Gender Inequality in Media Coverage: Analysis of Nigerian Newspapers
Daniel Bo, PhD; VaungwaApaaNyihar Tine PhD; Kevin Alom PhD; Victor Unongu

Abstract
For decades the media have been accused of gender bias in their reports in favour of males. These bias forms reflect in both selection process and media content. Much of these claims are however, result of studies in Europe and North America. This study therefore investigates the type of media coverage male and female ministers received during President Muhammadu Buhari’s first tenure (2015-2019). Anchored on the Cultivation theory, the study investigates whether journalists exhibited gender bias in their reports on male and female cabinet ministers. Specifically, the study content analyses three Nigerian daily newspapers: Daily Trust, The Nation and Vanguard, from November 2015 – November 2019. Findings indicate that there is no gender bias against the female ministers. Male ministers constitute less news sources and/or subjects; higher number of direct and indirect quotes of the women ministers as against male ministers and a higher use of female pictures than the male.In all, the newspapers exhibited bias in favour of the female ministers.

Full Text: PDF