Shadrach Idi, Tsokwa Solomon

Keywords: Bad governance, democracy, protest, social change, newspaper coverage

Abstract

Protests inherently attract media attention and protesters significantly rely on media coverage to communicate their demands to authorities. However, the manner in which the media report on protests critically shapes public perception, support and governmental response. Using the Protest Paradigm (PP) theory, this paper discusses how the mass media predominantly portray protests and protesters in a negative light, thereby delegitimizing their actions and diminishing their platform to voice demands. This paper examines the validity of the PP theory within the context of Nigerian newspapers’ coverage of the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest. Stories of four Nigerian newspapers – The Punch, Daily Trust, Premium Times, and Vanguard, dating 1st July to 5th August, 2024 were content analyzed. Findings cap to indicate that media coverage of the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest aligns with basic asumptions of the Protest Paradigm theory, which frame protest primarily through the lens of rioting, with an emphasis on violence, clashes, and property destruction. This portrayal depicts protest as a negative event to be discouraged, rather than as a legitimate exercise of citizens’ rights crucial for strengthening governance and democracy. The paper concludes that the media coverage of the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest in Nigeria was sensational which denied protesters the needed support and voice to contribute to advocating for social change in Nigeria. The paper recommends the Nigerian Union of Journalists and media regulators should work to foster news reporting that recognizes the democratic role of peaceful protests, thereby discouraging media practices that reinforce negative stereotypes.

Author Biography

Shadrach Idi

Department of Mass Communication Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria Email: [email protected]

Tsokwa Solomon

Department of Political Science Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria Email: [email protected]

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