INVESTIGATION OF MEDIA OBJECTIVITY IN REPORTING ENDSARS PROTEST: A CASE STUDY OF ARISE NEWS

1.1 Background of the Study Mass media is often regarded as a significant product of scientific and technological advancement in society, acting as a powerful tool for driving both social and economic change (Melkote, 1991). In this context, it is believed that the mass media plays a key role in mobilizing human and material resources to support the development of a particular cultural and social environment. As UNESCO (1980) noted, mass media has the unique ability to communicate ideas and values that are fundamental to fostering social transformation within a society. The evolution and spread of media technologies have the potential to reshape people's experiences and interactions. This is largely because the media can generate impactful imagery, language, and symbols that give audiences the ability to witness and hear about events in real time, which in turn influences how they perceive reality—especially in relation to distant regions or nations (McKee, 2004). Supporting UNESCO’s view, Masterman (1985) stated that the mass media serve as instruments for broadcasting messages and symbols to the general public. Their core functions include entertaining, educating, informing, and instilling values, norms, and behavioral expectations that enable individuals to align with societal institutions. From this perspective, the media has a powerful role in enlightening the public. At the very least, it lays the foundation for behavioral change and social integration. Through reporting and engagement with other societal institutions, mass media can shape how people understand social norms, helping to drive changes in behavior. Additionally, it serves as a key advocate for public policies that promote sustainable behavior on a larger scale (Fatusi & Jimoh, 2006). The concept of objectivity has long been debated in journalism, with many differing opinions on its meaning and application. According to media scholar Gauntlett (2001), objectivity refers to a critical analysis of the content within reported news stories. Glasser (1992) further suggests that objectivity involves presenting a balanced reconstruction of perspectives by journalists in contrast with their independent judgment. Determining a journalist’s objectivity is often complex, as it depends heavily on the reliability of the information gathered. Glasser also argues that the traditional notion of objectivity is flawed compared to the more responsible task of accurate news reporting. Therefore, objectivity is viewed as a professional benchmark that journalists must strive for in presenting factual, balanced news to their audiences. While mass media fosters changes in societal behavior, the extent and nature of its influence depend largely on the communication systems and policies in place within a society. Media content, ownership, and structure are shaped by broader socio-economic, political, cultural, and technological contexts. As such, mass media does not exist in isolation. Traditionally, it has functioned as a watchdog in democratic societies—holding government accountable and informing the public about actions taken by public officials and agencies. During the #EndSARS protest in Nigeria, media platforms were widely used to highlight numerous incidents of police brutality and harassment. These reports resonated with many Nigerians who had experienced similar encounters with the police but had never come forward. This exposure triggered nationwide outrage and led to protests demanding the disbandment of SARS, a controversial unit of the Nigerian Police Force. #EndSARS began as a social movement calling for the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit notorious for human rights violations, brutality, and systemic abuse. Though the hashtag gained momentum in 2018, its roots can be traced back to 2017 when activist Segun Awosanya and other Twitter users began drawing attention to SARS’s misconduct. A 2016 Amnesty International report documented widespread torture, abuse, and inhumane treatment by SARS officials. Furthermore, in 2020, Amnesty International reported 82 verified cases of SARS-related abuse and extrajudicial killings—although the actual figure is likely much higher. The movement sought to galvanize public protests against SARS, leveraging both digital and physical spaces. The campaign, under the hashtag #EndSARS, combined social media advocacy with street demonstrations. More than 10,000 Nigerians signed a petition calling for the unit’s dissolution and submitted it to the National Assembly. Despite interventions from the National Assembly, National Human Rights Commission, Police Inspector General, and even the Vice President, little progress was made. Compounding the issue is the outdated Police Act of 1943, which grants police officers broad discretionary power (Ujene; Orji & Obianger, 2018). A video posted on October 3, 2020—allegedly showing SARS officers shooting a young man and fleeing with his car—sparked widespread national and global outrage. Consequently, on October 7, 2020, young Nigerians began peaceful protests across several cities. Despite their nonviolent approach, police forces used tear gas and live ammunition on unarmed demonstrators. This led to multiple injuries and fatalities in different parts of the country (Oshinnaike, 2020). The core demand of the protesters was the immediate dissolution of SARS, citing continued extrajudicial killings and systemic extortion, alongside broader calls for good governance and accountability in Nigeria (Okon, 2020). 1.2 Statement of the Problem Objectivity is universally recognized as a cornerstone of ethical journalism. Yet, many journalists find it challenging to uphold this standard due to various professional constraints and pressures inherent in the industry (Goldie, 2003). This raises persistent questions about journalistic objectivity. As noted earlier, people interpret objectivity differently. A journalist may display bias in two primary ways: (a) if they lack balanced expertise on the subject they are reporting, or (b) if the facts they present become distorted during the information-gathering process. Furthermore, if the information obtained is ambiguous or unreliable, and if the journalist cannot verify it with credible sources, their neutrality may be compromised (Hadden, 1997). In contexts involving peace and conflict, the media can act as both a force for good and a source of harm. While media can promote peace, security, and dialogue, it can also aggravate tensions by spreading biased narratives or inflammatory content (Okon, 2020). Media channels can facilitate peacebuilding by promoting messages that encourage tolerance and cooperation. However, the same media can also be weaponized—used to disseminate propaganda, foster division, and incite violence. Thus, media has become a powerful and omnipresent influence on public understanding of conflict. Its role is often constrained by political, economic, and corporate interests, particularly during conflict reporting. At times, media outlets even engage in self-censorship. The media’s role in crime awareness, social mobilization, and advocacy for public interests is well established. In the case of the #EndSARS protests, countless Nigerian youths took to social media to recount harrowing experiences with SARS officers, detailing abuse, abduction, extortion, torture, and unlawful detention. These testimonials echoed the findings of Amnesty International’s 2020 report, which highlighted a systematic pattern of abuse by SARS officers—often dressed in plain clothes and heavily armed. The influence of media on the #EndSARS protest is undeniable. What began as an online movement quickly transitioned into mass street demonstrations, thanks in part to media-driven mobilization and coordination. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the role of journalistic impartiality in media coverage of the #EndSARS movement. 1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY 1. To collect facts aimed at at helping the audience understand about the ENDSARS protest. 2. To determine the role of arise news in the coverage of the EndSars protest. 3. To determine the importance of media coverage in the ENDSARS protest. 4. To understand the attitude of the general public towards the arise news coverage of the ENDSARS protest 5. To analyze the role played by the government in the information and dissemination in the coverage of the ENDSARS protest using Arise news as a case study 1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS The following questions have been prepared for the study 1. What is the audience understanding about the ENDSARS protest? 2. What is the role of arise news in the coverage of the EndSars protest? 3. What is the importance of media coverage in the ENDSARS protest. 4. What is the attitude of the general public towards the arise news coverage of the EndSars protest? 5. What is the role played by the government in the information and dissemination in the coverage of the ENDSARS protest? 1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS H01: government did not play a significant role in the information and dissemination in the coverage of EndSars protest H02: Arise news did not play a significant in the coverage of the EndSars protest 1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The significance of this study cannot be underestimated as: This study will examine the role of media objectivity in the coverage of the EndSars protest using Arise news as a case study. The study is significant to the national broadcasting commission as it will expose the need for the regulation of information to be disseminated by news channels, it will also expose the need for news television stations to be objective in the coverage of news. The findings of this research work will undoubtedly provide the much needed information to the government and , policy makers on how they can avoid or manage a protest in other for it not to escalate. This study will be of benefit to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature. 1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY This study will collect facts aimed at at helping the audience understand about the ENDSARS protest. The study will also determine the role of arise news in the coverage of the EndSars protest. More so, the study will determine the importance of media coverage in the ENDSARS protest. Furthermore, the study will understand the attitude of the general public towards the arise news coverage of the ENDSARS protest. Lastly, the study will analyze the role played by the government in the information and dissemination in the coverage of the ENDSARS protest. Hence the study will be delimited to Arise news as a case study. 1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY for the researcher.This study was constrained by a number of factors which are as follows: just like any other research, ranging from unavailability of needed accurate materials on the topic under study, inability to get data Financial constraint , was faced by the researcher ,in getting relevant materials and in printing and collation of questionnaires Time factor: time factor pose another constraint since having to shuttle between writing of the research and also engaging in other academic work making it uneasy 1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS Media objectivity: Objectivity in journalism aims to help the audience make up their own mind about a story, providing the facts alone and then letting audiences interpret those on their own EndSars protest: a decentralized social movement, and series of mass protests against police brutality in Nigeria. Mass Media: a diverse array of media technologies that reach a large audience via mass communication.