Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This study explores the audience perception of newspaper coverage of Fulani herdsmen attacks in Nigeria, with a focus on newspaper readers in Akwa Ibom State. The Fulani herdsmen attacks have been a significant issue in Nigeria, leading to loss of lives, displacement of communities, and heightened tensions across the country. Newspaper coverage plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and awareness of these attacks. However, there is a need to understand how newspaper readers in Akwa Ibom State perceive the coverage of Fulani herdsmen attacks in the media. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing focus group discussions and content analysis of newspaper articles to examine audience perceptions. By engaging newspaper readers in Akwa Ibom State through focus group discussions, this study aims to uncover their interpretations, opinions, and attitudes towards the portrayal of Fulani herdsmen attacks in the newspapers. Additionally, content analysis of newspaper articles will provide insights into the framing, tone, and depth of coverage of these attacks in the media. The findings of this study will contribute to existing literature on media framing, audience reception, and the representation of conflicts in the media. Understanding how newspaper readers in Akwa Ibom State perceive the coverage of Fulani herdsmen attacks can have implications for media practitioners, policymakers, and the general public. By gaining insights into audience perceptions, media organizations can tailor their coverage to better meet the information needs and expectations of their readers. Policymakers can also utilize these findings to assess the impact of media coverage on public opinion and formulate strategies to address the Fulani herdsmen crisis effectively. Overall, this research seeks to bridge the gap between media representations of conflict and audience interpretations by focusing on newspaper coverage of Fulani herdsmen attacks in Nigeria. By examining how newspaper readers in Akwa Ibom State perceive and make sense of these representations, this study aims to provide valuable insights that can enhance media practices, inform policy decisions, and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding the Fulani herdsmen attacks in Nigeria.

Thesis Overview