ASSESSMENT OF CONFLICT-SENSITIVE TECHNIQUES IN NEWSPAPER REPORTAGE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA (2015-2022)

Abstract

The media especially the newspapers are important in the society as source of information. It is also crucial to conflict mitigation because of the adoption of conflict –sensitive strategy in newspapers reportage can promote understanding. However, sensationalized or biased reporting can exacerbate conflict, perpetuate harmful stereotypes and deepen divisions. It is on this note that this study examines Conflict-Sensitive Techniques in Newspapers Reportage of Political Violence in Osun State, Nigeria.  Based on the Research objectives of the study; qualitative research approach was adopted.  This approach incorporates both the in-depth interview method as well as qualitative content analysis of selected newspapers’ coverage of political violence in the State.  Nine members of political stakeholders were purposively selected for the interview while twelve (12) editions of the newspapers were also purposively selected for analysis in the context of conflict – sensitivity.  Findings from the study revealed that all political parties were engulfed in both intra and inter-political crises.  However, the ruling and major opposition parties- APC and PDP were more prone to crises than other political parties.  The newspapers also jettisoned the necessary strategies required for reporting conflicts within the context of a democratic polity as they engaged in series of possible exaggeration, impartially, unobjective and outrightly partisan.  The study, therefore, recommended, among other, that the newspapers reporters should endeavor to abide by the professional ethics in reporting political  issues so as to mitigate conflict. They report political issues according to the laid down rules and regulations of journalism. The media should strive to contribute to the maintenance of peace and order by complying with the tenets of conflict journalism