The Media in Nigerian Politics Analysis of Issues and Patterns of News Coverage

Abstract

This project work makes an assessment of the part the Media, especially the press, plays in the political struggles of Nigeria since pre-independence till date. The data for this study was gathered mostly from secondary sources (news publications, journals...), and discussions with well informed individuals. The position of the project is that the press has operated more as an interested player than as impartial observers or commentators on politics often propagating and protecting the ideas and interests of their owners/publishers. Various reasons have been adduced for this pattern of Media performance that has persisted till date; the historical evolution of the pattern has also been traced. The work has outlined certain lessons to be learned. Clinical ways of reporting political issues and the peculiar attributes of Nigerian politicians have been identified so as to enable the press report political stories correctly.