AN ASSESSMENT OF IMAGERY IN INDIGENOUS NEWSPAPERS IN UYO METROPOLIS

This study assessed the imageries in indigenous newspapers in Uyo Metropolis. The research method applied in this study is content analysis. Select indigenous newspapers were used. Using the simple random sampling method to analyze the front-page imagery. Putting into consideration the message, news worthiness, space allocation, the pattern and diverse trends of converge, the use of news pictures were studied. Place imagery in printed news is a vital but over looked feature of the public debate regarding the deposal of information in the society. A content analysis of newspaper coverage reveals that publishers use the society imagery in the rhetorical strategies involved in making argument for and against the community. This research work also indentifies specific elements in the news production process that privileged certain conceptualizations of the society over others, and its highlights alternative visions that have appeared in editorials, travel pieces, and commentaries. Take together, the data and analysis suggest that journalistic sensitivity to value-laden imagery can result in more balanced and critical news account of public debates. However, the findings show that indigenous newspaper need to improved on the use of news pictures especially the front-page imagery to communicate news worthy messages effectively. The following recommendations were made; that the front-page imageries should communicate a message in all ramifications because they will determine the level of attention readers will give to newspaper.