Reportage of conflict and peace issues in two selected Nigerian newspapers, January to July 2019

Abstract This study investigated 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. 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. 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. Key Words: Conflict, Peace, Reportage, Nigerian Newspapers, Punch, Daily Trust. About the Authors Adamu Yusuf is with the Department of Mass Communication, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria ** Rahmatu Ahmad is with the Department of Mass Communication, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria *** Aleyomi Timileyin Paul is with the Department of Mass Communication, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 16, No. 2, October 2024, pp. 141-150 © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). Article Citation Yusuf, A., Ahmad, R. & Paul, A. T. (2024). Reportage of conflict and peace issues in two selected Nigerian newspapers, January to July 2019. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 16 (2): 141-150. Full Article Words: 5,590 Pages: 10 To access full article, click on download.