Theatrical Analysis of Newspaper Reportage of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria

Abstract

This study is a content analysis of some selected Nigerian newspapers (The Vanguard and The Guardian) to determine their level of coverage of the coronavirus disease in Nigeria between February 2020 and February 2021. The study's specific objectives included determining the frequency of coronavirus reports, the media's presentation of coronavirus issues, the reports' key information sources, and the extent to which print media are attempting to set a public agenda for coronavirus based on the significance of effective media coverage in disease prevention and management. Findings revealed that most of the reports were in news format showing that the newspapers performed more of an information role than an analytical role. Even the numerous reports on the disease had little or nothing from the angle of infected individuals, which could stir up doubts regarding the actual existence of COVID-19 in the country. Findings also revealed that in terms of frequency of reports, position, and space, the newspapers gave prominence to the disease. The researchers recommend that attention should be given to providing more analytical contents bothering the disease, with a focus on reporting from the angle of infected individuals, as they will help wade off the emergence of doubts and ultimately grind the virus to a halt in Nigeria.