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ONYEUKWU, GLADYS OLUCHI

ANALYSIS OF NEWSPAPER COVERAGE OF

TERRORISM IN NIGERIA, USING NEW NIGERIA,

TRIBUNE, CHAMPION AND GUARDIAN

NEWSPAPERS

ARTS

MASS COMMUNICATION

Okeke, chioma maryrose

Digitally Signed by: university of nigeria

DN : CN = okeke,chioma maryrose

O= University of Nigeria, Nsukka

OU = Innovation Centre

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ANALYSIS OF NEWSPAPER COVERAGE OF TERRORISM IN NIGERIA,

USING NEW NIGERIA, TRIBUNE, CHAMPION AND GUARDIAN

NEWSPAPERS


PG/MA/10/57078

DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION

UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

AUGUST 2012

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TITLE PAGE

ANALYSIS OF NEWSPAPER COVERAGE OF TERRORISM IN NIGERIA,

USING NEW NIGERIA, TRIBUNE, CHAMPION AND GUARDIAN

NEWSPAPERS


PG/MA/10/57078

A PROJECT PAPER PRESENTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTERS DEGREE IN MASS

COMMUNICATION, DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION,

UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

SUPERVISOR: PROF. IKE. S. NDOLO

AUGUST 2012

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CERTIFICATION

This research is an original work of Onyeukwu, Gladys Oluchi with registration number

PG/MA/10/57078. It satisfics the requirement for presentation of research report in the

Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

-------------------------- ----------------------------

Prof. Ike. S. Ndolo Dr. Okoro Nnanyelugo

[Project Supervisor] [Head of Department]

Date-------------- Date-------------

----------------------------------

External Examiner

Date---------------

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DEDICATION

First and foremost, I thank God for giving me the strength and the zeal to accomplish this

project. I dedicate this work to my beloved daughter, Isabel for standing strong during

this program even as I took her to school at such tender age (2 months old). I also

dedicate this work to my beloved husband and my amiable father.

This project work is also dedicated to all those who have been adversely affected as a

result of acts of terrorism.

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ACKNOWLEDMENTS

This project would not have been possible without the contributions from many scholars

in the field of journalism. I, therefore, wish to express my indebtedness, first and

foremost to the authors whose works I consulted to make this project a success.

My profound gratitude also goes to my supervisor, Prof. Ike. S. Ndolo for his

constructive criticisms that led to the success of this project.

I also owe a debt of gratitude to my hardworking and respected lecturers whose insights I

have duly benefited, from my undergraduate days till today. These are no other persons

than: Professor Charles Okigbo, Dr. Nnanyelugo Okoro, Dr. C. S. Akpan, Dr. Ray

Udeaja, L. I. Anorue, Dr. Greg Ezea, E.U Ohaja., Ekwueme, and Mike Ukonu.

To all my classmates and all those exceptional people, who in their various capacities

helped make the process and production of this project successful, especially, Ugo Ololo

and Mrs. Ikhiriko, for their positive ideas, my good friends, Anorue Uchenna, Chimezie,

Alex, for their support and contributions, you are highly appreciated.

My warm appreciations also go to my one in a million Father elder R. M. Onyeukwu,

who without his immense support especially in taking care of my baby; I wouldn‟t have

been able to complete this program. To my mother and siblings- Mrs. V. I. Onyeukwu,

Mrs. Chinasa Aligwekwe and others, I say thank you, and to my uncle Mr. Ejike Ugorji

for his support throughout the period of this work, I also say thank you, sir.

Finally, my high regards go to my lovely and ever friendly husband Collins Imoh and my

destined child- Amarachi Isabella Chifurumnanya. You have been supportive and the

pillar of my strength.

Thank you all and God bless.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page - - - - - - - - - - i

Dedication - - - - - - - - - - ii

Acknowledgement - - - - - - - - - iii

Table of contents - - - - - - - - - v

Abstract - - - - - - - - - - vii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study - - - - - - - 1

1.2 Statement of the problem - - - - - - - 4

1.3 Objectives of the study - - - - - - - 5

1.4 Research questions - - - - - - - 5

1.5. Significance of the study - - - - - - - 6

1.6 Definition of terms - - - - - - - - 6

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Focus of Review - - - - - - - - 9

2.2 Review Itself - - - - - - - - 9

2.3 Theoretical Framework - - - - - - - 18

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design - - - - - - - - 24

3.2 Population of the Study - - - - - - - 24

3.3 Sample size - - - - - - - - - 25

3.4 Sampling Techniques - - - - - - - 25

3.5 Research Instrument - - - - - - - 31

3.6 Validity of the Instrument - - - - - - - 32

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3.7 Reliability of the Instrument - - - - - - 32

3.8 Data Analysis and Presentation - - - - - - 33

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Description of the sample - - - - - - - 35

4.2 Data Presentation and Analysis - - - - - - 36

4.3 Discussion of findings - - - - - - - 53

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary of findings - - - - - - - 57

5.2 Conclusion - - - - - - - - - 57

5.3 Recommendations - - - - - - - - 58

BIBLIOGRAPHY - - - - - - - - - 59

Appendix - - - - - - - - - 61

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Abstract

The issue of terrorism has attracted global attention as a result of its enormous harm to

the socio-economic fabric of nations. Its effects go beyond the physical damage to include

psychological effects on the people. In Nigeria, many people have suffered acts of

terrorism, including the media. The Boko Haram group had earlier complained that the

media are under reporting their activities and therefore have sworn to launch mass

attack on the media (Daily Sun, 2012, p. 3). This study, therefore, sought to examine

newspaper coverage of terrorism in Nigeria with the aim of finding out the frame of

presentation used by some selected newspapers in the country. This study adopted

content analysis as its research design. The population of the study comprises of four

selected national dailies namely: The Guardian, Tribune, New Nigerian and Champion

newspapers, which were studied for a period of one year (April 2011 to April, 2012).

Using multistage and composite week sampling techniques, the study arrived at 384

editions of the newspapers to be studied. The Pearson r correlational statistical

technique was used to calculate for intercoder reliability. The study found that 57.0% of

the news stories reported on the pages of the selected newspapers condemned the act of

terrorism as perpetuated by the terrorists in the country. It was also found that 45.8% of

the news stories were reported on the front pages of the selected newspapers; indicating

high prominence given to the issue of terrorism in the country. The study concluded that

newspaper coverage of terrorism in the country have been impressive. It was, however,

recommended that the media should improve on its investigative journalistic role to see if

it would be possible to monitor the activities of these terrorists, in order to help government curb their actions.

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.2 Background of the study

Studies, in recent times, have shown that many nations both developed and

developing that had never considered terrorism as a serious social and political issues

have begun to do so. This is due to the fact that the issue of terrorism has attracted global

attention as a result of its enormous harm to the socio-economic fabric of a nation.

Terrorism, as an issue, is not really a new phenomenon but has recently begun to

constitute major threat to different states and the entire global order.

Lacquer (2003, p. 7) captures the attention that has been given to terrorism in

recent times when he noted that:

From time to time, following some spectacular attack, terrorism

would figure prominently in the media for a few days. There would

be deliberations on the highest level of government, committees

would be appointed and resolutions passed... In any case, terrorism

never threatens all countries in an equal measure, but this has

changed now as terrorism is bound to remain high on the list of

country‟s priorities.

Some people have tried to query the attention government of nations pay to this

issue of terrorism. It was even said that terrorism is a child of economic difficulty and

illiteracy. However, Alan and Malecková (2003, p. 119) were quick to resolve this issues

when they noted that “the most glaring misconception about terrorism is the assumption

that terrorists are underprivileged, uneducated individuals on the fringe of society.

Increasingly, empirical studies of terrorism have demonstrated that such a notion is

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flawed. Not only is there no empirical basis for this perception, but terrorism also appears

to be more of a desirable undertaking than a last resort for many individuals”.

There is no doubt that the act of terrorism spells doom to a nation. The effects go

beyond the physical damage to include diverse collateral consequences, part of which is

the psychological effects on the people. The psychological effects is increased when the

people feel they are not been carried along. Interestingly, major re-allocations of

resources occur to support the repair of physical and psychological damage, restore order

and alleviate fear, attempt to recreate a sense of normality, and to initiate protective

actions for the future, although many instituted after the terrorist act have emerged. The

general economic impact of terrorism is that it diverts resources and undermines

economic stability (Saul, 2002, p.18).

Nigeria is not left out in the target for terrorists‟ actions. As a country, she has

suffered series of conflicts. Bunmi (2011, p.5) observed that “the ethno-religious fracas in

parts of Jos, in Sept. 2001, July 2002, Nov. 2008 till date; acts of militancy in the Niger

Delta and most recently the attacks on innocent Nigerians that started in Maiduguri

(Borno State) and sporadically spread to other States in the North where the Boko Haram

adherents had pitched their tents, and the recent bombing of Abuja, are recent crises and

acts of terror this country faces”.

The Boko Haram sect which has pushed the country to a tight conner still

communicate treating messages to the government. During the 2009 uprising, their

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leader, Muhammad Yusuf, died in police custody. Since then, several arrests have been

made by the Nigerian security forces, yet the attacks are getting messy as the group are

demanding for the release of their members in Nigerian prisons. Recently, the media

house have had their own share of the attacks as ThisDay newspaper headquarters in

Abuja and the Daily Sun newspaper house in Kaduna were attacked by the sects. The

group had earlier complained that the media are under reporting their activities and

therefore have sworn to launch mass attack on the media (Daily Sun, 2012, p. 3).

The complain of the sect seems to have been a fallout from their knowledge of the

importance of the media in reporting events in the society. Stating the importance of the

media in terrorism report, Laqueur (1976, p.9) noted that “terrorists have learned that the

media are of paramount importance in their campaigns that the terrorist act by itself is

next to nothing, whereas publicity is all. But the media, constantly in need of diversity

and new angles, make fickle friends and so terrorists always have to be innovative. They

are, in some respects, the super-entertainers of our time”. Writing further, Miller (1982,

p.1) noted that terrorism “is the media‟s stepchild, a stepchild, which the media,

unfortunately, can neither completely ignore nor deny”.

In line with the relationship between the media and terrorism, this study sought to

examine newspaper coverage of terrorism in Nigeria with the aim of finding out the

frame of analysis and presentation used by selected newspapers in the country.

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1.2 Statement of the problem

The act of terror might not really have any effect without the coverage of the

media. Invariably, the mass media dramatically change, to some extent, the way and

manner most terrorist exhibit their act of terror. In other to attract media attention, in

most cases, terrorist identifies core areas of the fabric of the nation to perpetuate their evil

act. This might be to make sure their actions do not escape the pages of the newspaper‟s

account of the day‟s event(s). This is the only way their actions can be made known to a

vast majority of the public.

However, the way these events of terror are reported by the media might have lots

of implications attached to it. It can create more fear in the minds of the people,

encourage the terrorists to commit more acts of terror, hinder economic development,

create negative image for the government, and prevent foreign investment. The list of

implications might be more than what has been mentioned.

This study, therefore, sought to examine newspaper coverage of terrorism in

Nigeria with the aim of finding out the frame of analysis and presentation used by

selected newspapers in the country.

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1.3 Objectives of the study

Primary objective

The main crux of this study is to examine newspaper coverage of terrorism in

Nigeria with the aim of finding out the frame of analysis and presentation used by some

selected newspapers in the country.

Specific objectives

Other specific objectives includes to:

1. Identify the direction of newspaper coverage of terrorism in Nigeria.

2. Examine the level of prominence given to the news stories on terrorism in the

country.

3. Find out the depth of newspaper coverage of the issues of terrorism in Nigeria.

4. Find out the economic implication of newspaper coverage of terrorism.

5. Identify how government responded to the news of terrorism in the country.

1.5 Research questions

This study was guided by the following research questions:

1. What is the direction of newspaper coverage of terrorism in Nigeria?

2. What is the level of prominence given to the news stories on terrorism in the

country?

3. What is the depth of newspaper coverage of the issues of terrorism in Nigeria?

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4. What is the economic implication of newspaper coverage of terrorism in the

country?

5. How did government respond to the news of terrorism in the country?

1.5. Significance of the study

Professionally, this work will help to know how the media has effectively covered

the activities of terrorists in Nigeria, the economic implications, and how government

responds to news of terrorism in the country. Academically, this study will also serve as

an empirical data for future researchers who may wish to carry out a further investigation

on the activities of terrorists in Nigeria.

1.6 Definition of terms

Terrorism: Terrorism is the use of force against people and/or property by an individual

or group to create intense, overpowering fear.

Mass media: A paper printed daily or weekly, containing news.

Coverage: Reporting of news in the media.

New Nigerian: It is a daily newspaper which represents the northern part of the

country and published in Nigeria.

Tribune: It is a daily newspaper which represents the southwest part of the country

and published in Nigeria.

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The Guardian: This is a Nigerian daily newspaper which represents the south-south

part of the country.

The Champion: This is a Nigerian newspaper which represents the south-east part of

the country.

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References

Adeoye, M. (2003). Aviation security and terrorism: An overview of Nigerian

experience. Terrorism Watch, Vol. 6, No.1, pp. 12-15

Agwu, F. A. (2004).The Al-Qaeda scare and Africa capacity for the discharge of its anti-terrorism obligations. UNILAG: Journal of Politics, Vol. 1(1), 5-37.

Alan, K. & Malečková, J. (2003). Education, poverty, and terrorism: Is there a causal

Connection? The Journal of Economic Perspectives. Vol17, No.4 pp. 119-144.

Arinze, F. (1991). Situations of inter-religious misunderstanding. Enugu: Bigard Jubilee

Publication.

Bunmi, O. (2011). Boko Haram movement and its deadly impact. Retrieved September

10, from http://www.masterweb.com/article-menewswire.htm

Daily Sun, (2012). Boko Haram denies dialogue with FG. August 23, Vol.7

Lacquer, W. (2003). No end to war: Terrorism in the twenty-first century. London: Continuum publishers.

Miller, A. (1982). Terrorism, the media and the law enforcement: An introduction and

overview. In Miller, A. (ed.). In terrorism, the media and law. New York: Transnational publishers

Saul, W. (2002). The essence of terrorism: Using information, education, and

communication as weapons of prevention and defense. Retrieved September 10,

from http://www.intlhorizons.com/article-menewswire.htm

http://www.masterweb.com/article-menewswire.htm

http://www.intlhorizons.com/article-menewswire.htm

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CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Focus of Review

Several works have been done on terrorism; hence, this research work is entirely

not ground breaking. This chapter basically reviews some of the related research work on

this subject with a view to knowing the state of knowledge in the area and sharpening the

focus of this research.

2.2 Review Itself

The Mass Media and Strategic Communication against Terrorism

In a study conducted by Alex Umuerri and John Danladi Galadima in 2012,

entitled “Mass Media, Development of National Security and Strategic Communication

Against Terrorism” it was revealed that “the mass media can be used for strategic

communication against terrorism. On the grounds that strategic communication is the

structure upon which media contents strives” (Umuerri & Galadima, 2012, p. 15).

The researchers argued that “in Nigeria, the mass media carry out their

conventional functions of informing, educating and entertaining the people through news

items, articles, editorial, etcetera. While this approach remains acceptable in reporting the

events, it has become seemingly difficult to rely wholeheartedly on this pattern especially

on this vexed issue of terrorists acts in Nigeria” (Umuerri & Galadima, 2012, p. 15).

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They argued that the conventional reporting is not enough to communicate

terrorism and fight its menace to the society. Because of this, a better form of

communication is required to address the issue of terrorism in the country. They noted

that “terrorism reporting is seen as part of the media‟s routine schedule of reporting. This

calls for a serious re-examination if the mass media are to make any appreciable impact

in the fight against terrorism. There is therefore need to have closely –knit, well

established English and vernacular newspapers which would be privately owned and

government owned in all the states of the federation so that their effects will be felt in the

reportage of terrorism. This is necessary because some of the terrorists have been

identified as locals of the different communities. Also, community radio stations should

be used” (Umuerri & Galadima, 2012, p.16).

Umuerri and Galadima (2012, p. 18) conclude that “a restructured and

strengthened media with a local bias, with viable publications and broadcast outfits

should make appreciable inroads in curtailing terrorism”.

Similarly, Sunny Mbazie and Florence Nnah (2012) conducted a study entitled

“Media Responsibilities in the Era of Bomb Blast Terrorism”, where they noted some of

the challenges of reporting terrorism. In their words, Mbazie and Nnah (2012, p. 28)

noted that “reporting bomb blasts is not easy, particularly when it just happened. For

instance, the victims are in pains and shock and, therefore, unwilling to talk. Health

officials may not help matters either. Witnesses are scared to the marrow to grant

interviews. Security agents and public officials do not want to see journalists around and

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therefore, unwilling to reveal, confirm or debunk any piece of information until a later

time or at their pleasure. This is not good for media deadline”. Although, it is the duty of

the journalists to persevere and strive to obtain information at all cost, this type of

challenges seriously affect the way the media report issues of terrorism in the country.

They concluded that “the media should respect the journalism cannon of truth,

objectivity, balance. Fairness as well as the verification of information and avoid dead

pan journalism in the coverage of bomb blasts. They should respect their ethnics and

apply the freedom of information act more than ever. Other tools of engagement such as

surveillance interpretation and investigation should be properly employed and harnessed

to generate strong public opinion capable of helping the government to resolve the issue”

Mbazie and Nnah (2012, p. 31).

Another study of interest was that conducted by Regina Acholonu in 2012 entitled

“Terrorism and Mass Media Public Information Role”, which concluded that “the

Nigerian mass media are relevant as stakeholders in the process of any social, political or

religious transformation. They dictate the direction of societal shifts. They are so relevant

that they influence every aspect of human existence and therefore whoever controls the

media gains the influence. The government should take very seriously the formed

postulations of the media on national issues. The media should not be deterred but

should continue to prorogate against terrorism and such other vices”. Acholonu (2012, p.

79) discussed ways the mass media could help in arresting terrorism in the country,

which include:

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Being a powerful tool of socialization and attitudinal

change, the mass media should take the lead in the campaign

against terrorism. This they could achieve through educating and

enlightening the citizenry about the evils of terrorism.

The mass media should regularly carry terrorism awareness

campaigns as part of their social responsibility to the society. The

awareness messages should be carried in various programmes

broadcast in local languages. The media through this means are

sure to reach classes of people.

Information powerful and valuable. The mass media should

make available to the public relevant information on impending

danger without delay. This will mitigate the adverse effect of

terrorism on human and the environment by creating sharp

reduction of damage to human lives and property. Government

should ensure that the mass media especially the electronic media

are sufficiently funded for them to make variable relevant

information to the people at the appropriate time.

Rethinking Mass Media reportage of Terrorism in Nigeria

Anthony Chinedu Ekwueme and Church Akpan in 2011 conducted a study entitled

“Mass Media and Boko Haram Insurrection: A Call for Reportorial Paradigm Shift”. The

researchers noted that the coverage of terrorism in Nigeria do not differ from the

conventional way of reporting that the media are used to. They noted that the coverage

the media “gave did not differ in any respect despite the serious nature of the bombings

and the shootings. It all the usual he said, she, eye-witnesses-said; top-official-who-would

–not-want-his-name-in-print said; a –usually-reliable source confirmed, etc. none of the

reports went further to give more than quotes from those in authority, the victims and

sometimes, some security operatives. What the audience gets from the mostly straight

news stories were these largely second-hand reports that hardly give insights into the real

issues at stake” (Ekwueme & Akpan, 2011, p. 66).

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The reporters argued that the fear of being bias simply made the reporters neutral

about their reports, thereby keeping tangible information away from the people. They

pointed out that “the reporters who should have given the grave consequences of these

killing sprees, abandoned the traditional method of reporting and go behind the scene and

come up with concrete information on these negative activities of the group and

authoritatively educate the populace sadly failed to do so. Even those of them who had

facts clandestinely obtained, refused to come up with them if they had no one they could

quote as the source of such information for a unfounded fear of being labeled subjective

or biased” (Ekwueme & Akpan, 2011, p. 66).

The researchers noted that a rethinking of the reportage of terrorism would have

encouraged “reporters, like others, elsewhere in the world, should have boldly taken sides

as far as they are convinced that they are stating the truth and at the same time serving the

interest of the country as earlier exemplified with operation matador” (Ekwueme &

Akpan, 2011, p. 66).

Ekwueme and Akpan (2011, p. 66-67) noted that “like reporting the Nazi‟s

Holocaust, there is nothing to be neutral about in reporting the Boko Haram‟s mind

boggling bloodletting. Nobody should be neutral when non- combatants are ruthlessly

butchered by Boko Haram bombs and bullets. In fact, the reporters should consider it a

patriotic duty to report the killings subjectively even if truthfully because of what the

terrible consequences of the continued activities of the sect portend for the country.

Though investigations reveal the group‟s grouse against the government and people of

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Nigeria, it does not in any way justify the large-scale bombings and killings the sect

embarks upon”. The researchers concluded in the re-echoing words of Seymour Topping,

Former Director of Editorial Development for The New York Times and president of the

American Society of Newspaper Editors, by stating that:

There is an agreement in our profession that the press has

furnished enough facts. The question at issue is whether the press

has provided the understanding of what those facts mean to enable

the citizenry to cope with the problems confronting them

(Ekwueme & Akpan, 2011, p. 67).

The issue at stake is whether the press has provided enough interpretation of the

fact which they have presented. If not, then there role in reporting terrorism in the

country should be reexamined to reflect the desirable.

In another study titled “Global Terrorism: Fighting the Media Way” conducted by

Ofomegbe Daniel Ekhareafo and Oritsesan Wilfred Olly. The researchers concluded that

“the media have a pivotal role to play in eradicating or curbing the growing tide of

terrorism in Africa and the world. The mass media should discharge their social

responsibility role as they are morally obligate to work alongside the government and law

enforcement agencies to provide lasting and working solutions that will best counter acts

of terrorism. This the media can do by providing platforms to various individuals and

groups who can air their views about their beliefs and requirements in a productive

environment. Issues can therefore be sorted out among various parities and groups

naturally on a conductive platform”.

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Reportage of Terrorism in Nigeria

In a study conducted by Aniefiok Udoudo, Nuwa Diriyai in 2012 titled “Reportage of

Terrorism in Nigeria”, it was reviewed that “terrorism poses a challenge to media”. The

researchers therefore recommended as follows:

Media collaboration with security agencies on exchange of intelligence is

necessary.

Security/safety training for media workers deserves serious consideration.

Media workers need adequate insurance cover.

There is need for better remuneration for journalists in the country to motivate

them to take safe risks

The mass media should be more involved and proactive in the investigation and

reportage of terrorism in the country. This involvement would lead to adopting a

workable editorial policy aimed at reporting terrorism in the country. It would also

make the mass media devote specific space and air time to issues relating to

terrorism.

The mass media should examine the activities of their clients so as to check

against supporting sponsors of terrorism in the country.

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Government and its agencies should be sincere enough to eschew all manners of

direct or indirectly sponsorship of terrorism in order not to provide excuses for

mischief makers.

Nigerian people should be provided with incentives to volunteer information on

terrorist acts to journalists/government.

Proper management of information by both security agents and journalists is vital.

Similarly, in study conducted by Danladi John Galadima, Ebenezer Oludayo

Soola, in 2012 titled “The press and Group Identity Politics in Nigeria: A Study of

Newspaper Framing of the 2003 and 2007 Presidential Elections”. The main aim was to

find out how Nigerian newspapers framed the campaign activities of the presidential

candidates in the 2003 and 2007 elections and to identify the types of frames that

dominated the coverage of these elections.

The researchers recommended that “Editors, especially those in charge of political

news coverage, should be trained in the principles and practice of democratic governance

in a multi-cultural society. The editors need reorientation in the art of news gathering in a

democratic setting. The aim of the training should be to beef up their knowledge of the

differences between the rules that guide democratic system of government and those that

propel certain group interest in politics. Group identity politics in plural Societies are

taken as given because such societies have devised different management measures to

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accommodate the interest of all groups, in Nigeria. Such measures include federal

character principles, quota system and zoning formula” (Galadima, & Soola, 2012, p.21).

In a study conducted by Nsikan Senam in 2012 titled “Crime Reportage by Akwa

Ibom State-Based Newspapers”. The study which sought to:

(i) Ascertain the frequency of crime reporting by newspapers in Akwa-Ibom State.

(ii) Find out whether newspapers in Akwa-Ibom State accord prominence to crime

reporting.

(iii) Ascertain the challenges that reporters of Akwa-Ibom State-based newspapers

face in reporting crime.

(iv) Examine the kinds of crime mainly reported by newspapers in Akwa-Ibom

state.

The researcher found that “the frequency of crime reporting in Akwa Ibom State

in 2010 was approximately 210. This was about 39% of 544 - the frequency of crime

available at the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Uyo. The frequency of crime

reporting in Akwa Iborn State was low, given the facts that: it was not all the crimes that

got to the police; not all the crimes were reported as Global Concord of 10th August,

2011 has approximated the number of kidnap cases in recent times in Akwa Ibom State to

be 300. Thomas (2010, p. 16) puts it that‟…the state has recorded twenty five

assassinations, ten attempted assassinations, one hundred and eighty-five kidnapping

incidents, twenty attempted kidnapping incidents, countless number of armed robbery

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cases, etc...”” It was also found that newspapers in Akwa Ibom State do not give

prominence to crime reporting

The researcher concluded that “newspapers are supposed to play the watchdog

role in every society. By this, they should expose crime in a bid to deter further crimes in

the society. Newspapers in Akwa Ibom state are well aware of this role, although the

level of crime reporting in Akwa Ibom State is not commendable. It must, however, be

understood that crime reporting is a very risky, journalism beat. Besides there are many

challenges facing crime reporting in Akwa Ibom State” (Nsikan, 2012 p.236).

2.3 Theoretical Framework

This study is anchored on two theories of mass communication namely; agenda-

setting theory and framing theory.

Agenda-Setting Theory

Izuogu (2009, p. I) cited in Anorue, Obayi, Onyebuchi, Odemelam, Ekwe (2012,

p.149) noted that “agenda- setting theory refers to the media‟s capacity to cause an issue

to be elevated in importance in the mind of the public through repeated focus or

coverage”. This statement was supported by Anyadike (2009, p. 37), who opined that

“the basic principle in the agenda-setting theory is the ability of the mass media to

restructure the audience thinking and perception of events”. Izuogu (2009, p. 3) observes

that;

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Considerable evidence has accumulated that editors and

broadcasters play an important part in shaping our social reality as

they go about their day-to-day task of choosing and displaying

news… In short, the mass media may not be successful in telling

us what to think but they are stunningly successful in telling us

what to think about.

From the aforementioned statements, it is obvious that the media through its

news selection establish not only issues of public importance, but also determine how

much importance to attach to a given issue. The media do this through the reports they

present for public consumption. Anorue, et al. (2012, p.149) noted that “Walter

Lippmann, an American columnist for the New York Times and a strong supporter of

Harold Lasswell, writing about agenda-setting function of the media in his famous

article Public Opinion (1992) argued that the people do not deal directly with their

environments as well as they respond to „pictures‟ in their heads. Lippmann (1922: 16)

as cited in Baran and Davis (2006: 316) notes that:

For the real environment is altogether too big, too complex, and

too fleeting for direct acquaintance. We are not equipped to deal

with so much subtlety, so much variety, so many permutations and

combinations. And although we have to act in that environment,

we have to reconstruct it on a simplier model before we can

manage with it. But average people just can‟t be trusted to make

important political decisions based on these simplified pictures.

Average people have to be protected, and the important decisions

have to be made by technocrats who use better models to guide

their actions.

The idea of agenda setting which was made popular by Cohen‟s further

researched in media coverage and Mccombs and Shaw further studies, has it that “in

choosing and displaying news, editors, newsroom staff, and broadcasters play an

important part in shaping political reality. Readers learn only not about a given issue,

20

but how much importance to attach to that issue from the amount of information in a

news story and its position… The mass media may well determine the important issues

of society” (McCombs and Shaw, 1972, p. 176 as cited in Baran and Davis, 2006, p.

317).

The relevance of this theory to this study is that the media of communication

help the formation of perception in the minds of the people. The media may cover

issues that bother on terrorism in the society. But the way the people would see the

event, especially those who are not present will depend entirely on the media

presentation. This means that the media play a major role in shaping ideas in peoples

mind.

Framing Theory

Scheufele (2000: 309) cited in Anorue, et al. (2012, p.149) noted that “framing

is based on the concept of prospect theory; that is, on the assumptions that subtle

changes in the wordings of the description of a situation might affect how audience

members interpret that situation. In order words, the choice of words and sentences

used in reporting a story may influence how audiences think about the issue, not by

making aspect of the issue more salient, but by invoking interpretive schemas that

influence the interpretation of incoming information”.

Writing on framing theory, McCombs, Llamas, Lopez-Escober and Rey (1997,

p. 704) cited in Baran and Davis (2006, p. 320- 321) observed that “framing is the

21

second level of agenda-setting. Both the selection of objects for attention and the

selection of attributes for thinking about these objects are powerful agenda-setting

roles”. This is a pointer to the fact that the way the media packages an event has a

tremendous influence in the way the audience would perceive such information.

This theory is relevant to this study because it explains how media reportage of an

event contributes in shaping the perception of the people. Invariably, as journalists

harmlessly go about their day-to-day activities, reporting events within the social

system, their choice of words and the sentences constructed and the logical presentation

of ideas, affect the understanding and interpretation of the news story. Therefore, the

way the media cover events of terrorism in the society, the pictures they gather and

present, the logical account of the event that transpired has some worth influence on the

readers of the newspapers.

22

References

Acholonu, R. (2012). Terrorism and mass media public information role. In Wilson, D.

(ed.), The media, terrorism and political communication in Nigeria. Uyo: BSM

Resources Nig. Ltd.

Anorue, L. I, Obayi, P. M., Onyebuchi, C. A., Odemelam, C.C., Ekwe, O. C. (2012). The

polemics of deregulation of the downstream sector in Nigeria: A journalist‟s

perspective. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science. Vol. 2, No. 21, pp 145-154

Apooyin, A. (2012). Mass media: Major weapon in the prevention of terrorism and

violence in sports. In Wilson, D. (ed.), The media, terrorism and political communication in Nigeria. Uyo: BSM Resources Nig. Ltd.

Baran, S. & Davis, D. (2006). Mass communication theory: Foundations, ferment and future. (4

th edition). Belmont, CA: Thamson Wadsworth

Ekhareafo, O. D. & Olley, O.W. (2012). Global terrorism: Fighting the media way. In

Wilson, D. (ed.), The media, terrorism and political communication in Nigeria.

Uyo: BSM Resources Nig. Ltd.

Ekwueme, A.C. & Akpan, C. (2012). Mass media and boko haram insurrection: A call

for reportorial paradigm shift. In Wilson, D. (ed.), The media, terrorism and political communication in Nigeria. Uyo: BSM Resources Nig. Ltd.

Galadima, D.J. & Soola, E.O. (2012). The press and group identity politics in Nigeria: A

study of newspaper framing of the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections. The Nigeria Journal of Communication. Vol. 10, No. 1, pp.1-27.

Mbazie, S. & Nnah, F. (2012). Media responsibilities in the era of bomb blast terrorism.

In Wilson, D. (ed.), The media, terrorism and political communication in Nigeria. Uyo: BSM Resources Nig. Ltd.

McQuail, D. (1987). Mass communication theory: An introduction. Beverly Hills CA:

Sage Publications.

Ojobor, I. J. (2002). Mass communication theories. In Okunna, C. S. (Ed.), Teaching

mass communication: A multi-dimensional approach. Enugu: New Generation Books.

Senam, N. (2012). Crime reportage by Akwa Ibom State-based newspapers. The Nigeria Journal of Communication. Vol. 10, No. 1, pp.222-238.

Udoudo, A. & Diriyai N. (2012). Reportage of terrorism in Nigeria. The Nigeria Journal

of Communication. Vol. 10, No. 1, pp.77-95.

23

Umuerri, A. & Galadima, J.D. (2012). Mass media, development of national security and

strategic communication against terrorism. In Wilson, D. (ed.), The media, terrorism and political communication in Nigeria. Uyo: BSM Resources Nig. Ltd.

24

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design

This study adopted content analysis as its research design. According to Wimmer

and Dominick (2011, p. 157), “the goal of content analysis is an accurate representation

of a body of messages”. Supporting this statement, Ohaja (2003, p. 14) writes that

“content analysis refers to the examination of the manifest content of communication to

discover the patterns existing therein. Such manifest content could be advertisements,

news stories, features, opinion articles, editorials, letter-to-the-editor, cartoons,

photographs and other illustrations in a newspaper or magazine”. This informed the use

of content analysis in determining the nature of newspaper coverage of the terrorist

activities in Nigeria using selected newspapers.

3.2 Population of the Study

The population of this study comprises of all the registered newspapers in Nigeria

within the stipulated period under investigation. By newspapers in Nigeria, the study

looks at the national dailies that are in the business of informing, educating, entertaining

etc. of the people. However, for the purpose of this study, the population is limited to the

four selected national dailies namely: The Guardian, Tribune, New Nigerian and

Champion newspapers. These newspapers studied for a period of one year (April 2011 to

April, 2012).

25

3.3 Sample size

The sample size for this study is therefore 384 editions of the selected newspapers.

Ohaja (2003, p. 74) agrees that “selecting a sample size is very important considering the

impracticability of studying the entire population...” In determining the sample size for

this study, the multistage sampling technique was employed. The procedure for arriving

at a sample size is stipulated in the sampling techniques below.

3.4 Sampling Techniques

Wimmer and Dominick (2011, p. 162) note that “most content analysis in mass

media involves multistage sampling”. Therefore, the sampling was done in three stages.

Stage 1:

Considering the fact that the population of this study deals with all registered

newspapers in the country, four national newspapers were chosen for this purpose. They

are The Guardian, Tribune, Champion and New Nigerian. These newspapers were

selected because they have national coverage and deeper circulation and as such have

wider patronage by the elites. Most national issues are carried by these newspapers,

including issues that bother on terrorism.

Stage 2:

These newspapers were studied for a period of one year (April 2011 to April,

2012), which was the major periods when terrorism issue was at its peak. In determining

26

the sampling frame, therefore, the composite week procedure was adopted. Riffe, Aust

and Lacy (1993) as cited in Wimmer and Dominick (2011, p. 163) demonstrated that “a

composite week sampling technique was superior to both a random sample and a

consecutive day sample when dealing with newspaper and magazine contents”.

Therefore, the editions of newspapers for the year under investigation was grouped

according to the days of the week and each of the editions within the days of the week

were selected at random. The results are presented in the table below:

Table 1: Week 1

Newspapers April/week 1

Days of the

week

M/day Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

New Nigerian 4 7

Tribune 4 7

Champion 4 7

Guardian 4 7

Therefore, eight (8) editions of the newspapers were studied for week one i.e. 4th

and 7th

of April 2011. This was selected for all the selected newspapers.

Table 2: Week 2


Days of the

week


New Nigerian 11 13

Tribune 11 13

Champion 11 13

Guardian 11 13

27

Table 3: Week 3


Days of the

week


New Nigerian 19 22

Tribune 19 22

Champion 19 22

Guardian 19 22

Table 4: Week 4


Days of the

week


New Nigerian 25 30

Tribune 25 30

Champion 25 30

Guardian 25 30

As stated earlier, two (2) editions of a particular newspaper were selected per

week and the dates selected were applied to the other newspapers. This means that eight

(8) editions of the newspapers were studied for week one. In all, 32 editions of

newspapers were studied in a month, resulting to 8 editions per week. The composite

sample was designed in such a way that the editions were randomly selected. Therefore

32 editions of newspapers multiply by 12 months = 384 editions, which were studied.

Ninety-six (96) editions for each of the newspapers were studied.

28

Table 5: Week 5

Months Jan Feb. Mar. April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct Nov Dec Total

New Nigerian

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 96

Tribune 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 96

Champion 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 96

Guardian 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 96

Total 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 384

Stage 3:

For each edition of the newspapers sampled, the researcher looked at the

following:

Unit of analysis

The unit of analysis in this study, which Wimmer and Dominick (2011, p. 164)

argued “might be a single word or symbol, a theme… or an entire article or story” was

News stories.

Content categories

The content categories for this study, on the other hand, which Wimmer and

Dominick (2011, p. 164) opined “varies with the topic under study” include:

29

1. Direction of coverage (Angle of coverage)

This content category sought to find out the direction most of the reports on

terrorism took. It would look at whether the news stories tried to provide excuses for the

act of terror committed by the terrorists (positive) or whether it condemned the actions of

the terrorists (negative). It equally looked at whether the news at it was reported was just

straight to the point without really condemning or supporting the actions of the terrorists

(neutral).

2. Placement (Prominence)

This content category sought to find out the level of prominence that was given to

news events that were terrorism inclined. It sought to find out whether the newspapers in

the country (especially the selected ones) saw the events as important to human interest.

3. Length of Coverage (in-depth)

This content category sought to find out the depth of coverage given to the news

stories that were reported by the selected newspapers. This, to some extent will also help

to show the type of depth and extend report given to events on terrorism in the country.

4. Economic Implication of Coverage

This content category helped analysed the frame of newspaper reportage of the

economic lose: To know whether the report was on monetary terms or just a mere

mention of the loss of property, plus other economic issues arising as a result of the

terrorist act.

30

5. Government Reaction (indicating government readiness)

This content category sought to find out how newspaper coverage of terrorism in

Nigeria reported the way government responded when they noticed that there was an act

of terrorism committed somewhere in the country. It aimed to find out whether

government responded on time to save the loss of lives and properties. This was made

manifest by statements like “as at press time, government agencies were on ground to

help victims”.

Content categories with their variables (or what other sources would call units) of

analysis

1. Direction of coverage (Angle of coverage)

i. Positive

ii. Negative

iii. Neutral

2. Placement (Prominence)

i. Front page

ii. Back page

iii. Centre spread

iv. Inside page

31

3. Length of Coverage (in-depth)

i. 1-5 inches

ii. 6-10 inches

iii. 11-15 inches

iv. 16 inches and above

4. Economic Implication of Coverage

i. Amount of money lost (in monetary terms)

ii. Infrastructure affected (structural effect)

iii. Foreign investment affected (image affected i.e. if mentioned)

iv. Economic activities affected (movement of goods and services, and humans)

5. Government Response (indicating government readiness)

i. Swift government response

ii. Delayed response

iii. Neutral

3.5 Research Instrument

The research instrument for this study was code sheet. The code sheet as well as

coding guide was designed to aid the ascribing of numerical figures to manifest contents.

The researcher employed the service of one trained coder, which made the coders two

(the researcher and the trained coder). The trained coder was a postgraduate student of

32

Mass Communication Department, who was already at home with the rudiments of

content coding, but was instructed on the main ideas of the study and what the researcher

intend to code. The newspaper materials that were coded were gotten from librarians in

Enugu national library and national library Lagos. They provided the list of all the

editions randomly selected from the composite week techniques and within the space of

one month, the materials were ready.

3.6 Validity of the Instrument

The validity of the instrument was done using face validity technique. The

instrument was given to two communication scholars who are senior lecturers in the

Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. First it was tested if

the code sheet was related to the topic under consideration and whether they actually

address the research questions raised in the study. It was also tested for clarity and

ambiguity.

3.7 Reliability of the Instrument

In checking for the reliability of the study instrument, the researcher conducted an

intercoder reliability of the whole sampled editions of the news stories. This was

informed by the fact that the researcher and the trained coder engaged in series of pre-

training sections for one week and two hours per day, where copies of the editions were

constantly reviewed in line with the content categories stipulated. Supporting this

approach, Wimmer and Dominick (2011, p. 175) noted that it is important to state

33

“whether the reliability sample is the same as the full sample or a subset of the full

sample”. In this case, the researcher conducted a reliability sample of the full sample. The

calculation is presented in chapter four of the study because it is a calculation done on the

full sample, which was analysed in chapter four.

The formula used to calculate the intercoder reliability was the Pearson r

correlational statistical technique. This formula was employed because it enabled the

calculation of reliability between two coders, and since the coding system was done by

two coders, the researcher used the formula.

The intercoder reliability was calculated alongside the analysis of data. (See

chapter four for the intercoder reliability of each of the content categories.)

3.8 Data Analysis and Presentation

Considering the research method adopted, data collected were analysed

quantitatively, using simple frequency distribution table, percentages and numbers to

address research questions raised.

34

References

Ohaja, E. U. (2003). Mass communication research and project report writing. Lagos:

Johnletterman Ltd

Wimmer, R. & Dominick, J. (2011). Mass media research: An introduction. Wadsworth:

Cengage Learning.

35

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Description of the sample

This study was designed to examine newspaper coverage of terrorism in Nigeria.

The period covered was April 2011 to April 2012. All the data analysed were collected

from the four national newspapers namely, New Nigerian, Tribune, Champion and The

Guardian newspapers.

Table 6: The sampled days/editions:

Newspapers Week Month Year

New Nigerian 2 per week 8 per month 96

Tribune 2 per week 8 per month 96

Champion 2 per week 8 per month 96

The Guardian 2 per week 8 per month 96

Total 8 32 384

Therefore, 96 newspapers were selected from each of the newspapers, making a

total of 32 editions per month and 384 editions for one year. All the news stories

published in the sampled newspapers from April 2011 to April 2012 that borders on

terrorism were read, categorised and analyzed.

These categories were carefully studies to determine how newspapers cover the

issue of terrorism in Nigeria, the direction of coverage, prominence given to the issue,

length of coverage (in-depth), economic implication of coverage, government reaction

36

(indicating government readiness) and government powerlessness (reference made to

previous incidence) were taken into cognisance.

4.2 Data Presentation and Analysis

However, the data gathered were put in tables to facilitate easy understanding.

These tables comprises of data from all the news from the newspapers identified for the

study. This formed the basis of analysis which directly addressed the research questions.

Research Question 1: What is the direction of newspaper coverage of terrorism

in Nigeria?

This research question sought to find out the direction most of the reports on

terrorism took. It would look at whether the news stories tried to provide excuses for the

act of terror committed by the terrorists (positive) or whether it condemned the actions of

the terrorists (negative). It equally looked at whether the news as it was reported was just

straight to the point without really condemning or supporting the actions of the terrorists

(neutral).

Table 7: Coder 1 (Master coder)

Unit of

analysis

News stories

Newspapers New

Nigerian

Tribune Champion Guardian Total Frequency

Content

category

Direction of coverage

Positive (01) 103 88 101 111 403 28.1%

Negative (02) 212 169 234 202 817 57.0%

Neutral (03) 43 58 64 48 213 14.9%

Total 357 315 397 351 1433 100%

37

Table 8: Coder 2 (Trained coder)

Unit of

analysis

News stories

Newspapers New

Nigerian


Content

category

Direction of coverage

Positive (01) 103 88 99 111 401 28.1%

Negative (02) 212 169 234 201 816 57.1%

Neutral (03) 43 58 63 48 212 14.8%

Total 357 315 397 351 1429 100%

Difference: There was little difference in Champion newspaper under positive as the

researcher coded 101, while the trained coder coded 99 with difference of 2. In Guardian,

under negative, the researcher coded 202 while the trained coder coded 201 with

difference of 1. Again, Champion newspaper, under neutral, the researcher coded 64,

while the trained coder coded 63 with difference of 1. Due to the little difference, the

analysis here would be based on that of the master coder, with intercoder reliability

provided for the two coders.

Table 9: Intercoder reliability

Unit of analysis News stories

Content category Direction of coverage

No. of scaled measurement Coder 1 Coder 2

N X X2

Y Y2 XY

Positive (01) 403 162409 401 160801 161603

Negative (02) 817 667489 816 665856 666672

Neutral (03) 213 45369 212 44944 45156

Total 1433 875267 1429 871601 873431

38

From the table above:

N = 3, ∑X = 1433, ∑Y = 1429, ∑XY = 873431

∑ X2 = 875267, ∑ Y

2 = 871601 (∑X)

2 = 2053489, (∑Y)

2 = 2042041

Computation:

2042041873431320534894318733

142914338734313

2042041262029320534892620293

20477572620293

4.7609.752

572536

578252566804

572535

= 16.572505

572536

= 1.0

In the test of reliability using correlational coefficient, Osuala (2005: 149) opined

that “high reliability is indicated by a high correlation coefficient. It is difficult to say

how high the correlation should be before accepting the measure as reliable but for most

measures the correlation would probably be at least + 0.80”. Since the test result shows a

39

correlation coefficient of 1.0, it means that the intercoder reliability between the two

coders is perfect (very high). Since intercoder reliability can not be more than one (1), it

means that the reliability is perfect.

Analysis:

From the table above which analysed the direction of media coverage of terrorism

in Nigeria, it was obvious that 403 news stories amounting to 28.1% of the stories

analysed were positively reported, while 817 (57.0%) news stories were negatively

reported. However, 213 (14.9%) news stories were neutral as to the direction of coverage.

This means that at a reliability coefficient of 1.0, 57.0% of the stories reported on

the pages of the selected newspapers were negatively reported.

Research Question 2: What is the level of prominence given to the news stories

on terrorism in the country?

This research question sought to find out the level of prominence that was given to

news events that were terrorism inclined. It sought to find out whether the newspapers in

the country (especially the selected ones) saw the events as important to human interest.



Newspapers New

Nigerian


Content

category

Level of prominence (placement)

Front page (04) 81 56 105 98 340 45.8%

Back page (05) 28 33 29 44 134 18.1%

Inside pages (06) 52 44 48 39 183 24.7%

Centre spread

(07)

21 26 14 20 85 11.5%

Total 182 159 196 201 742 100%

40



Newspapers New

Nigerian


Content

category

Level of prominence (placement)

Front page (04) 81 56 105 98 340 45.8%

Back page (05) 28 33 29 44 134 18.1%

Inside pages (06) 52 44 48 39 183 24.7%

Centre spread

(07)

21 26 14 20 85 11.5%

Total 182 159 196 201 742 100%

Difference: There were no differences in the coded data between the researcher and the

trained coder. They agreed on all the coded items in the editions selected for review. The

intercoder reliability is presented below.



Content category Level of prominence


N X X2

Y Y2 XY

Front page (04) 340 115600 340 115600 115600

Back page (05) 134 17956 134 17956 17956

Inside page (06) 183 33489 183 33489 33489

Centre spread (07) 85 7225 85 7225 7225

Total 742 174270 742 174270 174270


N = 4, ∑X = 742, ∑Y = 742, ∑XY = 174270

∑ X2 = 174270, ∑ Y

2 = 174270 (∑X)

2 = 550564, (∑Y)

2 = 550564.

41

Computation:

55056417427045505641742704

7427421742704

550564697080550564697080

550564697080

383383

146516

146516146516

146516

= 146689

146516

= 0.99

Again, Osuala (2005: 149) opined that “high reliability is indicated by a high

correlation coefficient. It is difficult to say how high the correlation should be before

accepting the measure as reliable but for most measures the correlation would probably

be at least + 0.80”. Since the test result shows a correlation coefficient of 0.99, it means

that the intercoder reliability between the two coders is very high. This means that the

coding of data is correct and reliable.

Analysis:

42

The table above presents the level of prominence given to news stories on

terrorism in Nigerian newspapers. In general, the prominence given to news stories, in

the selected editions, amount to 742 for the period under review. The table revealed that

340 stories amounting to 45.8% were placed on the front page of the four newspapers,

134 (18.1%) news stories were placed on the back pages of the newspapers, 183 (24.7%)

news stories were placed on the inside pages of the newspapers, while 85 (11.5%) news

stories were placed on the centre spread.

From the aforementioned analysis, it means that at a reliability coefficient of 0.99,

45.8% of the news stories were reported on the front pages of the selected newspapers.

Research Question 3: What is the depth of newspaper coverage of the issues of

terrorism in Nigeria?

This question sought to find out the depth of coverage given to the news stories

that were reported by the selected newspapers. This, to some extent will also help to

show the type of depth and extend report given to events on terrorism in the country.



Newspapers New

Nigerian


Content

category

Depth of coverage (Volume)

1-5 inches (08) 52 31 50 23 156 15.6%

6-10 inches (09) 62 59 102 119 287 28.7%

11-15 inches

(010)

35 31 111 98 275 27.5%

16 inches and

above (011)

26 40 70 91 282 28.2%

Total 175 161 333 331 1000 100%

43



Newspapers New

Nigerian


Content

category

Depth of coverage (Volume)

1-5 inches (08) 52 31 50 23 156 15.6%

6-10 inches (09) 62 59 102 119 287 28.7%

11-15 inches

(010)

35 31 111 98 275 27.5%

16 inches and

above (011)

26 40 70 91 282 28.2%

Total 175 161 333 331 1000 100%

Difference: Again, there were no differences in the coded data between the researcher

and the trained coder. The trained coder agreed with the researcher on all the coded items

in the editions selected for review. The intercoder reliability is presented below.



Content

Category

Depth of coverage


N X X2

Y Y2 XY

1-5 inches (08) 156 24336 156 24336 24336

6-10 inches (09) 287 82369 287 82369 82369

11-15 inches (010) 275 75625 275 75625 75625

16 inches and above (011) 282 79524 282 79524 79524

Total 1000 261854 1000 261854 261854


N = 4, ∑X = 1000, ∑Y = 1000, ∑XY = 261854,

∑ X2 = 261854, ∑ Y

2 = 261854, (∑X)

2 = 1000000, (∑Y)

2 = 1000000.

44

Computation:

1000000262854410000002628544

100010002628544

1000000104741610000001047416

10000001047416

218218

47416

4741647416

47416

99.047524

47416






coders is very high.

45

Analysis:

From the table above, it was observed that the four newspapers made used of 1000

inches in reporting issues on terrorism in Nigeria. From these inches, 156 (15.6%) news

stories on terrorism were published in 1-5 inches, 287 (28.7%) news stories were

published in 6-10 inches, while 275 (27.5%) news stories were published in 11-15 inches

of the newspaper. However, 282 (28.2%) news stories were published in 16 inches and

above spaces of the newspapers selected.

This means that 28.7 % of the news stories published were reported within the

space of 6-10 inches of the selected newspapers. This result was interpreted on the

reliability coefficient of 0.99, which invariably is a high reliability.

Research Question 4: What is the economic implication of newspaper coverage

of terrorism in the country?

This research question helped analysed the frame of newspaper reportage of the

economic lose: To know whether the report was on monetary terms or just a mere

mention of the loss of property, plus other economic issues arising as a result of the

terrorist act.

46



Newspapers New

Nigerian


Content

category

Economic implication

Amount lost

(012)

103 83 101 91 378 26.6%

Infrastructure

affected (013)

190 159 234 192 775 54.6%

Foreign

investment

affected (014)

38 58 42 45 183 12.9%

Economic

movement

affected (015)

26 15 20 23 84 5.9%

Total 357 315 397 351 1420 100%



Newspapers New

Nigerian


Content

category


Amount lost

(012)

103 83 101 91 378 26.6%

Infrastructure

affected (013)

190 159 234 192 775 54.6%

Foreign

investment

affected (014)

38 58 42 45 183 12.9%

Economic

movement

affected (015)

26 15 20 23 84 5.9%

Total 357 315 397 351 1420 100%

47

Difference: The coders arrived at an agreement in the coding of the economic

implication of the act of terrorism. The trained coder agreed with the researcher on all the

coded items in the editions selected for investigation.



Content

Category



N X X2

Y Y2 XY

Amount lost (012) 378 142884 378 142884 142884

Infrastructure affected (013) 775 600625 775 600625 600625

Foreign investment affected

(014)

183 33489 183 33489 33489

Economic movement affected

(015)

84 7056 84 7056 7056

Total 1420 784054 1420 784054 784054


N = 4, ∑X = 1420, ∑Y = 1420, ∑XY = 784054,

∑ X2 = 784054, ∑ Y

2 = 784054, (∑X)

2 = 2016400, (∑Y)

2 = 2016400.

Computation:

2016400784054420164007840544

142014207840544

48

2016400313621620164003136216

20164003136216

11198161119816

1119816

40.1119808

1119816

21.105821.1058

1119816

= 1.0






coders is perfect.

Analysis:

The table above indicates that 378 (26.6%) news stories on terrorism stipulated

certain amount of money lost, 775 (54.6%) news stories on terrorism also stipulated that

the act of terror affect infrastructural facilities within the vicinity it took place without

quantifying it momentarily, while 183 (12.9%) news stories stated that the act of terror

affected foreign investment. However, 84 (5.9%) news stories reported that it affected

economic movement within the area.

49

From the analysis above, it can be deduced that 54.6% news stories on terrorism

reported that the act of terror affect infrastructural facilities within the vicinity it took

place, without necessarily stating it in quantifiable term. This result was interpreted on

the reliability coefficient of 1.0, which invariably is a high reliability.

Research Question 5: How did government respond to the news of terrorism in

the country?

This research question sought to find out how newspaper coverage of terrorism in

Nigeria reported the way government responded when they noticed that there was an act

of terrorism committed somewhere in the country. It aimed to find out whether

government responded on time to save the loss of lives and properties. This was made

manifest by statements like “as at press time, government agencies were on ground to

help victims”.



Newspapers New

Nigerian


Content

category

Government response

Swift

government

response (015)

202 192 251 191 836 58.9%

Delayed response

(016)

96 102 104 120 422 29.7%

Neutral (017) 59 21 42 40 162 11.4%

Total 357 315 397 351 1420 100%

50



Newspapers New

Nigerian


Content

category

Government response

Swift

government

response (015)

202 192 251 191 836 58.9%

Delayed response

(016)

96 102 104 120 422 29.7%

Neutral (017) 59 21 42 40 162 11.4%

Total 357 315 397 351 1420 100%

Difference: The coders arrived at an agreement in the coding of government response to

the act of terrorism. This agreement was on all the items coded in respect to the issue

under investigation.



Content Category Government response


N X X2

Y Y2 XY

Swift government response

(015)

836 698896 836 698896 698896

Delayed response (016) 422 178084 422 178084 178084

Neutral (017) 162 26244 162 26244 26244

Total 1420 903224 1420 903224 903224


N = 3, ∑X = 1420, ∑Y = 1420, ∑XY = 903224,

∑ X2 = 903224, ∑ Y

2 = 903224, (∑X)

2 = 2016400, (∑Y)

2 = 2016400.

51

Computation:

2016400903224320164009032243

142014209032243

2016400270967220164002709672

20164002709672

693272693272

693272

693889

693272

833833

693272

= 0.99

As stated earlier, Osuala (2005: 149) noted that “high reliability is indicated by a

high correlation coefficient. It is difficult to say how high the correlation should be before

accepting the measure as reliable but for most measures the correlation would probably

be at least + 0.80”. Since the test result shows a correlation coefficient of 0.99, it means

that the intercoder reliability between the two coders is very high.

52

Analysis:

The table above indicates that 836 news stories amounting to 58.9% reported that

the government responded swiftly to the news of terror immediately it heard about the

event. On the other hand, 422 news stories representing 29.7% reported that government

delayed in their response to the scene of event, after the act of terrorism must have been

perpetuated. However, 162 (11.4%) news stories reported that most of the articles were

not really specific about the time government showed up at the scene of the terrorist act.

The implication of this analysis is that 58.9% of the stories published by the

selected newspapers indicated that government response to acts of terrorism is almost

immediate. This result was arrived at a coefficient reliability of 0.99.

4.3 Discussion of findings

Research Question 1: What is the direction of newspaper coverage of terrorism

in Nigeria?

The result of the analysis conducted in response to this research question indicated

that 57.0% of the news stories reported on the pages of the selected newspapers were

negatively reported. This means that the Nigerian newspapers that were studied greatly

condemned the act of terrorism as perpetuated by the terrorists in the country. Though,

there were pockets of news stories that tried to explain the reason behind some of the acts

of terror as carried by the terrorist groups that were instilling fear in the minds of the

53

people. This news stories were not that significant considering the fact that over 50% of

the stories condemned the terrorists act.

Research Question 2: What is the level of prominence given to the news stories

on terrorism in the country?

Analysis of research question two indicated that 45.8% of the news stories were

reported on the front pages of the selected newspapers. This figure is the highest in the

distribution on a four point scale. On its own, it indicates high prominence given to the

issue of terrorism in the country. Other placement of news stories on terrorism, which

were lower than that of the front page ranges from 18.1% news stories placed on the back

pages, 24.7% news stories placed on the inside pages to 11.5% news stories were placed

on the centre spread.

Research Question 3: What is the depth of newspaper coverage of the issues of

terrorism in Nigeria?

Analysing this research question, it was indicated that 28.7 % of the news stories

published were reported within the space of 6-10 inches of the selected newspapers,

which is a moderate reportage of terrorism in volume. Considering the space length

between 6-10 inches, it could be argued that the necessary depth in coverage sought was

not really given. Though this is in close relationship with the percentage of depth given to

other news stories which fell between 11inches and above, it is not appropriate to see the

depth given to media coverage of terrorism as low. Therefore, the research interpreted

this situation as a moderate depth provided in the reportage of issues on terrorism. Other

variable of analysis indicated that 15.6% news stories on terrorism were published in 1-5

inches, 27.5% news stories were published in 11-15 inches of the newspapers, while

54

28.2% news stories were published in 16 inches and above spaces of the newspapers

selected.

Research Question 4:What is the economic implication of newspaper coverage of

terrorism in the country?

From the analysis of data in respect to this research question, it was revealed that

54.6% news stories on terrorism reported that the act of terror affect infrastructural

facilities within the vicinity it took place, without necessarily stating it in monetary term.

This means that most terrorism acts affects mainly the infrastructural facilities within the

area it occurred. This is what the press really points it reportage to. Invariably, terrorism

acts affects the social infrastructural facilities put in place for the benefit of the people.

There are other important but not most dominant effect of terrorism in the social

system, which include: 26.6% news stories on terrorism stipulating money lost, 12.9%

news stories stated that the act of terror affected foreign investment, while 5.9% news

stories reported that it affected economic movement within the areas affected.

Research Question 5: How did government respond to the news of terrorism in

the country?

The result of the analysis in respect to this research question revealed that 58.9%

of the news stories published by the selected newspapers reported that government

response to acts of terrorism was swift. This means that as soon as government got wind

of the terrorist acts, they immediately activated the necessary agencies to report to the

scene of event to help rescue the victims. This interpretation is more so considering the

fact that more than 50% of the news stories indicated fast government response.

55

References

Osuala, E. C. (2005). Introduction to research methodology (3rd

ed.). Onitsha: Africana-First Publishers Limited.

Wimmer, R. & Dominick, J. (2011). Mass media research: An introduction. Wadsworth:

Cengage Learning.

56

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.2 Summary of findings

The result of the analysis indicates that 57.0% of the news stories reported on the

pages of the selected newspapers were negatively reported; meaning that the Nigerian

newspapers that were studied condemned the act of terrorism as perpetuated by the

terrorists in the country. It was also revealed that 45.8% of the news stories were reported

on the front pages of the selected newspapers; indicating high prominence given to the

issue of terrorism in the country. Further analysis also indicated that 28.7 % of the news

stories published were reported within the space of 6-10 inches of the selected

newspapers, which is a moderate reportage of terrorism in “volume-estimate”.

The study also revealed that 54.6% news stories on terrorism reported that the act

of terror affect infrastructural facilities within the vicinity it took place. Finally, analysis

showed that 58.9% of the news stories published by the selected newspapers reported that

government response to acts of terrorism was swift; meaning that as soon as government

got wind of the terrorist acts, they immediate activated the necessary agencies to report to

the scene of event to help rescue the victims.

5.2 Conclusion

Considering the fact that results presented in this study indicated that newspapers‟

reportage condemned the acts of terrorism in the country, gave high prominence to news

57

on terrorism and moderate in-depth report of news stories on terrorism, it would be

pertinent to conclude that newspaper coverage of terrorism in the country have been

impressive, generally. This is because on its part, newspapers have tried to provide the

people with information that bother on their day-day interest by bringing to them news on

terrorism and condemning in public what would usually instil fear in them.

5.3 Recommendations

It would be good for government to adopt a pre-emptive approach to the issue of

terrorism. That is the major way government can be on top of the situation in the country.

a situation where the government rely on responding quickly to terrorists attack is not

enough. Government should strengthen its agencies and armed forces, through further

training and financial benefits, to keep them a step ahead of every terrorists attack in the

country.

The media should improve on its investigative journalistic role to see if it would

be possible to monitor the activities of these terrorists, in order to help government curb

their actions.

The media should have a well planned style for reporting news stories on terrorism

in order not to glorify the situation. This well taught out plan would help the reporter

fashion out better ways to tackle terrorism stories. This style might be an in-house style

for the medium.

58

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Osuala, E. C. (2005). Introduction to research methodology (3rd

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Internet Materials

Bunmi, O. (2011). Boko Haram movement and its deadly impact. Retrieved September

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Saul, W. (2002). The essence of terrorism: Using information, education, and

communication as weapons of prevention and defense. Retrieved September 10,

from http://www.intlhorizons.com/article-menewswire.htm

http://www.masterweb.com/article-menewswire.htm

http://www.intlhorizons.com/article-menewswire.htm

0

APPENDIX I

CODE SHEET

News

Government Response

Direction (1)

Economic Implication (4) Placement (prominence) (2)

Length of Coverage (3)

Sr Dr Neu P N Neu Am Inf Fin EM FP BP CSP IP 1-5inch 6-10inch 11-15inch

16inches above

61

Documents

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