Coverage of 2024 Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria by two Selected Newspapers
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Date
2025
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Journal of Communication and Media Research
Abstract
This study examined the coverage of the 2024 cholera outbreak in Nigeria by Daily Trust and The Punch
newspapers. It focused on the newspaper role in informing, educating, and mobilizing the public during the
outbreak. Using content analysis, 106 newspaper editions published between June 9 and July 31, 2024, were
reviewed to evaluate the frequency, prominence, formats, and sources of cholera-related stories. Findings revealed
that there was high frequency of reports on the outbreak right from when it started. Also, the outbreak was given
prominence owing to a substantial part of its stories appearing on the front pages of the selected newspapers.
However, most of the stories on the cholera outbreak were predominantly straight news formats. Government
sources were heavily relied upon, while voices from victims, NGOs, and health workers were underrepresented.
This paper concluded that the newspapers did well in setting agenda for the cholera outbreak in 2024 to ensure
awareness. It was recommended that Nigerian newspapers should diversify formats of articles on disease outbreaks
to include editorials and human-interest pieces to provide depth of information not only for awareness but also
prevention of further spread of such diseases. The newspapers should also incorporate a broader range of sources to
enhance the depth of stories. These measures could further strengthen the media’s role in addressing public health
crises in Nigeria, especially during disease outbreak.
Description
Coverage of 2024 Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria by two Selected Newspapers
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Citation
Shittu, Y., Subair, B.D. & Adewuyi,S.A (2025). Coverage of 2024 Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria by two Selected Newspapers. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 17(2), pp. 78-88.