ABSTRACT

 This study critically assessed the watchdog role of the Nigerian press in their reportage of 2015 Presidential Election Campaigns. Study design was the content analysis of three Nigerian newspapers: The Punch, Guardian and the Tribune. The Agenda setting and Social responsibility theories were  theoretical frameworks used. Data sourced from the three newspapers under study showed that the press handled reportage of the presidential election campaigns with a high degree of commitment. The newspapers carried a total of one thousand, four hundred and forty-four (1,444) stories during the period.  The Guardian led with 515 news contents; followed by the Tribune 495; and the Punch 434.   However, the reporting was inequitable because searchlight was beamed specifically on the two dominant political parties - Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressives Congress. Also, preference was given to straight news stories to the detriment of interpretative news which would have given the masses better understanding of the reports. It was recommended that journalists should strive to maintain objectivity and balance in their reporting. The regulatory bodies should guarantee job securities for the journalists through their media organizations, to ensure their strict compliance to professional ethics.

Key Words: Critical Analysis, Press Coverage, Presidential Election Campaigns, Nigerian Newspapers.

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*Chidinma Henrietta Onwubere, Ph.D., LL.B., is with the School of Arts and Social Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria, University Village, Plot 91, Jabi Cadastral Zone, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria.

^JCMRJournal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 8, No. 2, October 2016, 163 – 176