Television News Perspective of Conflict Reporting: the Nigerian Television Authority As a Reference Point

Full Length Research Paper

Television news perspective of conflict reporting: The Nigerian Television Authority as a reference point

Akpoghiran, Idamah Patrick1 and Otite, Ese Samson2*

1Department of Mass Communication and Film Studies, Western Delta University, Oghara Delta State, Nigeria. 2African Research Laboratories, Otorho-Agbon, Delta State, Nigeria.

Accepted 31 December, 2012

This paper examines the significance of public views on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) perspectives of conflict reporting in news. Survey research method was adopted for the study. A total of 400 respondents were selected for the study using Taro Yamane’s sample size formula. Questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Four hundred copies of questionnaire were administered to the public but only three hundred and ninety eight were returned. The data collected through questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency count, percentage, mean and chi-square to test the hypothesis. Finding reveals that audience views on the perspective of NTA news on conflict reporting are not significant as far as national unity is concerned. Also, it was, found that as a result of audience dependency on the media and as a national news carrier (NTA), the public are affected by gate keeping and agenda-setting postulations of the NTA news. Invariably, the media are reflections of events in the society and they play roles in the structuring of audience perceptions. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that journalists or television reporters should not allow their personal views and emotions as well as ethnic, religious, political and ideological sentiments to influence their reports on conflicts as such may call to question the credibility of the reports and put their lives at risk. In all conflict situations, government should always react promptly to early signals of possible outbreak of hostilities.

Key words: Conflict, conflict reporting, television news, audience, perceptions.

INTRODUCTION

Television news (news editors, news producers and other gladiators, it also revealed conflict between them, news managers) presents conflict to us as they see it. occasioned by the differing response to their socio- Nigerians have witnessed so many conflicts especially cultural and political loyalties. The trend of conflict has amalgamation of different cultural, religious and political remained highly dynamic whereby making the media as a tendencies in 1914 brought about a re-ordering of the vibrant market for conflict reporting. The various crises terrain, throwing up new challenges in the relationship such as religious crises, industrial strikes, bombings, and between various interests and sections of the country ethnic rivalries recorded in Nigeria, like in Kaduna, (Owens-Ibie, 2002). While the struggle for independence Bauchi, Jos, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Benue, the Niger Delta witnessed some consensus among the political region and different parts of the country attracted the attentions of the television stations and the mass media in general. As an inevitable aspect of human interaction, and an unavoidable concomitant of choices and deci- *Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]. sions, conflict cannot be avoided (Okolie, 2009). Tel: +2348037751257. The unique features of television, like social influence,

Akpoghiran and Otite 13

sounds and pictures partly explained why the medium element of conflict, the greater the probability that it remained until the early 1990s the exclusive control and would be reported and given pro-minence. Causes of preserve of government both Federal and State in conflicts as shown in television news have also been Nigeria. Before the deregulation of the broadcast sector identified with resources, identity, power, status or in 1992, government in Nigeria feared that television may values, system disequilibria in the distribution of national be used to cause violent conflicts because of its social development, and marginal political represen-tation of influence on viewers. Further to this, the regulatory minority groups (Nwachukwu, 2009; Onu, 2009). framework provided by the Federal Government under However, this study looks at the way conflicts are the National Broadcast Commission (NBC), as well as reported on NTA network news. The central objective of other government officials, “further underscores the this study is to determine audience views on the significance attached to the medium” (Gambo, 2002). perspective of NTA news on conflict reporting. In a The media environment is so monopolized by television broader view, this study seeks to expand the frontier of that its lessons or news are continually learned and knowledge by drawing a line between previous and relearned. This view stresses the cultivation theory by relevant works on this subject. The focal point of the Gerber to the relation of social reality. According to study is to determine the significance of conflict reporting Gerber and his colleagues, television is responsible for a on television news. The study will also look at the major ‘cultivating’ and ‘acculturating’ process according to manner in which conflict is reported in NTA news. which people are exposed systematically to a selective view of society on almost every aspect of life, a view which tends to shape their beliefs and value accordingly Research question (Gerber et al., 1967 cited in McQuail, 2010). Television news therefore is a source of identity and sense of social What are audience views on the perspective of NTA aspiration. For example, millions of Nigerians are con- news on conflict reporting? scious of 9:00pm everyday because of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) news. As a reference point of this study, NTA was inaugurated Hypothesis in 1977 and is the government-owned body in charge of television broadcasting in Nigeria. The NTA claims to run Ho: Audience views on the perspective of NTA news on the biggest television network in Africa with 45 branches conflict reporting are not significant. and network centres in several parts of Nigeria. Formerly known as Nigerian Television (NTV), the network began with a takeover of regional television stations in 1976 by LITERATURE REVIEW the then Nigerian military authorities, and is widely viewed as the authentic voice of the Nigerian Govern- There exists literature on conflict reporting. For example, ment. The NTA is now a reference point where many Eti (2009) did a work on objectivity and balance in conflict Nigerians may be “influenced by the attitudes and reporting. Eti (2009) believes that objectivity and balance perceptions presented by our mass media” (Baran, should be the hallmark of journalism. In his entry, 2002). Udomisor (2002) identifies problems and prospects for On a daily basis conflict is reported on the media. reporting conflict in democracy. To him, the problem of Reporting conflict in television because of the effect of objectivity and balance accounts form a central problem sights and sounds makes television emotional, appealing in reporting conflict especially in elections. Umar (2002) and perceptive. In conflict reporting, there is the possi- worked on reporting conflict on radio. He believes that bility for exaggeration of facts and figures, which may radio is a potent force for shaping people’s perceptions. further aggravate the conflict. Reporters are often over Goodwin (1990) says it is not easy for television news to whelmed with what they see only, without taking time to strike a balance especially on conflict reporting because follow or dig into the root cause of the conflict, thereby of the many dimensions involved in the story. Owens-Ibie subordinating the actual issues. By so doing, a reporter (2002) highlights socio-cultural consideration in conflict may unwittingly provoke the violent component of the reporting in Nigeria. Pate (2002) worked on reporting conflict to the detriment of the cause. Only an insigni- conflict in newspapers and magazines in democratic ficant number of the events that happened around us are Nigeria. Botes (1996) in Owens-Ibie (2002) observes that reported by the news media, partly because news is the media is naturally attracted to conflict. Owens-Ibie defined in accordance with specific criteria. That is, jour- (2002:32) says, “conflict is the bread and butter of nalists select those events or issues containing elements journalism”. To him, conflict sells in journalism. Galadima of the drama of conflict. Conflict attracts, and people find (2002) notes that the aims of conflict reporting are to: stories of conflict interesting and stimulating especially create awareness of such conflict so that it does not when it is reported in television. Clearly, the stronger the escalate; generate ideas of how to resolve or reduce the

14 J. Media Commun. Stud.

conflict; to publicize the plight of the victims of violent for the simplification of the complexities of conflicts is that conflicts for necessary assistance. of national unity which is stipulated in the 1999 Consti- Television is a strong instrument for social mobilization. tution (Chapter 2, section 15 (1), and also in the National It has the ability to shape and rethink people’s beliefs, Broadcasting Commission Code (2006) on general prin- opinions and feelings of various issues in life. It is the ciples of objectives of broadcasting. The Code states creator of ‘public thoughts’. It is central to the process of that: public thinking. McQuail (2010) shows that audience attitude towards television viewing is contingent upon the Broadcasters shall, therefore, observe basic professional degree of media dependency and exposure. As it were, tenets including caution, empathy and due sensitivity in heavy dependency and exposure to the media tend to their coverage of emergencies, calamities, riots and shape people’s beliefs, perceptions about various issues griefs. of life. Aptly put, the degree of dependency on the media is a key variable that helps to explain why audience It is taken therefore, that the reason for simplification of beliefs, feelings or behaviour are altered. Hence, conflicts the complexities of conflicts as reported in television reported on television news are based on the perspective news is contingent upon peace media journalism. Peace of the reporters and editors. Owens-Ibie (2002) notes that journalism as against conflict or war journalism provides the media play roles in the structuring of perception of the atmosphere for peace. Peace media experts believe social reality by regularly manufacturing and mirroring that when video of violent conflicts for example, are dissent and consent voices. Fiske (1987) notes that news shown on television news, it may further aggravate can never give a full, accurate objective picture of reality. conflict. During the September 11, 2001 bombing of the News can be gathered, uncovered or exposed. The idea World Trade Centre (WTC), peace media experts and is that television news offers us news from its decision- other observers advised Cable News Network (CNN) to room (news room). Televisions, because of the features minimize the video footage of the bombing because of of images, create lasting impression in the minds of the the psychological effects it may cause to the family of the viewer. Galadima (2002) says one of the perceptions of victims, and perhaps trigger further violence. The media people about conflict reporting on television is when the believe that the complexities of social conflicts especially news is distorted. This makes the conflict complex. To religious and political ones can be translated by television Gambo (2002), when the volume and quantity of news news reporter/editors into a simple, understandable and reported by the mass media continue to attract public presentable form. comments, criticisms and observations, the public begin Another perceptual dimension of conflict reporting is to focus mostly on the manner in which reporters and the intensification of the conflict. The notion of the inten- editors handled such reports. In the same vein, Ijalana sity dimension is derived from the claim that television (2000) cited in Owens-Ibie (2009) and Folarin (2005) news tends to present only the more intense moments of believes that the prominence given to conflict reporting social conflicts. By the frequency and the degree of affects public perceptions. coverage given to conflicts television news can heighten Consistent with the above, Adoni et al. (1983) identified tensions. For instance, while the ailing Late President of perceptual dimensions of social conflicts as reported on Nigeria, Umaru Yar’adua was in Saudi Arabia hospital, television. They argued that reporter simplify the com- the electronic news media like Channel television, and plexity of conflict report in television news. The focus on foreign ones like British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) the complexity dimension stems from the argument that were focusing on the intensity the conflict was generating television news coverage tends to simplify social in the country. Indeed, it generated a lot of controversies conflicts. Because of the ‘power’ of gate keeping, conflict and conflicts of interest. When the volume of television news in television has always been simplified. For news coverage of conflicts continue to attract public example, the various general elections held in Nigeria comments, criticisms, and observations then tensions, from 1999 till date have always been manifest with anxieties, fears begin to increase. For this, Waisbord violence, rigging, assassinations, and these are simplified (2002) cited in Eti (2009) argued that news media by government/public owned television stations. Eti especially the television establishes “culture of fear” (2009) suggests that the media should avoid the risk of which they perpetuate by portraying “a vast array of over simplification of conflict, because it not only leads to threats”. Thus, such intensified portrayal of conflict in bias but may aggravate the conflict. The aggrieved party television news, as Eti (2009) observes, “presents and may feel offended when television news does not reflect shapes negative perception of risk among member of the the true picture of the conflict. news audience, and creates a sense of helplessness Television news, for example, especially the NTA and when it does not cover aspects that communicate hope other government/public owned television stations and a selection”. The media are attractive to conflict. The simplified the gravity or effects of the Niger Delta crises in news media wants to be in the front bench in journalism. their news programmes. Perhaps, the philosophy of NTA Hence, the guiding principle in the intensification of

Akpoghiran and Otite 15

conflict news is “if it bleeds, it leads” (Lowry et al., 2003). Furthermore, the two theories above lead to frus-tration In other words, conflict is attractive. aggression postulation, as put together by psychologists By way of camera effects and manipulations, conflict John Dollard and his colleagues in 1939. In an attempt to coverage in television news can also be intensified. explain aggression, scholars point to the wide difference Camera shots like close-up shots, medium shots, long between promise and performance paradigm (PPP) by shots, panning up and down, zoom in and out and split government or organisations and individuals in society. screen, as Akpan (2006) notes, are used to emphasize Failure of these social promises or expectations invites persons, things, place movement or body position. aggression from members of the society. However, some television organisations believe in Conflict reporting in television is also contingent upon telling conflict the way it happens. For example, CNN the agenda-setting postulations. The mass media pre- believe in reporting from the war front, so that they (CNN) determine what issues are regarded as important at a can ‘tell it as it is’, because CNN want you to ‘be the first given time. McQuail (2010) says the core idea of the to know’. CNN and BBC for instance, are known for their theory is “that the news media indicate to the public what defiance of bland but blunt coverage of the Niger Delta the main issues of the day are and this is reflected in crises especially the side of kidnapping and hostage what the public perceive as the main issues”. The taking. The bombings, killings of innocent people and elements involved in agenda-setting, according to Folarin attacking of churches by the Islamic sect Boko Haram (2002) are: the quantity or frequency of reporting; the were intensively carried and reported by the CNN and prominence given to the reports and the degree of BBC. The news media thrive on conflict despite the conflict generated in the reports. By frequently reporting negative impact it has on the society. of conflicts in television, an agenda ‘fear’ arises. Indeed, many studies have been done on conflicts and In modern society, audiences are increasingly depen- conflicts reporting but there are no studies on the dimen- dent on media to understand the social world around and sion and perspective of conflict reporting by the NTA. to act meaningfully and effectively in the society, to find fantasy and escape or diversion. The level of dependency is based on the degree of change and conflict Theoretical framework present in society, and as reported by the media. Conflict as a social phenomenon is presented in tele- This study is anchored on conflict and media theories. vision news based on what the media consider and select For example, Structural Conflict Theory finds its assump- as important news. The degree of this importance is tion to conflict reporting. It addresses the reactions of based on audience dependency on television for news individuals, groups, cultures, institutions and societies to and other information. changes. The main argument of the structural conflict theory is that conflict is built into the particular ways societies are structured and organized. The theory looks MATERIALS AND METHODS at social problems like political and economic exclusion, The study adopted the survey research method as the research injustice, poverty, disease, exploitation, inequity as design. A survey method for this study is quite appropriate in the sources of conflict (Ademola, 2006). The emphasis of measurement of public opinions and attitudes. The population for structural theory is thus, on how the competing interests the study was restricted to Warri South in Delta State, Nigeria. The of groups tie conflict directly into the town has a population of 311,970 (www.population.gov.ng and social, economic and political organization of society as www.nigerianstat.gov.ng). To have a definite sample size, the Taro Yamane’s (1967) sample size formula was applied: well as the nature and strength of social networks within and between community groups. N There are bound to be conflicts when the political and 1+N(℮)2 economic structure of a state fails. Conflict reporting in Where, television news is always tied to political and economic n = sample size problems ranging from injustice, exploitation and inequity N = Elements of population: 311,970 especially in the developing countries. This theory also ℮ = Error of sampling in this study was 0.05 proportion finds similarity with Systemic theory. Systemic theory Therefore: provides a socio-structural explanation for the emergence n = __311,970___ of violent social conflicts. The position of this theory is 1 + 311,970 × (0.05)2 that reason(s) for any social conflict lie in the social context within which it occurs. Conflict arises when the n = __ _ 311,970_ socio-cultural and economic systems like cherished 780.925 values and traditions breakdown. The breakdown of the n = 399.5  400 socio-cultural and economic systems in Nigeria has resulted in various conflicts. In this wise, 400 becomes the sample size for each State. This

16 J. Media Commun. Stud.

represents 0.12%of the population. of the respondents that indicated this while 319 (80.1%) said that NTA coverage on news conflicts had been inadequate. 86 (21.5%) respondents said that NTA had Method of data analysis been proactive in conflict issues while 312 (78.4%) The technique employed to analyze the obtained data was respondents indicated the otherwise (that is, NTA had not descriptive statistics of frequency count, percentage, mean and chi- been proactive in conflict issues). The media are part of square to test the hypothesis. To determine NTA news perspective offering peace initiatives, according to 221 (55.5%) on conflict reporting, we surveyed viewers’ response through a respondents but 177 (44.4%) respondents said that NTA questionnaire. Responses to the questionnaire were pooled, edited and scored. Nominal values were assigned to the items according does not offer peace initiatives in conflict reports. 113 to scales. Table 1 employed percentage analysis. Three options (28.2%) respondents believe that NTA news on conflict were provided in all the four items. In Table 2, the semantic has been satisfactory while 285 (71.6%) respondents differential scaling of 2-1 point was employed. The semantic indicated unsatisfactory. From the finding, we concur that differential scale helps respondents to ascertain the roles of NTA the roles of NTA news on conflict reporting are packaged news in conflict reporting. The items provided in this table and their according to the station initiatives. Obviously, NTA news opposite items were: ‘timely’, ‘adequate coverage’ ‘proactive’, ‘peace initiatives’ and so on’. A respondent may decide the positive stories on conflicts have been inadequate and untimely. or negative options as provided. Percentage was used to analyze As shown in Table 3, it is taken that NTA audiences the data. Table 3 was designed in Likert scale in matrix box. It believe so much in its news because of its status as a provides the respondents with the options of: Strongly Agree (SA), national television station (where, obtained point =3.55 ≥ Agree (A), Undecided (UD), Disagree (D) and Strongly disagree set point 3.00). But its news coverage on conflict does (SD). To determine the mean or benchmark for each values in not give the true happenings of conflict (p=3.49). It was Table 1, we add the values of 5-1 scale or point (5+4+3+2+1=15) and divided by the scale 5 (15÷5=3). Therefore, 3.0 serves as a accepted in item 3 (where p=3.39) that the Nigerian mass benchmark for acceptance or rejection to the question asked. The media enjoy reporting conflict because it sells, and it mean is represented by x in the table. Chi-square was used to test does attract the public. the hypothesis. On the other hand, given a mean point at (p=2.36 ≤ A test and re-test involving 40 copies of the questionnaire was 3.00), it was taken that audience views on the pers- administered twice to students of the Western Delta University at pective of NTA news on conflict reporting are significant. interval of four weeks. A total of 4 errors were observed. The As obtained in item 5 (where, p= 3.51 ≥ 3.00), the news Guttman scale of coefficient of reproducibility was adopted to measure the reliability of the instrument where: media especially the private ones are capable of provoking public minds in the manner they report conflict Total error especially when offensive and provocative comments are 1 – Total responses used. However, there is nothing wrong in the way violent conflicts are reported in television news (p=3.32≥ 3.00). 1 – __4__ 40 = 0.1 Finally, where p=2.57≤ 3.00, respondents said that NTA news should report violent conflict like bombing as it = 1– 0.1 = 0.9 or 90% happens irrespective of the objective of national unity.

The instrument yielded reliability coefficient value of 90%, an Hypothesis tested (Using one sample chi-square test) indication of internal consistency and validity. H0: Audience views on the perspective of NTA news on conflict reporting are not significant (Table 4). RESULTS

The sample returned (n=398) consists of 246 (61.8%) DISCUSSION males and 152 (38.1%) females. The age ranges are from 18 years and above. From the data gathered, the following findings emerged. Table 1 shows the number of respondents that watch Respondents as shown in the study agreed that and listen to NTA, their rating of NTA in terms of conflict television news is a major source of information to many coverage and what perspective NTA follows whenever it Nigerians. A good number of the respondents (53.2%) reports conflict news. The respondents rated the NTA watch NTA news not as a television station, but as a news in terms of conflict coverage as very poor but national network station that is responsible for national provide peace dimension in their news coverage of news especially from the central seat of power. Although conflict. the rating of NTA news in terms of conflict reporting was As indicated in Table 2, 197 respondents representing very poor but its dimension on conflict news had been 49.4% see the roles of NTA news in conflict reporting as peace reporting and national unity perspective (64.0 %). timely while 201 respondents representing 50.5% see it As obtained in the study the Nigerian mass media enjoy as untimely. Item 2 showed that NTA news had played reporting conflict because it sells, and it does attract the adequate role in conflict coverage; there were 79 (19.7%) public; and they are capable of provoking public minds in

Akpoghiran and Otite 17

Table 1. Audience views on NTA conflict news.

Items Options Total Do you watch NTA Sure 213 (53.2%) Not sure 99 (24.8%) Not at all 86 (21.6%) 398 (100%) news? Do you listen and Sure 213 (53.5%) Not sure 100 (25%) Not at all 85 (21.2%) 398 (100%) watch conflict stories on NTA news?

Rate NTA news in Good 55 (14%) Poor101 (25.2%) Very poor 242 (60.8%) 398 (100%) terms of conflict coverage.

Which dimension or a) Intensive coverage (b) Bias and unbalance c) Peace reporting perspective do you of the conflict report perspective and national unity think NTA follows perspective 26 (6.5%) 117 (29.3%) perspective 255 (64.0%) whenever it reports

conflict news?

Table 2. The roles that NTA news has played in reporting conflict.

Options Positive(+) Negative(-) Total Timely 197 (49.4%) Untimely 201 (50.5%) 398 (100%) Adequate coverage 79 (19.7%) Inadequate coverage 319 (80.1%) 398 (100%) Proactive in conflict issues 86 (21.5%) Not proactive in conflict issues 312 (78.4%) 398 (100%) Peace initiatives role 221 (55.5%) Not peace initiatives role 177 (44.4%) 398 (100%) Satisfactory 113 (28.2%) Unsatisfactory 285 (71.6%) 398 (100%)

Table 3. Conflict reporting in television news.

ITEMS SA A UD D SD  Decision X Because of its status as a national television station the 141 102 40 65 50 3.55 Accepted public believe so much in NTA news.

NTA news coverage on conflict does not give the true 88 162 52 52 44 3.49 Accepted happenings of the conflict.

The Nigerian mass media enjoy reporting conflict 106 120 58 55 59 3.39 Accepted because it sells, and it does attract the public.

Audience views on the perspective of NTA news on 40 62 21 154 12 2.36 Rejected conflict reporting are not significant. 1

The news media especially the private ones are 91 156 61 48 40 3.51 Accepted capable of provoking public minds in the manner they report conflict especially when offensive and provocative comments are used.

There is nothing wrong in the way violent conflicts are 89 121 75 59 53 3.32 Accepted reported in television news.

For the interest of national unity NTA news should not 44 98 13 132 11 2.57 Rejected report violent conflict like bombing as it happens. 1

18 J. Media Commun. Stud.

Table 4. Hypothesis tested using one sample chi-square test.

Item tested (from item 4 above) SA A UD D SD TOTAL Audience views on the perspective of NTA news on 40 62 21 154 121 398 conflict reporting are not significant.

Calculated value Fo Fe Fo-Fe (Fo-Fe)2 (Fo-Fe)2 – Fe 40 56.8 -16.8 282.24 4.96 62 56.8 5.2 27.04 0.47 21 56.8 -35.8 1,281.6 22.56 154 56.8 97.2 9,447.8 166.3 121 56.8 64.2 4,121.6 72.56 Total= 398 398 χ 2 266.85

2 Df = (R =1) (C-1); Df = (5-1) (1-7); Df = (4) (6); Df = 24; significant level = 0.05; critical value χ 24 at 0.05  42.98; decision rule: Accept 2 2 Ho if χ cal is ≥ χ tab value and accept H1 if otherwise.

the manner they report conflict especially when offensive of Representatives, giving Olusegun Obasanjo the choice and provocative comments or language are used. In the to either resign or be impeached is an example of his same vein, some respondents believe that there is being unduly shielded by the federal media (Udeajah, nothing wrong in the way violent conflicts are reported on 2004). television news. To them, the media should therefore, tell Many Nigerians do not believe in NTA news in the conflict by providing peace initiatives, others like dimension and perspective of conflict reporting. They see CHANNEL in Nigeria and CNN believe in telling it as it is, NTA as representing the views of the government in the perhaps intensifying the conflict. Eti (2009) had argued matters of conflict. This has always been so with all that news media especially the television “establishes a government/public media stations. NTA large audiences culture of fear which they perpetuate by portraying a vast were as a result of its many years of broadcasting and as array of threats”. In complement to this, Botes (1996) in a national carrier of the central government news and Owens-Ibie (2002) notes that the media are naturally information, and not as a result of its programmes attracted to conflict. Evidently, respondents believe that contents. NTA news coverage on conflict does not give the true reflection or happenings of the conflict. Invariably, people have different perceptions of the way CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS conflicts are reported on NTA news. The dimension or perspective the media report conflict may generate public The media play roles in the structuring of perception of debates. This finds endorsement with our earlier postu- conflict by regularly manufacturing and mirroring dissent lation of agenda setting theory. In view of this, Baran and consent voices. This is based on gate keeping or (2002) observes that the public are influenced by the agenda-setting postulations of the media especially on attitudes and perceptions presented by the mass media. conflict reporting. Conflict has always been attractive to It was taken in the hypothesis test that audience views on the mass media. At the heart of conflict reporting in the perspective of NTA news on conflict reporting are not television news like the NTA are the reporters and editors significant. What the public think about NTA perspective perspectives of conflicts. As far as national unity is con- on conflict reporting may not be important or significant cerned, audience views on the perspectives of the NTA in as far as national unity is concerned. NTA news for conflict reporting are not significant. The NTA news example, believes in peace and national unity reporting at coverage of conflict takes the dimension of simplification the time of conflicts like terrorism, industrial strike. In this of the complexities of conflict. perspective, NTA is an extension of the federal Journalists or television reporters should not allow their government and its agenda for national integration and personal views and emotions as well as ethnic, religious unity. NTA has always repre-sented the ideology of past political and ideological sentiments to influence their governments, and this will always be. For instance, during reports on conflicts as such may call to question the the 2003 impeachment attempt on Olusegun Obasanjo credibility of the reports and put their lives at risk. when he was the president of Nigeria by the House of Television news coverage of conflict should not in any Representatives, many Nigerians believe that the refusal way aggravate conflict or be capable of inflaming of NTA and FRCN to broadcast the motion in the House passions, or seem to take sides with any of the parties

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