Conflict and Peace Reportage in Nigeria Newspaper: A
Reappraisal of Punch and Daily Trust Newspaper (January � July, 2019)
Aleyomi
Timileyin Paul
Department of Mass
Communication
Faculty of Social Sciences Kaduna
State University
Email: [email protected]
|
Keywords: |
ABSTRACT |
|
Conflict, Peace, Reportage, Nigerian
Newspapers, Punch, Daily Trust |
This study investigates
the coverage of conflict and peace issues in Nigerian newspapers,
specifically focusing on Punch and Daily Trust. The research aims to achieve
three primary objectives: assess the frequency of conflict and peace
reportage in both newspapers, determine the level of prominence given to
these issues by Punch and Daily Trust, and identify the categories under
which such issues are reported. The study draws on the Agenda-Setting Theory
and Framing Theory to provide a comprehensive analysis. Using a quantitative
content analysis approach, the study examines stories related to conflict and
peace issues published in the selected newspapers from January 2019 to July
2019. The key findings reveal distinct patterns in the reportage of conflict
and peace matters. Punch exhibits a higher emphasis on certain categories
like "Calamity/Killing," "Prevention," and "Warning,"
while Daily Trust places greater prominence on the "Call for Peace"
theme. Moreover, the study unveils variations in the prominence given to
different categories across the newspapers. The study concludes that the
nuanced ways in which Punch and Daily Trust cover conflict and peace issues
is based on their editorial decisions in shaping public awareness and
discussions. Based on the study's outcomes, it is recommended that newspapers
strategically consider their coverage of conflict and peace topics, fostering
greater balance and comprehensive reporting. By adhering to these
recommendations, newspapers can contribute to more informed public discourse
on crucial societal matters. |
INTRODUCTION
Conflicts and efforts
towards peacebuilding have been recurring themes in media reportage across the
globe, and this trend is especially prominent in African countries, including
Nigeria. The media's role in disseminating information about conflicts and
peace initiatives is crucial, as it can influence public perception and
understanding of these complex issues (Ayeni & Adepoju, 2018).
Understanding how conflicts are reported in the media is essential, as it can
shape public attitudes, impact policymaking, and influence conflict resolution
efforts.
Globally, media outlets
have been instrumental in covering conflicts and peacebuilding initiatives in
diverse regions. For instance, in the Middle East, the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict has been extensively reported by various media organizations, with
differing perspectives often influencing public opinions and international
responses (Ibrahim, 2017). Similarly, in Eastern Europe, the conflict in
Ukraine has garnered significant media attention, highlighting the importance
of impartial and accurate reporting in shaping international perceptions
(Ivanova, 2019).
In Africa, the
continent's diverse conflicts have received extensive coverage from both local
and international media. In countries like South Sudan, the media has played a
crucial role in reporting on the ongoing civil war, exposing the human cost and
facilitating international humanitarian responses (Makana, 2017). Additionally,
the Democratic Republic of Congo has faced prolonged conflicts, and media
reportage has been instrumental in shedding light on the complexities of the
situation and advocating for peace (Cassidy, 2018).
Within Nigeria, a
country with a history of intercommunal clashes, insurgency, and terrorism,
media reportage on conflicts and peace initiatives has also been prominent. In
the northeastern region, the Boko Haram insurgency has been widely covered by
Nigerian media outlets like Punch and Daily Trust, with their reporting
influencing public discourse and government actions (Tanko, 2018). Similarly,
in the Middle Belt region, pastoralist-farmer conflicts have posed significant
challenges, with media reportage highlighting the complexities and possible
solutions (Adejoh & Okpanachi, 2019).
The Nigerian media
landscape is characterized by a vibrant mix of newspapers, and two prominent
ones, Punch and Daily Trust, have consistently provided news coverage on
national issues, including conflicts and peacebuilding efforts. Their reporting
styles, priorities, and frames in covering conflicts and peace initiatives have
the potential to impact public perceptions and understanding. Therefore,
conducting a comprehensive reappraisal of Punch and Daily Trust newspapers'
reportage on conflicts and peace in Nigeria from 2016 to 2019 is essential to
gain insights into the media's role in shaping public opinion and contributing
to conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.
Media reportage on
conflicts and peace initiatives plays a critical role in shaping public
perceptions, policy formulation, and conflict resolution efforts. However,
there have been concerns about the quality, accuracy, and impartiality of news
reporting on conflicts in various contexts, including Africa and Nigeria.
Several empirical studies have focused on media framing of conflicts and its
implications on public understanding and attitudes. For instance, Ayeni and
Adepoju (2018) conducted a study on media framing of conflicts in Nigeria and
found that media narratives and framing can influence public perceptions and
attitudes towards conflicts. However, one limitation of their study is that it did
not specifically explore the reportage by individual newspapers like Punch and
Daily Trust, leaving a gap in understanding how these prominent newspapers
covered conflicts and peace initiatives during the specified period.
Another relevant
empirical study by Makana (2017) examined media coverage of the civil war in
South Sudan, highlighting how media reporting can impact international
responses and humanitarian interventions. However, this study did not compare
different media outlets' coverage, including newspapers like Punch and Daily
Trust, which is essential to understand variations in reportage strategies.
Furthermore, a study by Tanko (2018) focused on the media's role in reporting
the insurgency in Northeast Nigeria. While it provided valuable insights into
the media's impact on conflict perceptions, it did not explore other conflict
contexts, such as pastoralist-farmer conflicts, and did not directly compare
the reportage of different newspapers. This study aims to bridge this gap by
conducting an in-depth reappraisal of Punch and Daily Trust newspapers'
coverage of conflicts and peace efforts. It seeks to analyse the framing and
categorization of conflict issues, assess the frequency and prominence of
reportage.
The main objectives of
this research are threefold: firstly, to evaluate the frequency of reporting on
conflict and peace issues by both the Punch and Daily Trust newspapers;
secondly, to determine the level of prominence accorded to these issues by the
two newspapers; and thirdly, to identify the specific categories under which
conflict and peace issues are reported by both the Punch and Daily Trust
newspapers.
CONCEPTUAL
REVIEW
Conflict and Peace
Conflict is a
fundamental aspect of human interaction and social dynamics, influencing
various domains such as politics, economics, and interpersonal relationships.
Conflict can be defined as a situation in which two or more parties have
opposing interests, goals, values, or perspectives, leading to discord,
tension, or antagonism (Deutsch, 1973). It is an inevitable part of human
existence and arises from differences in perceptions, needs, and desires among
individuals or groups (Rahim, 2017). Conflicts can manifest at different
levels, ranging from intrapersonal conflicts within an individual to large-scale
intergroup conflicts, such as ethnic or religious tensions.
According to Coser
(1956), conflict serves as a mechanism for social change and can be
constructive or destructive depending on how it is managed. Constructive
conflicts can lead to positive outcomes, such as increased creativity,
problem-solving, and innovation, when parties engage in open communication and
find mutually beneficial resolutions (De Dreu & Gelfand, 2008). On the
other hand, unresolved or poorly managed conflicts can escalate and lead to
negative consequences, including violence, social disruption, and decreased
productivity.
Peace is a
multifaceted and complex notion that has been central to human aspirations for
centuries. Peace can be broadly defined as a state of harmony, absence of
violence, and the resolution of conflicts (Galtung, 1996). It is not merely the
absence of war or overt hostilities but also encompasses positive elements such
as justice, social equity, and respect for human rights (Bar-Siman-Tov, 2017).
Peace is a dynamic and evolving concept, taking different forms, such as
negative peace, which focuses on the absence of violence, and positive peace,
which involves the presence of social, economic, and political conditions that
foster well-being and cooperation (Galtung, 1964).
Peace can exist at
various levels, from personal inner peace to societal and global peace. Johan
Galtung's typology of peace highlights the distinction between structural
violence, which encompasses systemic inequalities and injustices, and direct
violence, such as armed conflict (Galtung, 1990). Achieving peace often
involves addressing the root causes of conflicts and addressing social,
economic, and political inequalities.
Conflict and Peace Reportage
Conflict and peace
reportage is a critical aspect of media coverage that involves the
representation and portrayal of conflicts, violence, and peacebuilding efforts
in various forms of media, including newspapers, television, and online
platforms. Media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions and
understanding of conflicts and peace initiatives (Ayeni & Adepoju, 2018).
Conflict reportage involves the dissemination of information about contentious
issues, including armed conflicts, civil unrest, political crises, and intergroup
tensions (Entman, 1993). Peace reportage, on the other hand, focuses on
covering efforts towards conflict resolution, reconciliation, and the
establishment of peaceful coexistence (Boutros-Ghali, 1992).
Media framing is a key
aspect of conflict and peace reportage. Framing refers to how media
organizations selectively emphasize certain aspects of news events to influence
audience perceptions and attitudes (Entman, 1993). In the context of conflict
and peace reportage, media framing can influence public understanding of the
causes, actors, and potential solutions to conflicts (Ayeni & Adepoju,
2018). Different frames may highlight specific narratives, such as portraying
conflicts as rooted in ethnic or religious differences or framing peace efforts
as a necessary response to violence and instability (Tankard, 2001).
Conflict and peace
reportage can significantly impact conflict resolution efforts and
peacebuilding initiatives. The way media portray conflicts can influence public
opinion and shape policy responses (Ayeni & Adepoju, 2018).
Misrepresentation or biased reporting may perpetuate stereotypes and exacerbate
tensions, while accurate and impartial reporting can promote understanding and
empathy among conflicting parties (Galtung, 1996).
The placement and
prominence of conflict and peace articles within media outlets are crucial
factors influencing their impact on the audience. Articles placed on the front
page or as headlines receive more attention and are likely to shape public
discourse more significantly than those buried within the pages (Galtung &
Ruge, 1965).
Empirical
Review:
Several empirical
studies have been conducted to investigate the coverage of conflicts and peace
initiatives in Nigerian newspapers, providing valuable insights into media framing,
frequency of reportage, and the portrayal of conflicts and peace efforts.
Ayeni and Adepoju
(2018) conducted a study on media framing of conflicts and peace in Nigeria,
focusing on the role of newspapers in shaping public perceptions. The researchers
analyzed articles from various Nigerian newspapers, including Punch and Daily
Trust, to identify the frames used in reporting conflicts and peacebuilding
efforts. They found that media framing played a significant role in influencing
public understanding of conflicts, with certain newspapers employing frames
that emphasized ethnic or religious dimensions of conflicts. However, their
study did not specifically delve into the individual reportage strategies of
Punch and Daily Trust newspapers, leaving a gap in understanding how these
prominent newspapers covered conflicts and peace initiatives during the
specified period.
Another relevant
empirical study by Tanko (2018) explored the media's role in reporting the
insurgency in Northeast Nigeria, which was a major conflict during the study
period. The study analyzed the coverage of the insurgency by various Nigerian
newspapers, including Punch and Daily Trust, and assessed how the media framed
the conflict. Tanko highlighted the importance of accurate and balanced
reporting in conflict situations and discussed the implications of media
coverage on peacebuilding efforts. However, the study did not provide a
comprehensive comparative analysis of Punch and Daily Trust newspapers'
reportage, leaving room for further research in this area.
Furthermore, Adewale
and Oloruntoba (2017) investigated the portrayal of pastoralist-farmer
conflicts in Nigerian newspapers. While their study focused on various
newspapers, it provided insights into how conflicts between pastoralists and
farmers were reported and framed by the media. The researchers highlighted the
need for media organizations to avoid sensationalism and bias in their
reporting to promote peace and understanding among conflicting communities.
However, their study did not specifically analyze the reportage of Punch and
Daily Trust newspapers, creating an opportunity to conduct a more targeted
examination of these two influential media outlets.
In addition to the
aforementioned studies, Okpara and Ibenwa (2019) conducted a research project
examining the frequency of conflict and peace reportage in Nigerian newspapers,
including Punch and Daily Trust. Their study aimed to determine the extent to
which conflicts were covered by these newspapers and how much attention was
given to peacebuilding efforts during the study period. The researchers
employed content analysis to quantify the number of conflict-related articles
published by each newspaper and assessed the space allocated to peace-related
news. The findings indicated variations in the level of coverage between Punch
and Daily Trust, with one newspaper prioritizing certain conflicts over others
and dedicating different levels of coverage to peace initiatives. However,
their study did not delve into the framing and qualitative aspects of the
reportage, leaving a gap for this research to provide a more comprehensive
analysis.
Furthermore, Nwosu and
Aderibigbe (2016) conducted a study focusing on the portrayal of conflict
actors in Nigerian newspapers, including Punch and Daily Trust. Their research
explored how the media depicted different parties involved in conflicts, such
as government forces, militants, and civilians. The study revealed that certain
newspapers tended to present conflict actors in biased ways, either demonizing
or sympathizing with specific groups. Such framing could influence public
perceptions and attitudes towards the conflicting parties. However, their study
did not extensively examine the implications of these portrayals on
peacebuilding efforts and conflict resolution, providing an opportunity for
this research to delve deeper into these aspects.
In addition to the
studies mentioned earlier, Ogunleye and Oso (2020) conducted a research study
that explored the framing of conflict and peace issues in Nigerian newspapers,
including Punch and Daily Trust. Their study utilized qualitative content
analysis to identify the dominant frames used in reporting conflicts and
peacebuilding efforts. The researchers found that both newspapers employed frames
such as "ethno-religious conflict," "terrorism," and
"peacebuilding initiatives" to present different aspects of
conflicts. The study shed light on how media framing could influence the
public's understanding and perceptions of conflicts and peace efforts,
providing valuable insights for this research to further analyze the frames
used by Punch and Daily Trust newspapers during the specified period.
Furthermore, a study
by Adeyemi and Ite (2017) focused on the portrayal of victims and their stories
in Nigerian newspapers, including Punch and Daily Trust. The researchers
examined how conflicts and peace efforts were humanized through narratives of
affected individuals. The study highlighted the importance of giving voice to
victims and the potential impact of such humanizing narratives on fostering
empathy and understanding among readers. However, their research did not
specifically compare the portrayal of conflict victims between the two
newspapers, creating an opportunity for this study to conduct a comparative
analysis of how Punch and Daily Trust presented the stories of those affected
by conflicts.
Moreover, the
influence of social media on conflict and peace reportage cannot be overlooked.
A study by Olusola (2018) examined the use of social media platforms by
Nigerian newspapers, including Punch and Daily Trust, to disseminate
conflict-related news. The research found that newspapers utilized social media
as an additional platform to share real-time updates, photos, and videos
related to conflicts and peace initiatives. The study emphasized the need to
consider social media as part of the media landscape in conflict reportage,
prompting this research to examine how these newspapers integrated social media
in their coverage strategies.
Theoretical
Framework:
Two theories that are
highly relevant to the study of conflict and peace reportage in Nigerian
newspapers are Agenda-Setting Theory and Framing Theory. These theoretical
frameworks provide valuable insights into how media organizations, such as
Punch and Daily Trust newspapers, shape public perceptions and understanding of
conflicts and peacebuilding efforts through their reporting.
Agenda-Setting Theory:
The Agenda-Setting Theory, developed by McCombs and Shaw (1972), posits that
the media have the power to influence the public agenda by determining which
issues receive more coverage and prominence. This theory suggests that the
media do not tell people what to think but rather what to think about. In the
context of conflict and peace reportage in Nigerian newspapers, this theory
becomes relevant as it helps us understand how these newspapers prioritize and
highlight certain conflicts and peace initiatives over others. By placing
specific news stories on the front page or giving them more prominence, newspapers
can influence the public's perception of the importance and urgency of these
issues (McCombs & Shaw, 1972).
For instance, if Punch
and Daily Trust newspapers consistently focus on conflicts between pastoralists
and farmers in certain regions, while downplaying other peacebuilding efforts,
it can lead to a skewed public perception of the most pressing issues in the
country's conflict landscape. Understanding the application of Agenda-Setting
Theory in the conflict and peace reportage of these newspapers can shed light
on how they shape the public's attention and perception regarding conflicts and
peace initiatives in Nigeria.
Framing Theory:
Framing Theory, proposed by Entman (1993), explores how media organizations
present news events by emphasizing specific aspects while downplaying others.
The media's framing of conflicts and peace initiatives can influence the
audience's interpretation and understanding of these issues. Different frames
used by newspapers can elicit varying emotions and responses from the readers,
ultimately shaping their attitudes and opinions.
In the context of
Nigerian newspapers' reportage on conflicts and peacebuilding, this theory
becomes essential in understanding how Punch and Daily Trust newspapers
construct narratives around various conflicts. For example, the newspapers may
frame conflicts as resulting from ethnic or religious differences, highlighting
particular groups as the aggressors or victims. Alternatively, they may frame
peace efforts as successful or ineffective, depending on the information they
choose to emphasize. By analysing the framing techniques employed by these
newspapers, researchers can gain insights into how the newspapers shape public
understanding and perception of conflicts and peace initiatives in Nigeria.
METHOD
The
study relied on quantitative content analysis of the news stories of 2 Nigerian
newspapers (Daily
Trust and Punch newspapers) given to their wider
circulation, readership, the similarity in mode and frequency of production,
style, and accessibility to the researchers. The study focused on those stories
about conflict and peace issues in the newspapers from January 2019 to July
2019.
A census study of the
content population was done because the population of the content was not many.
There were 196 news stories on conflict and peace issues covered by the two
select papers under the period of study and only 130 stories focused on
conflict and peace issues. This means that all of the 130 available conflict
and peace issues news stories on the website of the two newspapers were
included in the study. Daily Trust covered 90 stories, while Punch covered 40
stories. The content categories of this study are frequency of coverage and
�the prominence accorded the coverage as guided by the research objectives.
The unit of analysis
was the stories, including news, editorial features, and pictures and they were
those posted on Daily Trust and Punch websites. The research instrument was a
coding sheet, which was used to extract the data from the transcripts. The data
were presented and analysed, using a descriptive method. To follow the rule of
mutual exclusivity of coding, where a unit of analysis contains two opposing
descriptors, we coded as the present, the descriptor with higher presence, and coded
as absent, the descriptor with lesser presence.
This approach is consistent with the existing literature in the content study
(Lee & Maslog, 2005).
RESULTS
Table 1
Types of
Stories covered by the Papers
|
Newspapers |
News |
Feature |
Editorial |
Total |
% |
|
Punch |
38 |
2 |
0 |
40 |
17.3% |
|
Daily Trust |
78 |
11 |
1 |
90 |
41% |
|
Total |
126 |
13 |
1 |
140 |
100 |
Source:
Field Data (2023)
The data in table 1
above shows the types of stories mostly covered by the select newspapers. The
data showed that the newspapers gave more emphasis on the straight news than
other type of stories. The data indicate that issues related to conflict and peace
issues were reported more in news stories form in the two newspapers and there
was no much difference when it comes to coverage of the conflict and peace
issues in the select newspapers in their editorials and feature stories.�
Table 2
Frequency
of Stories by Daily Trust and Punch Newspapers
on Conflict
and Peace Issues
|
Months |
Daily Trust (Freq) |
Daily Trust (%) |
Punch (Freq) |
Punch (%) |
|
January, 2019 |
9 |
9.9% |
5 |
9.7% |
|
February, 2019 |
49 |
48% |
19 |
44.6% |
|
March 2019 |
21 |
25.5% |
10 |
24.8% |
|
April, 2019 |
3 |
4.9% |
3 |
14% |
|
May, 2019 |
5 |
6.9% |
1 |
2.3% |
|
June, 2019 |
1 |
3.9% |
1 |
2.3% |
|
July, 2019 |
2 |
4.9% |
1 |
2.3% |
|
Total |
90 |
100 |
40 |
100 |
Source:
Field Data (2023)
Table 2 above reveals
that out of the total number of reports on conflict and peace issues from the
two newspapers, Daily Trust newspaper covered 90 items and Punch had 40 items
covered respectively. This indicates that Daily Trust newspaper gave more attention
to stories and issues on conflict and peace issues than Punch newspaper.
In January 2019, Daily
Trust published 9 stories (9.9% of its total), while Punch published 5 stories
(9.7% of its total) on conflict and peace issues. This indicates a relatively
similar coverage focus for both newspapers in that month. Moving to February
2019, Daily Trust significantly increased its coverage with 49 stories (48% of
its total) compared to Punch's 19 stories (44.6% of its total). This suggests
that Daily Trust emphasized conflict and peace issues more prominently than
Punch during that period. In March 2019, Daily Trust continued its active
coverage with 21 stories (25.5% of its total), while Punch published 10 stories
(24.8% of its total). This indicates a comparable focus on these topics by both
newspapers during that month. In subsequent months, the pattern varies. Daily
Trust maintained consistent coverage levels with fluctuations of 3 to 5
stories, while Punch's coverage dropped notably in April (3 stories, 14% of its
total), May (1 story, 2.3% of its total), and June (1 story, 2.3% of its
total), before slightly increasing in July (1 story, 2.3% of its total).
Table 2 presents the
frequency of stories related to conflict and peace issues published by the Daily
Trust and Punch newspapers across various months in 2019. The data highlights
the distribution of these stories and provides insights into the newspapers'
coverage patterns.
Table 3
Prominence Given
to the Stories By The Two Newspapers
|
Position of the story |
Daily Trust (Freq) |
Daily Trust (%) |
Punch (Freq) |
Punch (%) |
|
Front lead story |
2 |
4.6% |
3 |
9.3% |
|
Front page other stories |
7 |
9.4% |
4 |
13.9% |
|
Inside front right/left page |
23 |
27% |
9 |
22.6% |
|
Others |
58 |
59% |
24 |
54% |
|
Total |
90 |
100 |
40 |
100 |
Source:
Field Data (2023)
Table 3 shows that the
stories covered by the two newspapers had the following results: other pages
represent 88issues; Daily trust had 58 issues (59%), Punch 24 (54%). This is
followed by stories that appeared inside the front right/left pages, this regard
Daily Trust (27%) and Punch (22.6%). The pages with the lowest publications of
conflict and peace stories were on front page other stories and stories on
front page lead stories but here the result varied from the two newspapers.
Punch recorded the highest in the front page with lead stories (9.3), while,
Daily Trust had (4.6). The results from table 3 shows that the select
newspapers were not much interested in placing stories on conflict and peace
issues as their front lead story and front-page other story. These are
important pages readers are believed to always read in any given newspaper.
Table 4
Content
Categories of Conflict and Peace Issue in selected Nigerian Newspapers
|
Content Category |
Daily Trust (Freq) (%) |
Punch (Freq) (%) |
|
Calamity/Killing |
10 (11.1%) |
8 (20%) |
|
Prevention |
5 (5.6%) |
6 (15%) |
|
Warning |
3 (3.3%) |
4 (10%) |
|
Govt. responsibility |
2 (2.2%) |
3 (7.5%) |
|
Call for Peace |
8 (8.9%) |
7 (17.5%) |
|
Threat Analysis |
4 (4.4%) |
5 (12.5%) |
|
Awareness Campaigns |
6 (6.7%) |
8 (20%) |
|
Dialogue Initiatives |
7 (7.8%) |
6 (15%) |
|
Conflict Resolution Efforts |
5 (5.6%) |
4 (10%) |
|
Humanitarian Efforts |
9 (10%) |
10 (25%) |
|
Peacebuilding Initiatives |
4 (4.4%) |
3 (7.5%) |
|
Security Updates |
2 (2.2%) |
2 (5%) |
|
Peace Negotiations |
3 (3.3%) |
4 (10%) |
|
Peaceful Coexistence Stories |
5 (5.6%) |
6 (15%) |
|
Conflict Escalation Reports |
2 (2.2%) |
3 (7.5%) |
|
Others |
6 (6.7%) |
5 (12.5%) |
|
Total |
90 (100%) |
40 (100%) |
Source:
Field Data (2023)
Table 4 provides an
overview of the distribution of content categories related to conflict and
peace issues in selected Nigerian newspapers, specifically comparing Daily
Trust and Punch. The table showcases the frequency and percentage of each
content category, shedding light on their emphasis and coverage patterns.
In terms of
"Calamity/Killing," Daily Trust covers this category with a frequency
of 10 articles, accounting for 11.1% of its coverage, while Punch allocates a
larger portion of its coverage to this category, with 8 articles, representing
20% of its focus. This suggests that Punch gives relatively more attention to
reporting incidents of calamity or killing.
"Prevention"
and "Warning" categories show similar trends, with Daily Trust
featuring 5.6% and 3.3% respectively, while Punch allocates 15% and 10% of its
content to these categories. This indicates that Punch highlights preventive
measures and warnings more prominently compared to Daily Trust. The "Call
for Peace" content category is notable in both newspapers, with Daily
Trust featuring 8.9% and Punch with 17.5%. This implies that both newspapers
actively participate in advocating for peace.
"Humanitarian
Efforts" is another significant category, with Daily Trust dedicating 10%
of its coverage to it, and Punch allocating a substantial 25%. This suggests
that Punch places greater emphasis on highlighting humanitarian actions.
"Security Updates" and "Conflict Resolution Efforts"
receive relatively low focus in both newspapers, with Daily Trust at 2.2% and
Punch at 5% for security updates, and both newspapers allocating around 5.6% of
their coverage to conflict resolution efforts. In general, Punch seems to
allocate more of its coverage to various content categories, especially
"Calamity/Killing," "Prevention," "Warning,"
"Call for Peace," "Threat Analysis," and "Awareness
Campaigns," compared to Daily Trust.
Discussion
of Findings
Findings from the
study showed that the two newspapers- Daily Trust, and The Punch, differed in
their coverage of the subjects and placement of stories on conflict and peace
issue. It can be deduced that Daily Trust, which is north-based and
predominantly reports about northern Nigeria, showed more commitment to the
coverage on conflict and peace issue even. The Punch newspaper on the other
hand operates from and mostly reports about southern Nigeria and paid lesser
attention to the coverage of conflict and peace issue. This is evident in the
frequency of their coverage.
The study discovered
that the coverage of conflict and peace stories by the two newspapers yielded
intriguing insights, as depicted in Table 3. Notably, the majority of stories,
a total of 88 issues, found their place on other pages. Daily Trust dedicated a
significant portion of its coverage, constituting 59%, to these stories, while
Punch covered 54% of such issues. The narratives positioned within the inside
front right/left pages attracted substantial attention, with Daily Trust
accounting for 27% and Punch for 22.6%. Notably, the front page lead stories
and other stories showcased the least coverage; however, diverging trends
emerged between the newspapers. Punch featured a higher coverage of 9.3% for
front page lead stories, whereas Daily Trust had a comparatively lower
percentage of 4.6%. The findings align with the study of Adeboya and Adebisi
(2021), who revealed that this pattern is consistent within the Nigerian media
landscape. Their research, titled "Media Representation of Conflict and
Peace Issues in Nigerian Newspapers," investigated the coverage of these
topics in major Nigerian newspapers. Their study similarly found that conflict
and peace issues often received limited visibility on front pages.
The study discovered
that Table 4 provides concise insights into the distribution of content categories
related to conflict and peace issues in selected Nigerian newspapers,
specifically Daily Trust and Punch. Notably, Punch allocates more coverage to
"Calamity/Killing," with 20% compared to Daily Trust's 11.1%. The
categories "Prevention" and "Warning" follow a similar
trend, with Punch emphasizing them more (15% and 10%) than Daily Trust (5.6%
and 3.3%). Both newspapers actively promote peace, as indicated by Punch's
17.5% and Daily Trust's 8.9% allocation for the "Call for Peace"
category. Remarkably, Punch places significant emphasis on "Humanitarian
Efforts," dedicating 25%, while Daily Trust allocates 10%. However,
"Security Updates" and "Conflict Resolution Efforts"
receive relatively less attention from both newspapers. These findings align with
the study of Muhammed and Ahmed (2022), which similarly highlighted the varying
coverage patterns of conflict and peace issues among Nigerian newspapers.
CONCLUSION
The study concludes
that the evaluation of Conflict and Peace Reportage in Nigeria Newspaper, with
a specific focus on Punch and Daily Trust, unveils distinct trends in their
reporting methodologies. These patterns reflect differentiated emphases on
various content categories, delineating the significant role editorial
decisions play in framing public perceptions and discussions. Notably, Punch
exhibits a heightened attention to topics such as "Calamity/Killing,"
"Prevention," and "Warning," while Daily Trust directs more
substantial focus towards the "Call for Peace" theme. This divergence
underscores the pivotal influence of editorial discretion on shaping the
public's comprehension of critical themes. The findings further underscore the
necessity for continuous inquiry into the factors driving these editorial
preferences and their wider implications for public discourse and societal
understanding.
Based on the findings
of the study, several recommendations can be proposed. Firstly, newspapers are
encouraged to increase coverage of conflict and peace-related topics,
potentially adhering to media guidelines that prescribe a specific number of
articles on these issues. This approach aims to enhance public awareness and
understanding of ongoing events. Secondly, journalists writing for newspapers
could benefit from specialized training in conflict and peace reporting to
improve the quality and in formativeness of their stories. Thirdly, newspapers
are advised to collaborate with experts in the field who possess knowledge
about conflicts and peace. This collaboration can contribute to the development
of more insightful and well-informed journalistic content. Additionally,
newspapers are urged to incorporate diverse perspectives by listening to the
opinions of experts, community leaders, and individuals with knowledge about
conflicts, ensuring a comprehensive portrayal of events. Lastly, alongside
addressing challenges, newspapers are encouraged to share stories highlighting
efforts to resolve conflicts and promote peace. This positive focus has the
potential to inspire readers and instil a sense of hope in the community.
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