Print Media Coverage of Geothermal Energy in Kenya- a Case of the Nation and the Standard Newspapers

Abstract

This study sought to examine the print media coverage of geothermal energy with reference to the Nation and Standard newspapers for the period July 2017-June 2018. The objectives of the study included: to determine the frequency of geothermal coverage by the Nation and Standard newspapers within the specific period, to analyse priming of geothermal energy stories by the Nation and Standard newspapers and to identify the specific issues regarding geothermal energy that is frequently covered by the Nation and Standard newspapers. The study was grounded on three theories; Agenda setting theory, Agenda priming theory and Agenda building theory. This study adopted a content analysis with the mixed methods approach. All geothermal energy stories in both newspapers formed the sample size for this study and purposive sampling method was used to get the stories; code sheet was used to get the quantitative data while thematic analysis was used to get the qualitative data. Quantitative data was analysed and presented through tables whilst qualitative data analysed through reading and coding of themes and presented through the narration style. The study established that both newspapers covered geothermal energy inadequately confirming reports by some authors. The findings of the study included less coverage by both newspapers with limited prominence given to geothermal energy stories and the issues that stood out during reporting of geothermal included; cost, time, partnerships, land and economic social development. Based on the above findings, this study recommended the following: the print media through their editors should allow more geothermal energy stories to feature in their publications and since geothermal energy is a vital technology in the growth of the energy sector then more prominence be given to geothermal stories. The research also recommends that the media entity should involve more partners and get them to write and simplify what and how exactly geothermal and other renewable energy would benefit the development of the country. This research suggests similar study deriving samples from all the local newspapers and a longer study period. This would help confirm the consistency of this study’s findings.