The main purpose of the mass media is to disseminate information on the prevention of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria thereby meeting the society’s information demands, although much of the material is not from a credible source or is inaccurate. This is a serious issue. Because of the government’s lockdown policy, online newspapers have become a valuable tool for engagement, communication, and transmission of both factual and misleading information.
In Nigeria, COVID-19 has been an issue, and the rate has recently risen. Victims have died as a result of this threat. It has caused and continues to bring suffering to its victims, who are often persons of all ages. There are two kinds of persons who are more at risk: those who are over 60 years old and those who have a medical problem (World Health Organization [WHO, 2020). Some governmental and non-governmental organizations and tactics have been put in place to try to limit and curtail the spread of COVID -19, all for the same reason. As a result, social media, which uses online newspapers as one of the most widely used sources of information, is projected to have a role in raising awareness and reducing COVID-19 in Nigeria. It aims to offer a voice, as well as the newspaper, to this critical topic.
While more information on the COVID -19 pandemic becomes accessible every day, numerous issues about transmission remain. Droplets of various sizes from the nose and mouth, as well as physical touch, can transmit the virus. The droplets can land on tables, doorknobs, and handrails near the person. (World Health Organization) (WHO, 2020).
This dangerous threat, on the other hand, can be contained by online newspapers, institutions, and government seminars aimed at educating the public about COVID-19 and its implications in Nigeria. This study, therefore, examines the role of the mass media in the dissemination of information on the prevention of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main goal of this study is to examine the role of the mass media in the dissemination of information on the prevention of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria, while the specific objectives include the following:
1. To determine how well the mass media gave coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
2. To examine which mass media gave the most coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
3. To determine whether the mass media disseminated information on the prevention of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
4. To assess the extent the mass media disseminated information on the prevention of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
To guide this study, the following research questions are formulated for this study:
1. How well did the mass media give coverage on the dissemination of information of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria?
2. Which mass media gave the most coverage on the dissemination of information of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria?
3. Did the mass media give coverage on the dissemination of information on the prevention of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria?
4. How well did the mass media disseminate information on the prevention of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria?
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The goal of this research is to examine the role of the mass media in the dissemination of information on the prevention of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria. It will focus on coverage of the COVID-pandemic, the role of the mass media, and other related issues. The researcher, due to time, may also narrow the scope of this study.
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1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This research is important because it looks into the function of online newspapers in covering the COVID19 pandemic in Nigeria. It focuses on the mass media and COVID-19 pandemic information. This research would also encourage the usage of internet sources to educate Nigerians about the COVID-19 pandemic.
This research would go beyond the Deepfreeze explanation of the mass media to refine others’ understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic in society. This study would provide information to the authorities regarding the COVD-19 pandemic by revealing unique COVD-19 cases as reported by the mass media. It will, without a doubt, benefits students and scholars in the field of mass communication and related disciplines.
1.8 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS
Role: Refers to the part played by the media in the dissemination of information on the Covid-19
Mass Media: This comprises the various mediums like the newspaper/ magazine, radio, television, social media, etc that enable individuals and groups to reach out to large audiences.
COVID-19 is a viral disease caused by a new coronavirus family. It’s a coronavirus-related respiratory infection that can range from mild to severe.
Pandemic: An epidemic that spreads rapidly or over a large area, transcending national boundaries and affecting a large number of people.
Dissemination: Describes the action of spreading information of the Covid-19 in Nigeria
Information: Refers to the act of conveying messages on the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria in such an organized manner and arrangement or sequence by the mass media
Pandemic: Describes a disease that is prevalent over a whole country and the world just like the Covid-19