Role of Traditional and New Media in Ethnic Conflicts in Nigeria’s Middle-Belt Region: Contrasting Responsibilities, Approaches, and Ethos

• In Event: Ethnic Conflict: Constructing, Deconstructing, and Reconstructing Ethnic Divides

Abstract

A chief obstacle to community development and progress in sub-Saharan Africa is persistent, widespread, low-scale, yet catastrophic, ethnic and communal conflicts. Nigeria is no exception! Nigeria’s Middle-Belt region, in the geo-political lower north, has experienced long-standing ethno-religious and political conflict/crisis. Frequent and intermittent ethnic conflicts have raged among the various ethnic groups. This research looks at the seemingly contrasting roles of traditional and new media in ethnic conflict transformation in the area. Using a peace journalism media-ecological model that incorporates spiral of silence, priming, agenda-setting, and framing theoretic frameworks, the research analyzes the (dis)functional roles legacy and new media play in conflict exacerbation, resolution, and mediation. It employs a qualitative interpretive content analysis/critique to examine similarities and differences between how traditional and new media address ethnic conflicts in the region. It proposes a new ethic for ethnic conflict reporting, suitable for both professional and citizen journalists.

Author

• Bala A. Musa, Azusa Pacific U