Digital public sphere and modern newspapers’ roles in countering disinformation in pre-2023 general elections in Nigeria

Abstract The paper reviewed and discussed issues surrounding the roles of newspapers in countering disinformation in Nigeria particularly ahead of the 2023 General Elections. The concepts of social media and disinformation are central to the discourse of the paper as they provide interconnected influence in spreading falsehood in the Nigerian information space. The paper also discussed the centrality of media, social media, and disinformation issues in Nigeria's political process. The prevalence of disinformation prompted many newspapers to initiate defensive mechanisms to engender factuality, accountability, and transparency to repel disinformation. Such initiatives include fact-checking and remodelled investigative reporting which are gradually lumping into one single activity. In this paper, Nigerian newspapers recognise the establishment of fact-check firms, desks, initiatives and fellowships for journalists as social responsibility roles to the Nigerian society. The paper argued that the newspapers that operate on the modern model have made a significant mark in repelling disinformation in the Nigerian media space. The paper concluded that concerted efforts are being made by Nigerian newspapers as part of their social responsibility role to promote reputable journalism, and factual information and repel disinformation. Key Words: Media, disinformation, Elections, Factcheck, Newspapers. About the Authors *Mohammed Alhaji Adamu is a lecturer and a doctoral candidate in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. His research interests include New Media and Development, ICT and Development, Journalism and Development. **Mohammed Auwal Umar is a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. His research interests include journalism, media and peacebuilding, broadcasting, development communication, media and society and communication technologies. JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 16, No. 2, October 2024, pp.105-114 © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). Article Citation Adamu, M. A. & Umar, M. A. (2024). Digital public sphere and modern newspapers’ roles in countering disinformation in pre-2023 general elections in Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 16 (2): 105-114. Full Article Words: 6,470 Pages: 10 To access full article, click on download.