Tansian University Journal of Arts, Management & Social Sciences

This study examines the media coverage of the 2023 Nigerian presidential election by two prominent broadcasters Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Africa Independent Television (AIT) focusing on Akwa Ibom and Delta States. Given the pivotal role of media in shaping public perception, understanding their reporting patterns is crucial for assessing electoral fairness and media impartiality. NTA, a government-owned entity, and AIT, a private broadcaster, have historically been scrutinized for potential biases in their election coverage. For instance, a 2015 European Union report highlighted that both NTA and AIT exhibited favoritism towards the ruling party, allocating disproportionate airtime to the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidates, thereby marginalizing opposition voices. This trend raised concerns about the objectivity and balance of their reporting. In the context of the 2023 elections, this research employs content analysis to assess the extent of bias in the coverage of presidential candidates in Akwa Ibom and Delta States. The study analyzes prime-time news segments, special reports, and political commentaries aired by both NTA and AIT, focusing on the frequency, tone, and framing of coverage related to the two leading presidential candidates. Particular attention is given to the representation of regional political dynamics, party affiliations, and the portrayal of electoral events. Preliminary findings suggest that while both broadcasters maintained a degree of objectivity, subtle biases persisted, reflecting historical patterns of media-partisan alignment. The study concludes by discussing the implications of these biases on public trust in media institutions and the electoral process, emphasizing the need for enhanced media literacy and regulatory oversight to ensure balanced and fair election coverage

Open Full Text (PDF)