AKSU Journal of Communication Research (AJCR)

COVERAGE OF ICT ISSUES BY LOCAL NEWSPAPERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE

Author:  UBAH CHIKA JESSICA & UDUOT A. IWOK, Ph.D

Abstract
This study examined the coverage of ICT issues by local newspapers in Akwa Ibom State. The objectives were to determine the depth of coverage given to ICT issues, the monthly frequently coverage, the front page prominence accorded to ICT issues, the format of presenting these issues and the category of ICT issue that received greater coverage. The discourse is hinged on the agenda setting theory and gatekeeping theory while the research method is content analysis of 11,555 issues of The Pioneer, The Ink and The Nigerian Pulse newspapers for the period of six months (January-June 2016). The units of analysis are: news, features, opinions, columns and editorials and there were ten categories of ICT issues researched. The analyses done were presented in tabular form and simple percentages. The findings show that only 175 ICT stories were published within the period under study. There was no enough front and back page prominence given to ICT issues. The news format was the most common genre of reportage. Stories were mainly published in briefs the most frequently reported categories of ICT was government activities on ICT but cannot be felt in reality. The study recommends that for the analyzed newspapers to set meaningful agenda on ICT issues in the society, they need to broaden their scope of coverage and the news format of presentation; deepen the discourse/content of ICT information by taking proactive steps towards reporting ICT issues by investigating new products and innovations that need public understanding and clarification; and also consolidate on routine ICT coverage as well as encourage their reporters to take up ICT reporting.