage in newspapers were on the back pages, the subject may not have received the attention it deserved from members of society.
The study does, however, urge that newspaper management supplement the extensive coverage they provide to topics that impact society by putting news items on such issues on prominent pages such as the front pages in order to receive the due and earned attention of society members.
Chapter one
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Terrorism has become increasingly sophisticated and concerning over the last five to six years, not only in Nigeria but around the world. This trend has created a severe threat to the safety of people and property.
According to Acholonu (2012), the prevalence of terrorism around the world indicates a worldwide threat. Terrorist incidents suggest that the world is becoming increasingly insecure for humanity.
According to Afowowe (2012), terrorism continues to kill millions of people and ruin billions of dollars’ worth of property. Ofomegbe and Orittesesan (2012) define terrorism as the employment of violent acts with the purpose to instill fear (terror) in society.
It is carried out to reach a religious, political, or ideological goal or objective. The use of violence to instill fear is typically directed against non-combat or military individuals, who are civilians and are disproportionately affected by terror.
Throughout history, there have been several risks to the safety of human beings. These risks have recently continued to result in the devastation of human lives and property, as well as terrible losses to society.
While all of this is going on, the mass media, including newspapers, has been described as effective in carrying out campaigns and raising public awareness to help members of society deal with challenges that influence their societal life and existence.
According to Asemah (2011), newspapers, as an arm of mass media, play critical roles in society in this regard because they function as agents of massive change with a strong influence on human activities.
Newspapers have a broad influence in business, politics, health, and education. On March 28, 2018, on page 20, the Punch Newspaper published a Letter to the Editor titled Dapchi girls’ abduction: Some unsolved questions.
According to Temofeh (2017), press reports on terrorist attacks keep members of society informed of the terrorists’ activities. In a Guardian Newspaper report from March 8, 2018, the news story on page 5, titled;
Why insurgency may not end soon, by Fayose, is a good example of how newspaper stories on terrorist attacks convey knowledge to the readers.
Acholonu (2012) states that, while terrorism is growing more widespread around the world, mass media outlets such as newspapers are responsible for bringing terrorists’ activities and goals to the notice of members of society. For example: On March 7, 2018, the Punch Newspaper published a news report headed “Boko Haram no longer a serious fighting force, says Buhari” on page 40.
Newspapers function as watchdogs in society and are seen as significant partners in effecting good change and value reorientation among its members. Newspaper reports contribute to the spread of information, knowledge, and ideas across society.
These publications also communicate information and ideas that contradict the goals of terrorists in society, as newspapers’ duties in society include conscience development, advocacy, and mobilisation. On March 7, 2018, the Punch Newspaper published a Letter to the Editor on page 18, titled Solution to Nigeria’s security concerns.
Information conveyed through newspaper stories has the potential to promote societal change and advance the agendas of individuals with similar interests. Anaeto, Solo-Anaeto, and Tejumaiye (2009), as well as Imoh (2007), say that newspapers are relevant to society because they enlighten the public by providing information, opinions, figures, images, and illustrations on issues, events, or phenomena affecting society.
Newspapers have the ability to educate people of society on issues that threaten their social existence by going beyond the basics and providing in-depth analysis through opinion articles, feature stories, columns, and editorials.
Newspapers keep track of human actions and happenings in society. A notable example of providing records of human activities and occurrences in society is the Guardian Newspaper’s feature piece on March 8, 2018, p. 45, headlined “How insecurity is ruining education in Nigeria.”
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