Style, Lexical Choice, and Media Ideology of Select Newspaper Reports on IPOB Crisis

Abstract

The study investigated the style, lexical choice, and media ideology of select Nigerian newspaper reports on the IPOB crisis. Framing theory by Erving Goffman (1974) served as the framework for the study. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. Population of the study comprised select Nigerian newspaper reports between January to December, 2017. The sample size was selected using purposive sampling method and the data for the study were sourced from printed newspaper copies as well as online publications from the digital archives of these selected newspapers. The data were analysed qualitatively using content analysis. The findings of the study reveal that evaluative, manipulative, and persuasive styles are predominantly employed to portray IPOB negatively, framing the group as a violent and destabilizing force against national security. Through strategic lexical choices and certain linguistic features, the findings suggest that these framing techniques contribute to a broader ideological agenda that prioritizes state control and security over alternative political expressions. It also discussed the implications and recommendations based on the findings of the study.