AN APPRAISAL OF MEDIA REPORTAGE OF CHILD RIGHTS IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION: IMPLICATIONS FOR JOURNALISTIC PRACTICES

Abstract

This study examines the media coverage of child rights issues in the Niger DeltaRegion, by assessing the accuracy, depth and ethical considerations of reporting practices. Thestudy adopts the mixed methods approach complementing the quantitative results andinterviews with journalists and child rights experts which reveal significant gaps in mediareports such as sensationalism, lack of control and inadequate representation of children’svoices. Further research findings revealed that 61 (34.85%) strongly agreed that media reportson child rights are not fair and balanced in terms of representing diverse viewpoints andstakeholders, and 65 (37.14%). Agreed that media reports on child rights prioritizesensationalism over factual accuracy. The interview questions related to the child rightsadvocate’s responses show that 73 (41.71%) strongly disagreed that media reports do notreflect child rights issues in their work. Moreover, 69 (39.42%) respondents agreed that mediareports on children account for 69 (39.42%) that state that media reports on child issues caninfluence public perceptions of child rights in Nigeria. The study highlights the need forimproved journalistic practices, specialized training, ethical guidelines, and collaborativeefforts with child rights advocates. The study suggests that enhanced media reporting can shapepublic perception, influence policy and promote the protection and realization of child rightsin the region.