An Analysis of Daily Sun, Daily Trust and The Nation Newspapers Framing of Dasukigate
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Date
2016-06
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Faculty of Social Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi
Abstract
The paper analyses how selected newspapers framed stories on the alleged diversion of 2.1 billion US dollars meant to fight Boko Haram insurgence in Nigeria by Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd). Using quantitative and qualitative research methods, it purposively selects three national newspapers; Daily Sun, Daily Trust and The Nation. The three-month study systematically selects 48 editions at the interval of 4th number beginning from December 2, 2015 to February 29, 2016. The study quantitatively analyses pattern of frames with a view to determining the dominant frames the newspapers use in constructing stories. Also, the study descriptively analyses stories in terms of how newspapers cover the story. Findings show that conspiracy frame is the dominant frame (21%) in the newspapers reports. This is followed by human interest frame (17%) while attribution of responsibility and conflict frames each has (15%). The study also finds that newspapers use different frames like conspiracy, conflict/human interest, attribution of responsibility and appeal to principle frames to construct stories depending on the nature of a story. The study recommends among other things that newspapers should maintain the use of appropriate frames to construct stories as issues arise with a view to enhancing informed public debate.
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Keywords
Newspaper, framing, Dasukigate, Boko Haram, presidential election