Evaluation of Journalists' Knowledge and Application of Peace Journalism Principles in Reporting Secessionist Agitations in South-East Nigeria
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: While standard news reporting primarily serves to keep the public informed of events, journalism also possesses significant potential to facilitate conflict de-escalation and advance peacebuilding frameworks. Motivated by this strategic position, this study critically evaluates the knowledge and application of peace journalism principles in reporting secessionist agitations in South-East Nigeria. Objective: The study evaluates journalists' knowledge and application of peace journalism principles regarding the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) secessionist agitation, examines its role in mitigating tension, and proposes operational principles to enhance peace-oriented reporting in conflict situations. Method: A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire to obtain primary data from 389 journalists out of the 400 questionnaires distributed to journalists across the five South-East States through proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The data were analysed using weighted arithmetic mean based on 5-point likert-scale. Theoretical Framework: It was anchored on two theories; Peace Journalism Theory and Social Responsibility Theory. Results: The findings reveal that majority of journalists in South-East Nigeria possess knowledge of peace journalism (94%) but only (75%) apply its principles frequently when covering secessionist agitations. Despite the distinct knowledge-application gap, the application of peace journalism principles such as objective reportage and the deliberate avoidance of inflammatory language relying on professional frameworks, including conflict-sensitive reporting and contextual reporting have successfully contributed to conflict de-escalation with regards to secessionist agitations. Unique Contributions : The study provides insight into the application of peace journalism principles in reporting Secessionist agitations, offers evidence based recommendations for journalism education and media policy in Nigeria, draws attention to media ethics and professionalism in conflict reporting as well as advocates the inclusion of peace journalism modules in journalism training curricula. Recommendations: To strengthen conflict reporting regarding secessionist agitations in South East Nigeria and to close the application gap, key media stakeholders including the NUJ, NGE, NPC, and civil society organisations must organise continuous training programs, enforce ethical monitoring, and establish clear guidelines on peace journalism. Furthermore, journalists should actively prioritise objectivity, fairness, non-inflammatory language, and multi-perspective coverage that highlights peaceful alternatives and non-elite civilian voices, while tertiary institutions must integrate mandatory peace journalism coursework to equip future professionals before field entry.
Author: Chinaza Peculiar Chukwunenye
Language: English
Topic: Journalism and Media Studies
Subfield: Communication
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7214464593