Evaluating Peace Journalism Practices in Ethno-Religious Conflict Reporting: Evidence from Plateau State, Nigeria
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Abstract
Ethno-religious conflict remains a recurring challenge in Plateau State, Nigeria, raising critical questions about the extent to which journalism practices contribute to conflict escalation or peace-building. Drawing on peace journalism framework, this study investigates residents’ perceptions of how Nigerian media apply peace-oriented reporting principles in covering ethno-religious conflict in Plateau State. Using a quantitative descriptive survey design, data were collected from 384 residents through stratified and purposive sampling to ensure representation across key socio-demographic groups. A structured questionnaire assessed four dimensions of peace journalism: prioritisation of conflict root causes, humanisation of parties, amplification of non-elite voices, and coverage of peace initiatives. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and paired-sample t-tests. The findings indicate an uneven application of peace journalism principles. Media coverage moderately emphasises historical context, governance-related explanations, and institutional peace initiatives, reflecting a tendency towards structural and solution-oriented narratives. However, the humanisation of conflict actors and the inclusion of non-elite voices particularly those of ordinary residents and grassroots actors remain comparatively limited. Paired t-test results reveal that reporting on root causes and peace initiatives is significantly prioritised over humanisation and non-elite perspectives, while no significant difference exists between the latter two dimensions, suggesting their shared marginalisation in conflict coverage. The findings underscore the need for more empathetic, inclusive, and community-centred reporting to strengthen journalism’s peace-building role in deeply divided contexts.
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