An Appraisal of NBS Coverage of Communal Conflict in Nasarawa State, Nigeria: Focus On the 2013-2015 Herdsmen/Farmers Conflict

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William Musa Madaki
Gbaden Jacob Chiakaan
Anthony Orjiako

Abstract

This study is titled: "An Appraisal of Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) Coverage of Communal Conflicts in Nasarawa State, Nigeria: Focus on Herdsmen and Farmers Conflicts.” Specifically, the study examines the way and manner NBS covered the 2013-2015 crisis between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Data were collected and analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Adopting the social responsibility theory of the press, the study discovers that NBS was found lacking in its role as promoter of unity and peace among the various ethnic/religious groups in the State as demonstrated in its partial, biased and unprofessional coverage of the crisis. Findings have further revealed that rather than helping in managing the crisis, the station worsened it as it was found of accusing the various farming groups of being guilty party in the crisis. The study discovers, again, that the station was not even conscious of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code provided by NBC to be guiding all broadcast stations in reporting crisis or emergencies. Among other things, the study, therefore, recommends strict supervision and penalty against stations who violate the NBC code, training and recruitment of professional broadcasters. 

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