The Trial of Nigerian Media in the Court Of Public Opinion: An Analysis of Radio Nigeria Coverage of the Kidnap of School Girls in Chibok

Abstract

In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed increasing number of security problems and developments that constitute threats to the lives of its citizens. These security concerns are diverse and complex ranging from political disagreements to criminal activities with alarming dimensions and consequences, such as the kidnap of the secondary school girls in Chibok, Borno State. This paper is therefore assesses public perception of Radio Nigeria, Enugu, coverage of the kidnap of secondary school girls in Chibok, Borno State. Survey research method was used. The population of study was 722,664 (residents of Enugu metropolis) with sample size of 278 drawn using Taro Yamane formula. Systematic random sampling technique was used with questionnaire and interview as the instrument for data collection, while tables and simple percentages were used in analyzing the generated data. The findings revealed that Radio Nigeria Enugu has not given adequate coverage of the kidnap of the secondary school girls in Chibok, Borno State. The study also identified ownership influence and lack of investigative journalism as part of the weaknesses in the information dissemination on the Chibok girls. The study recommends amongst others for adequate infrastructures to enable investigative journalism and create enabling environment for journalists.

KEYWORDS: Public, Perception, Radio, Coverage, Kidnap, Girls, Chibok