Assessment of Newspaper Framing of the October 2020 #EndSARS Protests in Nigeria

Abstract

The October 2020 #EndSARS protest in Nigeria marked a transformative moment in the country’s history, driven
by widespread grievances against police brutality and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). This study
explores the critical role played by Nigerian newspapers in framing and covering these historic protests. Drawing
on Framing Theory and Agenda-Setting Theory, the research employs a quantitative content analysis approach to
examine newspaper coverage from October 8, 2020, to January 7, 2021, in four prominent Nigerian newspapers:
Daily Trust, Leadership, Nigerian Tribune, and Thisday. The study found out that the majority of coverage was
on inside pages, with lower percentages on front and back pages. The Motivational Frame dominated, followed
by Diagnostic and Prognostic/Causal Frames, emphasising motivations behind the protests. Critical tones
prevailed, contrasting with supportive tones and minimal neutral tones, indicating substantial scrutiny and critique
in reporting. The study concludes that there was a significant attention to the protests but a lack of prominence on
front and back pages. The dominant Motivational Frame underscores a focus on motivations, and critical tones
prevail in media representation. The study recommended that newspaper organisations reevaluate front and backpage priorities to elevate coverage of vital events like #EndSARS, ensuring more informed and balanced coverage
decisions, enrich coverage by expanding beyond conventional frames, incorporating socio-political impacts,
human stories, and future implications to provide a more comprehensive understanding, strive for a balanced
portrayal by incorporating diverse perspectives.