Comparative Analysis of Daily Sun and the Guardian Newspapers’ Coverage of the Nigeria Youths’ Migrations
Abstract
This study was on Comparative analysis of daily sun and the guardian newspapers coverage of the Nigeria youths migrations.. Three objectives were raised which included: To examine and compare the emphasis and tone employed by the Daily Sun and The Guardian in their coverage of Nigerian youth migration, To assess the extent to which the newspapers represent the challenges faced by migrating Nigerian youth and to explore how the Daily Sun and The Guardian present government responses and policies related to youth migration. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from sun and guardian newspaper in Ibadan. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Chapter one
Introduction
Background of the study
Nigeria’s youth migration is a critical socio-economic issue, drawing attention from various sectors. Media coverage plays a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions and influencing policy discourse. Migration is the movement of people from their actual place of residence or homeland to another destination mostly because of economic recession, lack of employment opportunities, education opportunities, natural disasters, wars, terrorist attacks, loss of family member(s), inadequate access to protection, and support services and lack of support generally. It is a phenomenon that affects both developed and developing countries. Migration involves external and internal movements. Internal movement is the movement of people from one location to another (rural or urban) within a national boundary. On the other hand, external migration is the movement of people from one country to another. Internal migration in Nigeria involves movement from rural places to urban, rural place to rural, urban to urban and urban to rural places (Oyeniyi, 2013).
Migration can be voluntary, with the consent of the individual involved or his/her family and involuntary without the consent of the individual, the individual is forced to migrate against his/her wish. Issues that are migration based such as, child labour, child trafficking, prostitution, baby factory and others are mostly seen in Nigeria (IOM, 2009). Young people escape and/or migrate to other states within the country because of hardship, unrest, violence, inequality and economic opportunities. “Nigeria’s youth migration is a pressing socio-economic issue, and media plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding. Nigeria’s demographic landscape is marked by a significant trend of youth migration, driven by factors such as economic opportunities, political instability, and social dynamics (DeFleur, 2010),
Different newspapers may have varying editorial perspectives and biases. Some outlets might focus on the challenges and hardships faced by migrating youth, while others may highlight success stories or the economic contributions of migrants. Newspapers with a regional or local focus may cover migration issues differently. For instance, newspapers based in areas with high emigration rates may offer more in-depth coverage and personal stories related to youth migration. (Chiluwa (2012) The political climate can influence how newspapers cover migration. Coverage may be influenced by government policies, international relations, and the stance of political leaders on migration issues. Newspapers might approach youth migration differently based on economic factors. For example, during economic downturns, there may be more coverage of migration as a response to limited opportunities at home. Conversely, during periods of economic growth, coverage might emphasize the positive aspects of migration. Some newspapers may focus on the humanitarian and social aspects of youth migration, discussing the challenges faced by migrants, including issues like human trafficking, exploitation, and the difficulties of integration in destination countries. (Lewis, 2013) Coverage might be influenced by Nigeria’s relationships with other countries. Newspapers may highlight bilateral agreements, challenges in the diaspora, or international efforts to address migration-related issues
Statement of the problem
In contemporary Nigeria, the phenomenon of youth migration has become a critical and multifaceted issue with profound social, economic, and political implications. As the youth population seeks better opportunities and faces various challenges domestically, media coverage plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception and policy discourse. This study aims to undertake a comparative analysis of the Daily Sun and The Guardian newspapers’ coverage of Nigerian youth migration, acknowledging the potential variations in perspectives, emphases, and narratives presented by these two prominent media outlets.
The problem at hand lies in the need to understand how these newspapers, each with its distinct editorial stance, frame and portray the issues surrounding youth migration. The Daily Sun, known for its tabloid-style reporting, may provide a different lens compared to The Guardian, which tends to emphasize in-depth analysis and investigative journalism. Exploring the variations in their coverage can uncover biases, stereotypes, or nuanced insights that may influence public opinion and policy decisions.
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To examine and compare the emphasis and tone employed by the Daily Sun and The Guardian in their coverage of Nigerian youth migration.
- To assess the extent to which the newspapers represent the challenges faced by migrating Nigerian youth.
- To explore how the Daily Sun and The Guardian present government responses and policies related to youth migration
Research Hypotheses
H1: there is no compare the emphasis and tone employed by the Daily Sun and The Guardian in their coverage of Nigerian youth migration
H2: there is no extent to which the newspapers represent the challenges faced by migrating Nigerian youth
Significance of the study
The significance of the study lies in its potential to contribute valuable insights to various stakeholders, including the media industry, policymakers, the general public, and researchers. The study’s significance is highlighted through the following aspects:
Enhances media literacy by providing a critical analysis of how two prominent newspapers, the Daily Sun and The Guardian, cover Nigerian youth migration.
Raises awareness among readers about the nuances, biases, and potential impacts of media representations on their perceptions of youth migration. Informs policymakers and government officials about the role of media in shaping public opinion on youth migration. Provides insights that can be used to formulate and evaluate policies related to migration, considering the potential influence of media narratives. Offers recommendations for responsible journalism based on the findings, promoting accuracy, fairness, and a balanced portrayal of youth migration issues. Encourages media outlets to consider the social implications of their coverage and adopt ethical practices in reporting. Contributes to the academic discourse on media representations of migration, providing a case study that can be referenced by scholars, researchers, and students in media studies, journalism, and migration studies. Empowers the general public with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding youth migration. Enables individuals to critically evaluate media narratives, fostering a more informed and discerning public discourse on migration issues. Informs non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and advocacy groups working on migration-related issues about media dynamics.
Scope of the study
The scope of the study covers Comparative analysis of daily sun and the guardian newspapers coverage of the Nigeria youths migrations. The study will be limited to youths in Port Harcourt
Limitation of the study
- Media Outlet Selection:
The study focuses on two specific newspapers, the Daily Sun and The Guardian, and may not capture the diversity of perspectives present in other media outlets. Limiting the scope to these two newspapers could impact the generalizability of the findings to the broader media landscape.
- Time Constraints:
The analysis is conducted within a specific time frame, and media coverage can be dynamic. The study may not capture changes in reporting styles, editorial perspectives, or societal attitudes toward youth migration that might occur after the analysis period.
- Language and Cultural Nuances:
The study is conducted in English, and potential nuances in language or cultural interpretations may not be fully captured. Local dialects and cultural intricacies that influence media reception may not be explored in-depth.
- Quantitative vs. Qualitative Analysis:
The study primarily relies on qualitative analysis, which may not provide a comprehensive statistical overview of media coverage patterns. A quantitative approach could offer a more robust understanding of trends and frequencies in reporting.
Definition of terms
- Youth Migration:
The relocation or movement of individuals within a specific age range typically associated with adolescence to early adulthood. In the context of this study, youth migration refers to the movement of young individuals from Nigeria to other locations, either within the country or internationally.
- Media Representation:
The portrayal and depiction of events, issues, or groups in the media, encompassing the selection of stories, framing, and the use of language and visuals to convey information. In this study, media representation specifically pertains to how the Daily Sun and The Guardian newspapers depict and present information related to Nigerian youth migration.
- Daily Sun:
A Nigerian daily newspaper known for its tabloid-style reporting. In the context of this study, Daily Sun refers to the specific newspaper analyzed for its coverage of youth migration issues.
- The Guardian:
A Nigerian daily newspaper recognized for its emphasis on in-depth analysis, investigative journalism, and a broader editorial perspective. In the context of this study, The Guardian refers to the specific newspaper analyzed for its coverage of youth migration issues.
References
- Thet, K.K. (2014). Pull and push of migration. A case study in the urban area of Monywa township, Myanmar. The New World Statistics, Volume 1, Issue 4, pp.1-14.
- (2006). International migration and development. www.un.org/migration
- UNCHR (2015). Press Coverage of the Refugee and Migrant Crisis in the EU: A Content Analysis of Five European Countries. Report prepared for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. The Hague, Geneva.
- UNDP (2010). Mobility and migration: A guidance note for human development teams. United Nations Development Programme Human Development Report Office, November 2010.
- Wapmuk, S., Akinkuotu, O. and Ibonye, V. (2014). The Nigerian Diaspora and national development: contributions, challenges and lessons from other countries. Kritika Kultura 23 (2014): pp.342
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