A Content Analysis of Broadcast Media Reportage of Religious Conflicts in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper presents a content analysis of broadcast media reportage of religious conflict in Nigeria that focuses on events that led to the conflict. The research questions focused on the frequency of coverage, prominence, and direction of coverage. Agenda-setting theory and social responsibility theory were adopted for the study. Data was evaluated using Multi stage sampling technique. Arise TV and NTA broadcast stations were purposively selected to carry out research used for the study. News content on religious conflict was 72 days, out of 184 days (6 Months).According to the study's findings, the Nigerian broadcast media has been crucial in the formation of public perspectives of religious conflict and its causes by disseminating information. The direction of coverage of news reports on religious conflicts was favorable. This study recommended the broadcast media highlight more on the religious conflict on other programs aside from news reports.