CONTENT ANALYSIS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF THE GUARDIAN, THE PUNCH AND VANGUARD NEWSPAPERS
Abstract
This study examined the coverage of human trafficking in Nigeria by three national newspapers (The Guardian, the Punch and Vanguard). The period of study spanned January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, with a sample of 180 newspapers chosen using a composite week sampling procedure. The study employed a content analysis method with a code sheet as the research instrument. The research objectives are to: find out the frequency of human trafficking stories reported by the three newspapers; the prominence accorded to the reports on human trafficking; the forms of coverage given to human trafficking stories by the newspapers; identify the origins of human trafficking stories reported by the three newspapers. Findings revealed that Nigerian newspapers did not set adequate agenda on the issue of human trafficking due to the frequency of coverage the newspapers accorded to the issue; prominence was given to human trafficking matters on the lead pages of the newspapers; 48% of the format used in the report is straight news and the sources of human trafficking information originated from official sources. The study among others recommends that the print media should devote more space to feature articles that provide in-depth analysis of news stories than straight news. This will be able to provide perspectives on issues that could help in the understanding of the problem.
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