THE PRINT MEDIA COVERAGE OF DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES IN AKWA IBOM STATE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE SUN AND THE PIONEER NEWSPAPER BETWEEN MAY 2016-MAY 2017

This study took a look at Print media coverage of developmental issues in a comparative study of The Pioneer and The Sun Newspapers between May 2016 to May 2017. The study was set up to find out the quality of reportage given to some developmental issues by The Pioneer and The Sun newspapers. Secondly, the study was set up to determine the methods these newspapers (The Pioneer and The Sun) used in gathering information in writing these reports. To this end, the study design used in the research work for data collection was the content analysis. The study’s population was 108 whereas the study’s sample was determined from the study’s population through Yaro Yamani (1964). Statistical tool was 85. Data for the study were presented using frequency distribution tables. In analyzing the obtained data, the researcher adopted simple percentage and statistical tool. Findings revealed that special reports considered as one of the content categories were not focused by The Pioneer and The Sun. Secondly, The Pioneer and The Sun did not focus on rural development and forestry conservation. Then, rural areas were neglected by The Pioneer and The Sun. Based on these findings, the study recommended that media reports of developmental issues especially by The Pioneer and The Sun should be focused on special reports. The report of developmental issues should focus more on infrastructures, agriculture and politics. Also, newspapers should strive harder to report with justification developmental issues. Lastly, rural developmental issues should be reported by Nigerian newspapers on routine basis.