IMPACT OF DAILY TRUST AND VANGUARD ONLINE NEWSPAPER KIDNAPPING REPORTAGE ON THE AUDIENCE

This study, titled “Impact of Daily Trust and Vanguard newspapers kidnapping reportage on the audience”, aim to investigate the impact of online newspaper reportage on audience perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors regarding kidnapping incidents in Nigeria, specifically targeting undergraduate students of Mass Communication Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Utilizing a quantitative survey design, data were collected through online questionnaires distributed to a random selected sample of 254 students who regularly engage with these newspapers. The study adopted media framing theory as a theoretical framework. The major findings reveal that some of respondents feel increasingly unsafe, and experience frequent anxiety after reading kidnapping reports. A significant portion of the respondents alter their travel plans and have become more vigilant in their daily activities. While many perceive the newspaper’s reportage as reliable, a significant portion remains neutral regarding the accuracy of specific information on kidnapping incidents. The study also shows that media coverage heightens concerns about national security and increases public pressure on the government to take action. As a result of these findings, the study recommended that newspapers try and mitigate sensationalizing kidnapping reports as exaggerated portrayals contribute to public anxiety. Additionally, news outlets should enhance transparency in their reporting processes to improve audience trust.