A Study of Newspaper Coverage of Crime in Nigeria

Abstract

This research A Study of Newspaper Coverage of Crime in Nigeria is born out of the zeal to investigate the role of Nigerian newspapers to cover vast crimes committed in the country. The study used combined research methods such as surveys and content analysis. Population of the study was raised from Delta state where a sample commensurate with the population representative were drawn. Findings review that some Nigerian newspapers because of political affiliation do not pay appropriate attention to reporting crime in the country as they should, while others do their social responsibility in giving adequate coverage of crime in Nigeria. The study concludes that there are imbalance in newspaper coverage reportage of crime in Nigeria because of ethnic and socio-political inclination. The study therefore recommends the employment of trained investigative reporters by newspaper organisations whether online or offline newspapers who can carry out diligent investigation on crime events in Nigeria. It also recommends that awards be given to best newspapers that adequately cover crime incidents in the country such as kidnapping, banditry, robbery and other types of crime. Such awards being given by Nigerian Newspaper Proprietors Association every year.