Editorial Vagueness and Ambiguity in Anambra Broadcasting Service Radio News Headlines: An Exploratory Discourse

Abstract

This article explores the prevalence and implications of editorial vagueness and ambiguity in radio news headlines. The importance of accuracy, clarity, brevity, and impact in news headlines cannot be overstated, as they play a pivotal role in capturing the listener’s attention and conveying the essential information promptly. The objective of this article is to examine vagueness and ambiguity in radio news headlines and investigate the possible consequences on public understanding of the news in detail. By providing diverse examples drawn from the news bulletins of the Anambra state government owned radio, Abs 88.5 FM, Awka, a total of seventeen headlines were collected from the station’s news broadcast within September 2023 and December 2023. Through an exploratory discourse, it sheds light on the complexities of headlines construction, the role of context, and the cognitive processes involved in audience comprehension of vague and ambiguous radio news headlines. By understanding the prevalent errors made by news editors, this research provides recommendations to improve headline writing quality in radio in order to enhance the overall effectiveness of news delivery and understanding. It also suggests strategies for improving clarity and accuracy in radio news headlines.