A content analysis of the Daily Nation and The Standard newspapers on their reporting of issues related to child rights
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to investigate the reporting of children rights related
issues in major newspapers in Kenya in order to raise awareness of those rights among
the people and policy makers in Kenya.
Specifically, the study set out to determine key issues on children rights reported so as
to identify the issues and underscore the role of the media in raising awareness of
children rights through their work. The study sought to identify whether children
rights violations occur and whether they are reported as they occur. To determine
whether an observation of an important day touching on children rights influencing
coverage of children rights in the media in Kenya. Realizing that children are
stakeholders to work with on issues affecting them, this study set out to determine the
extent of programming and engaging children in newspaper reporting.
Involvement of the media in raising awareness of issues affecting children is important
in that the public and policy makers become aware and get involved in safeguarding
the rights of children. Children whose rights are guaranteed and respected grow up . into responsible adults. It is therefore crucial to protect children by guaranteeing their
rights as they grow up. Violations on the rights of children and especially in their
formative years of development could lead to irreversible damage and effect which has
a bearing on the kind of person they become when they grow up. They could suffer
physical, emotional, social and intellectual development if their rights are violated at
various stages of their lives.
This study found out that the major newspapers in Kenya actively reported issues on
children. These issues are well documented in this study. It was also established that
the newspapers reporting on children issues was systematic with no influence from
observance of important days linked to children rights like the Day of the African
Child (DOAC). The newspapers studied treated children are partners in reporting
issues affecting them. The newspapers studied feature special issues by children and
devoted to children issues. However, there are critical issues which were identified as
not adequately covered and which the newspapers need to strengthen their coverage to
bring about maximum protection of children and their rights.
The study found out that there were particular days of the week when issues on
children were covered heavily. These days are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
which together with Sunday when a dedicated issue on children is given are important
in pitching for a feature on children issues or an important announcement concerning
children welfare like immunization.
Citation
Masters of Arts Degree in Communication StudiesPublisher
University of Nairobi Department of Arts in Communication Studies
Description
Research project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of Arts Degree in
Communication Studies