Reflecting on the Nigerian Media Coverage of the Dwindling Economy in Q1, 2016

Abstract

Nigeria is the 21st largest economy in the world in terms of nominal GDP, and the 20th largest in terms of Purchasing Power Parity. It is the largest economy in Africa. However, due to drops in oil prices, Nigeria is witnessing a dwindling economy. Therefore, the researcher has a hunch that the mass media has a duty to unravel the areas that are affecting Nigeria’s dwindling economy in order for the government to know the areas where the economy are been shortchanged. The paper used the content analysis method to analyse the issues covered in the media during the periods under review. The functional and social responsibility theories were used to argue how effectively the mass media are in reporting the nation’s economy.

Keywords: Economy, Mass Media, Dwindling, GDP.