International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The persistent insecurity in Imo State, Nigeria, has heightened public concern regarding the role of the mass media in promoting security awareness, encouraging civic participation, and supporting peacebuilding efforts. Although previous studies have extensively examined media coverage of insecurity in Nigeria, limited empirical attention has been devoted to assessing how media organisations, through their editorial policies, programme content, and audience engagement strategies, contribute to promoting security at the state level.
Objective: This study appraised the contributions of selected media organisations in Owerri to promoting security in Imo State.
Method: The study adopted a survey research design. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and the researcher's observation. Results: The findings revealed that both broadcast and print media employed diverse content formats to address security issues in Imo State. The selected media organisations contributed substantially to public awareness by disseminating security-related information through various programmes and publications. Furthermore, the broadcast media demonstrated considerable audience participation by providing interactive platforms for discussing security concerns.
Conclusion: The study concluded that the selected media organisations in Owerri recognised the severity of insecurity in Imo State and adopted diverse communication strategies to raise public awareness, stimulate public discourse, and encourage citizen participation in addressing security challenges.
Unique Contribution: The study provides empirical evidence on the contributions of media organisations in promoting security awareness and public engagement at the sub-national level, thereby enriching the growing body of literature on media and security communication in Nigeria. Key Recommendations: The study recommends that media organisations increase the frequency and prominence of security-focused programmes and newspaper columns. It also recommends the development of dedicated interactive platforms that facilitate sustained public engagement and collaboration with relevant security stakeholders to strengthen security awareness and promote community resilience in Imo State.