Framing of Media in Promoting Communal Integration and Conflict Resolution in Nigeria
Abstract
This study looks at the Nigerian media framing in advancing communal integration and conflict resolution. The study is anchored on framing and peace journalism theories as theoritical framework. It critically examines how the news media construct narratives, select frames, and foreground specific interpretative narratives that shape public perception of communal conflicts and peace initiatives. The study employed quantitative content analysis as design. Findings show predominantly peace advocacy frames, promotion of communal integration and conflict resolution, positive implications if such advocacies are sustained and a huge gap in reportage between the Northern and Southern media on issues of conflicts. The study concludes that the media have a strong role to play in communal integration and conflict resolution because how they frame matters of national importance as security determines how the populace perceives them and whether it will escalate violence or minimize it. The study therefore recommends a more peace- oriented framing, proper training on conflict -sensitive reporting, collaboration between institutions and the media and more extensive research beyond this study scope.
This study looks at the Nigerian media framing in advancing communal integration and conflict resolution. The study is anchored on framing and peace journalism theories as theoritical framework. It critically examines how the news media construct narratives, select frames, and foreground specific interpretative narratives that shape public perception of communal conflicts and peace initiatives. The study employed quantitative content analysis as design. Findings show predominantly peace advocacy frames, promotion of communal integration and conflict resolution, positive implications if such advocacies are sustained and a huge gap in reportage between the Northern and Southern media on issues of conflicts. The study concludes that the media have a strong role to play in communal integration and conflict resolution because how they frame matters of national importance as security determines how the populace perceives them and whether it will escalate violence or minimize it. The study therefore recommends a more peace- oriented framing, proper training on conflict -sensitive reporting, collaboration between institutions and the media and more extensive research beyond this study scope.
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