Analysis of News Presentation Patterns in Three Selected Catholic Newspapers in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The Catholic Church has communication in its Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). Communication is its life, as it directs how to propagate belief and make sense of the world around it. Hence, the Church also communicates like every human society that desires growth and life.

Objective: The study's thrust is to examine the pattern of coverage (issues, frequency, and tone) by Catholic Herald, The Leader, and Catholic Weekly Independent from 1961 to 2018.

Methodology: The study adopted quantitative content analysis as a method strategy. Three Catholic newspapers were purposively selected, with 1120 editions covering 1961 and 2018. Moreover, coding guides and sheets were adopted as research instruments, while issues reported, issues of prominence, and tone and focus formed the content category. The units of analysis were homily from the Pope, education, politics, racial conflict, and others, and inter-coder reliability was ensured among the coders.

Results: Findings showed that the newspapers covered many issues outside of religion despite being religious-oriented. Specifically, the Catholic Independent newspaper had more comprehensive coverage and content than The Leader and Catholic Herald newspapers.

Unique Contribution: This study could help catholic newspapers in Nigeria redirect their focus and become more competitive in the sales and advertising market by increasing the profile of consumers and advertisers who patronise them.

Conclusion: Catholic newspapers have undoubtedly accommodated more stories outside religion in their news content.

Recommendation: Catholic newspapers need more editorial independence to sustain the current trends of the newspaper business. Also, religious news and content should be tailored to how it affects the socio-economic life of Nigerians in the form of liberation journalism.