International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The role of newspapers in shaping public opinion during elections is crucial, and understanding public perception of newspaper reportage is essential for promoting democratic processes.
Objective: This study investigated how newspaper readers in Nasarawa and Plateau States perceived newspaper reportage of the activities of the 2023 presidential elections in Nigeria, focusing on accuracy, objectivity, and bias.
Method: The research employed mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. Content analysis was used to examine the newspaper coverage of the 2023 Presidential Elections in Daily Trust and This Day, while descriptive survey was adopted in assessing readers’ perception of the coverage. This enabled a comprehensive analysis of both the newspapers’ content and the public’s response to it.
Result: There was a nuanced view of newspaper reportage, with significant degree of accuracy and objectivity. The study identifies factors that influenced public perception, including credibility, journalistic integrity, and balanced reporting.
Conclusion: The study concludes that public perception of newspaper reportage on the 2023 Presidential Elections varies significantly between Nasarawa and Plateau States, reflecting complex regional dynamics in media trust, perceived accuracy, and bias in election coverage.
Unique Contribution: This study provides insights into the regional variations in public perception of newspaper reportage, highlighting the importance of local context in shaping media trust and reliance.
Key Recommendation: Newspapers should prioritize accuracy and objectivity in their reporting, particularly in the context of elections, to promote trust and reliance on newspapers as sources of information.