| Abstract: |
This study examined imbalance in political reporting as it pertains to how Nigerian newspapers cover activities of male and female aspirants in general elections. The study adopted the qualitative discourse analysis approach in looking at the coverage of male and female candidates in the build up to the November 16, 2013 governorship election in Anambra State, with data from select newspapers.The objectives were to determine the volume of coverage given to the male and female aspirants by the newspapers; to ascertain the story types by which the activities of the male and female aspirants were presented; and to ascertain the sources of stories on the male and female aspirants. The study was hinged on the Agenda Setting Theory. It was found that the volume of coverage was laudable, but it was lopsided in favour of the male aspirants. The newspapers used different story types, including Straight news, Opinion Articles, Feature Articles, and others. It was also crystal clear that the newspapers did not give adequate coverage to the female aspirant as much as the male aspirants enjoyed. The study concluded that the discrimination of newspapers against women in their reporting is a fact, and that there is need to change the ugly trend. The study recommended that the media must put on the garb of an "activist-media" that is vibrant and unbiased in order to shape the democratic process in Nigeria by positively influencing the thinking and actions of the electorate when it comes to voting in elections. |
