The media and security challenges in Nigeria: A review of peace journalism

Abstract

Nigeria has been facing diverse security challenges that have posed existential threats in recent times. These include violent militants in the Niger Delta, herdsmen/farmers’ clashes, political violence and Boko Haram insurgency. People depend on the media for information about issues and events that do take place their immediate environments. The manner that the media report events and issues is of crucial importance to how these are perceived and acted upon by the people. Consequently, the manner media reports conflicts have serious implications. Journalism is anchored on the tenet of objectivity as reflected in principles such as fairness, balance and reporting facts in as detached a manner as possible. In practice, these ideals are pitched against practical realities such as the personal beliefs of the journalist, news production routines, the diverse influences on media content, and how news stories are framed. Peace journalism theory goes beyond the traditional media obsession with ‘objectivity’ in reporting conflicts. It posits that journalists should look at the backgrounds and contexts of the conflict, present causes and report the view of all sides (not just two sides) to a conflict at all levels, in addition to emphasizing ideas on resolution and peacemaking. This paper looks at the development of peace journalism, reviews its tenets, and examines its practicability in the Nigerian context with a view to its relevance in addressing the diverse security challenges facing the Nigerian nation. Recommendations were made on the adoption of peace journalism and how it can be applied in the reporting of conflicts.