Date of Award

2013

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Media Studies

Advisor(s)

Gorham, Bradley W.

Keywords

Agenda-Setting, Disability, Framing, Media, Priming, Representation

Subject Categories

Communication

Abstract

This study examined how the media in Nigeria framed people with disabilities and issues concerning them with a view to appreciating how news media frames impact society's perception of people with disabilities. A textual analysis method was used to examine newspapers' reports of disability within the period of a decade - 2001 to 2010. The sample was drawn from two major newspapers in Nigeria - Daily Trust based in Abuja, north-central Nigeria and Nigerian Tribune based in Ibadan, south-western Nigeria. This was done to ascertain whether cultural and religious differences between the north (predominantly Islam) and south (predominantly Christian) impact news reports on disability. Results of the analysis revealed a similarity between the media in both regions as they often employ stereotypically offensive language when reporting disability stories. Media frames that emphasize frailty, charity, disparity and derogatory labels leave room for stereotype, prejudice and stigma. This, no doubt, has negative impact on how society relate with people with disabilities in Nigeria. On the other hand, the media in the north (Islamic factor) portrayed people with disabilities as visible in northern communities while the media in the south portrayed them as segregated in southern communities through institutionalization. This study suggests a media guideline on disability to guide journalists on how to report disability news in Nigeria, and by extension Africa

Access

Open Access

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