Objectivity in reporting conflict and violence in multi- ethnic Nigeria

Abstract

The issue of objectivity is a highly contested phenomenon in mass media practice, particularly in a multi- ethnic- society such as Nigeria. Objectivity in journalism has remained a victim of conflictual conceptualization and definitional pluralism globally. While some media scholars, professionals and the society see objectivity as an impossible task in the mass media practice, others see it as an inevitable tenet of the principle of journalism. Objective journalism attempts to present complete report that is not coloured by the opinion of the reporter, the requirement of government, the excessive control of media owners as well as the idiosyncrasy of the editors. This study, anchored on framing theory of the mass media questioned the much touted media objectivity in journalistic reportage particularly in multi-ethnic Nigeria. Terms considered germane for this study include: nature and forms of conflict and violence, causes of conflict and violence in Nigeria, conflict and violence reporting in a multi-ethnic society as well as objectivity question in conflict and violence reportage in multi-ethnic Nigeria. While the paper noted the importance of fairness, objectivity and neutrality in mass media reportage, it however, concludes that during conflict and violence reportage, objectivity is likely not possible and recommends that journalists should embrace media credibility based on truthfulness instead of chasing elusive objectivity.