Project Abstract

Abstract
The media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and understanding of development issues. This research project focuses on analyzing the coverage of development issues by two prominent newspapers, The Guardian and The Nation. By examining articles published in both newspapers over a specific time period, this study aims to identify the trends and patterns in how these newspapers report on development topics. The research will employ content analysis as the primary method to categorize and analyze the articles. Development issues encompass a wide range of topics, including economic growth, social welfare, infrastructure projects, and environmental sustainability. By categorizing the articles based on these themes, the study will provide insights into the priorities and perspectives of The Guardian and The Nation in their coverage of development. Furthermore, the research will explore the framing of development issues in the two newspapers. Framing refers to the way in which information is presented to emphasize certain aspects of an issue. By examining the language, tone, and emphasis used in the articles, this study will uncover the underlying narratives and values that shape the newspapers' coverage of development topics. In addition, the research will investigate the sources and voices represented in the articles. Development reporting often involves quoting experts, policymakers, and affected communities to provide context and analysis. By analyzing the sources cited in the articles, this study will assess the diversity and balance of perspectives presented in The Guardian and The Nation's coverage of development issues. The comparative analysis of The Guardian and The Nation's coverage will offer valuable insights into the role of the media in informing public discourse on development. By examining how these newspapers report on key development issues, this research will contribute to a better understanding of the media's influence on public perceptions and policy agendas related to development. Overall, this research project seeks to illuminate the ways in which The Guardian and The Nation contribute to shaping public understanding and engagement with development topics. By analyzing their coverage patterns, framing strategies, and source diversity, this study will offer important insights into the role of the media in promoting informed debate and decision-making on critical development issues.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Prior to the introduction of modern means of communication, man had fashioned for himself the appropriate communication approach suitable for his development, Through this approach, people in different rural settings were mobilized to participate in the affairs of their locality.

However, as the society became large and complex, traditional communication systems could not adequately take care of the communication needs of the people and therefore, the modern media were put in place to reach out to the relatively large heterogeneous and anonymous audience. Simultaneously, that marked the era of the mass media. It is worthy of mention that communication is an important social tool. Without communication, one could not have influenced the ideas, feelings, or actions of the others. Through written, verbal and non-verbal signs and symbols, man communicates his feelings and to other people. It is also true that communication links the individual with himself, his environment and other men.         According to the Advanced Learners Dictionary (7th edition pp 291), communication which is the process of transferring thoughts, ideas, facts feelings etc from one person to another is very important in human existence. Without it, life will be meaningless and human interaction would be impossible. The importance of communication cannot be down played.

According to Sybil (1989) as cited by Yushau (2011) observed that communication serves as an instrument of social interaction. It helps us to understand ourselves, to keep in touch with other people, to understand situations. It is a means by which power is acquired, exercised and sustained. It is the medium through which relationships are established, extended and maintained. The mass media had helped in creating social awareness and also provide people with an easy way of living life. The print media played an important part in the historical events such as the Renaissance, the American War of Independence, The French Revolution and many more.

Earlier on the development of the newspaper came around 1600A.D, but it took this form of mass media more than a century to influence the masses directly. The first printed newspaper was The Relation. Later, in the year 1690, Benjamin Harris printed the first colonial newspaper in Boston. There was an increase in the circulation of newspapers in the nineteeth century. Then came the first African-American paper titled Freedom’s Journal published in the year 1827 (Wikipedia, 2016). The 14th century Guttenberg’s invention of the printing press must have aided the revolution in the printing industry. This invention made it possible to transfer complex information, ideas and concepts from one individual to another, or to a group, faster than ever before due to amazing advances in technology. This breakthrough altered the way we perceive the universe and manner in which we communicate with one another. As early 1900 print media could be found in the form of newspapers. It provided all the necessary information about the world for the people at remote locations. Even today, newspapers remain an important global source of information.