Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project focuses on analyzing the coverage of development issues by two prominent newspapers, The Guardian and The Nation. Development issues are critical topics that affect the progress and well-being of societies, making it essential for media outlets to effectively report on them. The study employs content analysis as the primary research method to examine how these newspapers address various development themes such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic growth. By comparing the coverage of The Guardian and The Nation, this research aims to identify similarities and differences in their reporting strategies, framing of issues, and the emphasis placed on different aspects of development. Additionally, the study seeks to explore whether the newspapers provide in-depth analysis, diverse perspectives, and constructive solutions to the development challenges facing the nation. The theoretical framework guiding this research is agenda-setting theory, which posits that media outlets play a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and priorities by determining the salience of different issues. By applying this theoretical lens, the study will assess how The Guardian and The Nation contribute to setting the agenda for development discourse in their respective publications. The findings of this research will offer valuable insights into the media's role in promoting awareness, accountability, and progress on development issues. Understanding how The Guardian and The Nation cover these topics can help policymakers, civil society organizations, and the general public evaluate the quality of information provided by these newspapers and advocate for more effective and comprehensive reporting on development challenges. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on media influence, development communication, and the societal impact of news coverage. By critically analyzing the representation of development issues in The Guardian and The Nation, this study sheds light on the media's power to inform, educate, and mobilize public opinion towards positive social change. The findings will be relevant not only to scholars and researchers in the fields of journalism and communication but also to practitioners working in development, governance, and advocacy sectors.

Thesis 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.