Coverage of the implementation of the Federal Government Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) policy by two selected Nigerian newspapers

Abstract This study examined newspaper coverage of the implementation of Federal Government Integrated Payroll and personnel Information System (IPPIS) policy in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine the direction of newspaper coverage of the issue in Nigeria, ascertain the story type mostly used in the newspaper coverage and to find out the dominant theme used in the coverage. The study adopted content analysis research method. The study found that 53.4% items were negative in terms of the direction of the coverage. It was discovered that the coverage of the IPPIS policy in Nigeria was dominated by straight news items with fifty one (51%) percent, while features had 19% of the issues. Further findings revealed that the dominant theme used in the coverage were retrenchment of workers and looting of government or savings of cost for government theme. The study recommends that the media should set agenda on government policies, especially when such policy is novel and Nigerian newspapers should strive to emphasise in-depth and interpretative coverage of national issues through features, investigative reports, editorial and opinion articles. Key Words: Newspapers, Coverage, Implementation, IPPIS, Federal Government JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 14, No. 1, April 2022, pp. 34-42 © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). About the authors * Daniel Toochukwu Ezegwu, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State, Nigeria. His areas of research interest are: Development communication and Political communication. ** Mercy Ifeyinwa Obichili, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Alex Ekwueme University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Her research interest are; Journalism and media studies and Broadcasting. *** Theresa Ifiok Linus, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Her research interests are in area of public relations and advertising. **** Paulina Oyidu Omokapue is a Research fellow in the Department of Mass Communication, Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State, Nigeria. Her area of interest is broadcasting. Article Citation Ezegwu, D.T., Obichili, M.I., Linus, T.I. & Omokapue, P.O. (2022). Coverage of the implementation of the Federal Government Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) policy by two selected Nigerian newspapers. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 14 (1): 34 – 42. Full Article Words: 5,649 Pages: 9 To access full article, click on download.