CHANNELS TELEVISION’S COVERAGE OF END BAD GOVERNANCE PROTESTS IN NIGERIA: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study conducts a critical discourse analysis (CDA) of Channels Television's coverage of the "End Bad Governance" protest in Nigeria, an extension of the #EndSARS movement against police brutality and governance failures. Drawing on Norman Fairclough's three-dimensional model, the research examines 10 broadcast items aired between August 1 and August 10, 2024, focusing on linguistic and narrative techniques, alignment with state narratives, and implications for public perception and democratic engagement. Findings reveal dominant frames of conflict (emphasizing clashes and disruption), human interest (highlighting personal stories and empathy), and responsibility (attributing causes to government inaction). The coverage partially aligned with state narratives by portraying protests as threats to order but challenged them through protester voices and critiques of systemic issues. This mixed framing influenced public perception by fostering sympathy, polarization, and critical awareness, while impacting democratic engagement by inspiring activism among some viewers and deterring others due to fear of unrest. The study underscores the media's dual role in Nigeria's politically charged landscape and recommends balanced reporting, editorial independence, and media literacy to support democratic movements.
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