HOW THE AUDIENCE PERCEIVES NEWSPAPER REPORTING ON THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS: A STUDY OF ALIMOSHO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, LAGOS STATE

HOW THE AUDIENCE PERCEIVES NEWSPAPER REPORTING ON THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS: A STUDY OF ALIMOSHO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, LAGOS STATE CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study During election periods, the media—especially newspapers—receive considerable focus. It is arguably impossible to conduct transparent elections in Nigeria or elsewhere without media coverage. This is because the media serve as effective channels for monitoring, correlating, educating, and disseminating information to voters (Arijeniwa, Nwaoboli, Ajimokunola & Uwuoruya, 2022; Nwaoboli, 2022). Their influence lies in their ability to induce changes in behavior and attitudes. Omoera (2020) supports this view by stating that the Nigerian press has always played a vital role in shaping the nation's political environment, providing a platform for advocacy, and facilitating competent political leadership. In other words, the Nigerian press has long been instrumental in constructing the political framework of the country. This underscores the crucial and undeniable role that mass media play in the election process of any democratic government. Globally, elections are central events in modern societies and attract significant media attention and coverage. Nigeria, being Africa's most populous country and considered a continental powerhouse, draws attention from populations worldwide during its elections. Consequently, people increasingly rely on the media for information on the electoral process, political parties, and campaigns, which they observe closely to guide their voting decisions (Arijeniwa & Nwaoboli, 2023). Furthermore, the public depends heavily on media coverage for their understanding of political processes and election campaigns (Jackson & Lilleker, 2019). Newspapers are known to wield considerable influence, especially in shaping voter engagement during elections. Media outlets can shape public cognition, as most of what people understand about their environment and elections comes from information conveyed through various media forms. Elections are a fundamental feature of democracies, where governance is conducted by elected officials. The defining characteristic of democracy is the populace's ability to vote and select their leaders. Omoera (2020) describes the media as a “watchdog,” highlighting its vigilant role in governance. The Nigerian presidential election took place on February 25, 2023. Though more than eight candidates contested, major contenders included Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), Prince Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Kola Abiola of the People's Redemption Party (PRP), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressive Congress (APC), and Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This research is therefore conducted to explore audience perceptions of newspaper coverage during the 2023 general elections. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Newspapers in Nigeria face numerous challenges that hinder their ability to contribute effectively to legislative processes, public sensitization, and election reporting. These obstacles impede their active participation in democratic processes. For example, during election reporting, newspapers often face pressure from the public, political parties, interest groups, and government agencies to engage in favoritism, gatekeeping, sensationalism, and biased reporting to benefit specific sponsors or newspaper proprietors (Ugwu, 2015). This pressure frequently compels newspapers to take partisan stances when covering election-related events to promote the interests of certain political factions or groups. Such situations were evident in the coverage of the 2015 and 2019 Nigerian presidential elections, where government-owned newspapers favored the ruling government, while anti-government outlets produced reports that negatively portrayed the All Progressive Congress (APC), regardless of accuracy or fairness (Ugwu, 2015; Ukwa, 2019). While newspapers made significant contributions through their 2023 presidential election coverage, they were expected to maintain objectivity and prioritize national interests. However, some appeared highly biased either supporting or opposing the government, prioritizing their own selfish interests over national well-being. This study therefore seeks to investigate audience perceptions of newspaper coverage of the 2023 general elections. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The overall aim of this study is to examine audience perceptions of newspaper coverage during the 2023 general elections. The specific objectives include: i. To determine how the audience perceives the timeliness of newspaper coverage of the 2023 general elections in Ikeja LGA, Lagos State. ii. To assess whether the audience believes newspapers were objective in their coverage of the 2023 general elections in Ikeja LGA, Lagos State. iii. To evaluate audience perception of the credibility of newspapers during the coverage of the 2023 general elections in Ikeja LGA, Lagos State. iv. To explore the audience’s view on whether political interference influenced newspaper coverage of the 2023 general elections in Ikeja LGA, Lagos State. 1.4 Research Questions The study aims to answer the following questions: i. How effective were newspapers in maintaining timeliness during coverage of the 2023 general elections in Ikeja LGA, Lagos State? ii. Were newspapers objective in their reporting during the 2023 general elections in Ikeja LGA, Lagos State? iii. To what extent did newspapers maintain credibility during the coverage of the 2023 general elections in Ikeja LGA, Lagos State? iv. Did political interference affect newspaper coverage of the 2023 general elections in Ikeja LGA, Lagos State? 1.5 Research Hypotheses H01: Newspapers were not effective in maintaining news timeliness during the coverage of the 2023 general elections in Ikeja LGA, Lagos State. H02: Newspapers were not objective in their coverage of the 2023 general elections in Ikeja LGA, Lagos State. 1.6 Significance of the Study This study holds importance as it will reveal the contributions newspapers have made towards the advancement of Nigerian democracy through election coverage. It is particularly relevant to media organizations, highlighting the necessity for objectivity and impartiality in news reporting, especially during elections. The findings will also be valuable to government agencies, broadcasting commissions, and academic institutions by providing critical insights into the role of newspapers in election coverage. 1.7 Scope of the Study The research focuses on audience perceptions regarding newspaper coverage of the 2023 general elections. Specifically, it investigates perceptions of newspaper timeliness, objectivity, credibility, and the influence of political interference on coverage within Ikeja LGA, Lagos State. 1.8 Limitations of the Study This study faced some limitations, including financial constraints that affected access to necessary materials and the printing and distribution of questionnaires. Additionally, time constraints posed challenges, as the researcher had to balance the research with other academic responsibilities, making the process demanding. 1.9 Definition of Terms Newspaper: A printed publication, usually issued daily or weekly, containing news, opinion articles, features, and advertisements. Audience: The gathered group of spectators or listeners at a public event such as a play, film, concert, or meeting. Election: A formal, organized process in which people vote to choose an individual for a political office or other position.