Coverage of Cyber-crimes by Select National Dailies in Nigeria...crimes, such as crimes against...

Senam, N., Essien, B. and Ekong, E. C.

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Coverage of Cyber-crimes by Select National Dailies in Nigeria

by

Nsikan Senam,

Department of

Communication Arts

University of Uyo,

Nigeria

08023928289; [email protected]

Blessing Essien

Department of Sociology

and Anthropology

University of Uyo,

Nigeria


Enobong Charles Ekong

Department of Mass

Communication

University of Nigeria,

Nsukka


Abstract This study examined the coverage of cyber-crimes in Nigeria by select National Dailies. The

aim was to find out the frequency, prominence, direction and genre of cyber-crime stories in Nigerian newspapers; namely, The Guardian, The Punch and The Vanguard. Content analysis

was the research technique adopted in this study. The population of the study comprised all the

1095 issues of the select National Dailies between January 1 and December 31, 2015. The sample size was 400 issues from the study population selected through the systematic random

sampling method. Findings showed that Nigerian newspapers gave low prominence to cyber-crime stories. It was also found out that newspaper coverage of cyber-crime in Nigeria

was not impressive. It was therefore recommended, among other things, that Nigerian

newspapers should engage in investigative journalism so as to monitor and report cyber-crimes in order to curb them.

Key words: Criminality, Digital Age, Investigation, Intelligence, Cybernetics

1. Introduction

Cyber-crime has become a national issue that has attracted a weightier

repercussion for offenders as government moves to curb the activities of internet

scammers, who give the country a bad name both locally and internationally. It refers to

any illegal activity done through the computer as a primary means, as well as any illegal

activity of using the computer to access, store or transmit information. They include crimes

that have been made possible by computers such as network intrusions and the

dissemination of computer viruses as well as computer-based variations of existing crimes

such as identity theft, stalking, scam, bullying and computer-assisted terrorism.

International

Journal of

Social Sciences

and

mailto:[email protected]

International Journal of Social Sciences. Vol. 12, No.2, April – June, 2018

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Until recently, very little was known about cyber-crimes in Nigeria, beyond

semblance of advanced fee fraud, "419" in the Nigerian Criminal Code. But the advent of

the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opened up some of the hidden,

often sublime crimes not only against the economy but also against humanity. In the past,

cyber-crimes were perpetrated on a small scale, but the rise in technological development

gave rise to the commission of the crime in a large scale. The seriousness of this crime was

unknown and little by little, lives, money, information and identity were stolen.

Newspaper coverage of cyber-crimes in Nigeria has become more difficult and

challenging, as most commercial organisations seem to have forgotten that another

important aspect of cyber protection is communication. Sometimes, they tend to be

secretive and refuse to adopt the notion that the forces of criminal hackings on an

organisation lie in the ability and desire to share information while commercial

organisations generally limit communication with their peers, perhaps, for the fear of

competition (Mughal, 2014). The print media, especially newspapers, have been identified

as means of communication because of their unique characteristics of wide readership,

exposure and permanence. Obviously communication is a sure means of curbing crime

because it gives way to understanding and sharing of relevant information that can help

both government and the individuals.

Moreover, there are challenges of verifying information especially from

government officials who are most times handicapped in giving out information for fear of

losing their jobs. As a result, when cyber-crimes are mentioned to the public, it sounds

strange as many people have limited knowledge of the subject. While admitting that there is

a correlation between cyber-crime and other forms of crimes, espionage and foreign

intelligence-based crimes, it seems it is still difficult to report adequately on cyber-crime.

This raises the issue of knowledge as a key drive for productivity and economic growth.

The activities of these hackers in frustrating the dissemination of information by the news

agency cannot be overlooked as they upload embarrassing news items capable of

undermining National Security (Paganini, 2014). The newspaper also faces this payback by

hackers as they are liable to find blasphemous news items which did not emanate from the

newspapers’ stables or websites. To curb the activities of cyber-crimes in Nigeria, the

coverage provided by the newspaper should be deeply appreciated and seen as a means of

cyber security which involves protecting information by preventing, detecting and

responding to attacks by hackers. The extent, nature and slant of the coverage of

cyber-crimes constitute the thrust of this paper.

2. Statement of the Problem

The coverage of cyber-crime issues in newspapers is a very effective means of

protecting citizens from falling victims of cyber related problems. Journalists are saddled

with the professional responsibility of reporting and explaining cyber-crime issues while

presenting accurate facts without bias or falsehood.

At present, a cursory observation tends to show that cyber-crime issues lack proper

attention of Nigerian newspapers. Some reporters seem not to adopt a comprehensive

approach to reporting cyber-crime. Unfortunately, media policy on cyber related media


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contents has not been formulated by mass media outfits. It seems cyber-crime beat is not

given prominence in journalism practice in Nigeria. The forgoing constitutes the

motivation for the study; thus, to what extent have the national dailies covered cyber-crimes

in Nigeria?

3. Aim and Objectives

The objectives of this research were to:

i) Assess the frequency of newspaper reportage of cyber-crimes in Nigeria;

ii) Examine the prominence given to cyber-crime stories in Nigerian newspapers;

iii) Ascertain the slant of newspaper reportage of cyber-crime stories in Nigeria;

iv) Find out the genres of cyber-crime stories reported in Nigerian newspapers.

4. Review of Related Literature

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, by the early 19th century, many cities in Europe

as well as North and South America, published newspaper-type publication though not all

of them developed in the same way because content was vastly shaped by regional and

cultural preferences. Advances in printing technology related to the Industrial Revolution

enabled newspapers to become a wide-spread means of communication (Senam, 2012).

In Nigeria, the 19th century marked the evolution of Newspaper printing. For

Senam (2017), the missionary, Rev. Henry Townsend published the first newspaper in

Abeokuta, Nigeria which was called "Iwe Irohin tun Awon ara Egba ati Yoruba"

(Newspaper for the Egba speaking people and Yoruba) in 1859. This paper was published

for religious purpose which was to propagate Christianity in Egba land. Nigeria was the

third country to own a newspaper. Newspaper later spread to other states of the country like

Lagos, Enugu, Calabar, Ibadan, Aba, Port-Harcourt etc. Many other states later owned their

newspapers. It was a status symbol. In the 20th century, the rise in technological

development has given rise to online newspapers which is now owned by majority of

newspaper organisations and this has made accessibility of information easier to a large

number of people.

Newspapers can exert both positive and negative influences on the society

depending on how they are used. However, the importance of newspaper in the society

cannot be over emphasized. In our daily lives, information is critical for survival. In this

contemporary age, any society that is not information driven is a dead society because

information is a driving force that helps a society to function. A society is an organised

group of persons associated together for religious, benevolent, cultural, scientific, political,

patriotic, or other purposes (Pettman, 1979). Put differently, it is a body of individuals

living as members of a community. Newspaper influences the society both positively and

negatively. Newspaper adds value to the society in many ways, including.

Newspaper exposes members of the society to different forms of information. It

allows members of the society to know what is going on in their society, its implications

and possible actions to take in a given situation. Newspaper also creates awareness about

what is happening in other societies and how that happening affects people. Online

Newspapers help in speedy spread of information and easy accessibility by a large number


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of people. Technological development in the media world has allowed for easy access of

news content by people even in the remote part of the country centre, in city centres and

outside the country, thereby making the world a global village. Online websites and blogs

owned by newspaper organisations provide a platform where views and opinions are aired.

Discussions on current issues or pressing issues are also carried out through the newspaper.

This platform helps members of the society to express their concern in a given issue that is

of interest to them and also interact with people living outside their community. News that

portray the lives of great people in the society can serve as a source of inspiration to

members of the society. It can cause change and make the people adopt a particular

behaviour. Knowing about people's struggles and experiences proves to be motivational for

so many other people.

Credible newspapers uncover the truth and bring into light, what is actually happening

in the society. Editorials are published based on the newspaper organisation's perception on

what is right and what is wrong. Investigative reports are published on some issues. Apart

from the foregoing positive influences, newspapers can also affect the society negatively.

Some of the negative consequences that results from reading newspapers are unintended

and most times latent (not manifested). They are embedded in parts of the process of media

use. Newspapers sometimes foster panic, instability or anxiety. This results in increased

social conformity and sometimes weakens the thinking of readers. For instance, images of

violence and people hurting one another can become traumatic, especially for children who

watch them often. The constant publishing of violent contents can cause the teenagers to

replicate the same behaviour in the real life (Orhewere and Kur, 2001). Also, privatisation,

which has led to the development of so many newspapers, is also a problem to members of

the society. When there is so much information from both credible and non-credible

sources, there is confusion; some people may have the tendency to withdraw to themselves

and sometimes become passive while others are indifferent.

Cyber-Crime is a fast-growing area of crime. More and more criminals are

exploiting the speed, convenience and anonymity of the internet to commit a diverse range

of criminal activities that know no boarders, cause serious harm and pose very threats to

victims worldwide. Cyber-crimes are internet related crimes. There are illegal activities

done through the use of computers as a primary means. They involve identity theft,

stalking, hacking, fraud, gambling, sales of fake products and many more. These crimes are

increasing every day and also evolving in line with opportunities enjoyed in the online

community. At present, high and complex cyber-criminal networks converge virtually in

groups and organisations across the globe to commit crime in a top scale. This is a variation

of the past where only one individual was accused of this vice (lnterpol, 2016). Law

enforcement generally makes a distinction between two main types of internet-related

crime. Sophisticated crime against computer hardware and software. Many traditional

crimes, such as crimes against children, financial crimes and even terrorism, have taken a

new turn with the advent of the Internet. Cyber-crime reportage in Nigerian newspapers is

very low. Very little time, resources and effort are put in by newspapers in covering this

crime. It is considered insignificant and not a very important beat to assign journalists to. It

is rare to find a newspaper carry a cyber-crime story on the front page of a newspaper.

http://lnterpol.com/


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Some may think that this beat is not commercially attractive; hence, there is no need to

attach importance to its coverage. The prevention of cyber-crimes is the most critical aspect

in the fight against cyber-crime. It is mainly a matter of information sharing and awareness.

Every single user of technology must be aware of the risk of exposure to cyber threats and

should be educated on the best practices to adopt in order to reduce and mitigate the risk of

cyber-crime (Rodman, 2006).

The newspaper must play an important role of educating and training the general

public on the tactics, techniques and procedures belonging to the cyber-criminal ecosystem.

This challenging task can be achieved through the information sharing among law

enforcement, intelligence agencies and private industry. Just like technology is evolving

cyber-crimes are evolving in trends. Journalist assigned to cover this beat must have

knowledge of what is happening and communicate world effectively. Typical examples of

cases experienced by victims must also be published as this could help the readers to avoid

such cases. This action enables organisations and private users who access the internet to

have a clear knowledge about the menaces of cyber-crimes.

According to William (2015) an effective incident response procedure which a

cyber-crime reporter should keep up with and report each stage includes the following

steps:

(i) Identification of the threat agent which hit the infrastructure.

(ii) Containment of the threat, preventing it from moving laterally within the targeted

infrastructure.

(iii) Forensic investigation to identify the affected systems and the way the threat agent

has penetrated the computer system.

(iv) Report and share threat data to higher management and share the data on the

incident through dedicated platforms that allow rapid sharing of threat data with

law enforcement and other companies.

The above steps outlined can be adopted by newspapers in their reportage of

cyber-crime stories. Careful identification of the threat, investigation and publishing of the

threat should be carried out with meticulous details represented by facts and figures.

Reporting of crime has been a very important beat in the journalism field. Reporting

cyber-crime plays a significant role in the life of an individual, society and corporate

organisations (Odunlami and Busayo, 2013). A journalist has a role of providing

information to counteract rumour. Sometimes, rumour peddling could put fear in the minds

of the people. It is therefore the duty of a journalist to report the truth about the nature of the

crime, the effects of the crime, and then give workable recommendations to strengthen

people (Udoudo and Diriyai, 2012). The newspaper is generally a fundamental mass

medium in any literate society. It is a key source to rely on for complete and updated

information. Newspapers are among the most reliable sources of information on crimes.

(Rosenstiel, Mitchell and Raine, 2011) outlined the reasons why journalists should report

cyber-crime, as follows:

(i) Readers often want explanations on why crimes happen. They ask: "could it happen

to me?" They may want to know so that they can prevent a similar thing happening

to them.


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(ii) Readers need to know how laws are broken and how people who break laws are

caught and how they are punished. This helps them to know what laws are there

and the penalty for breaking them

(iii) Some people are interested in the way criminals get something without much effort.

Some crime such as cyber-crime could fascinate people who obey the laws but

wonder what it might feel like to break them.

Journalists in their effort to cover cyber-crime stories often encounter the

challenges faced by other journalists in reporting other beats. These challenges can stem

from corporate organisations, government, legislature, private individuals and other

sources of relevant information. Computer illiteracy, limited funds, lack of access to

information and undue censorship also constitutes problems faced by journalist in cyber-

-crime reportage.

5. Theoretical Framework

This study was anchored on the framework of the Diffusion of Innovation Theory,

the Social Responsibility Theory and the Development Media Theory. This is because both

the theories and the study revolve round the Information and Communication Technologies

(ICTs), responsibilities of journalists as well as the use of media reportage for the overall

development of the society.

The Diffusion of Innovation Theory was postulated by Ryan and Gross in 1943 and

re-enacted and expatiated by Everest Rogers in 1960 (Siebert, Peterson and Schramm,

1963). For the proponents, the ICTs constitute a massive innovation in mass

communication, and are largely diffused by journalism, social media and communication.

Cyber-crime, on the other hand, flourishes on the platform of the ICTs, although the ICTs

were not evolved primarily for such negative usages. The new communication technologies

have the unique characteristics of interactivity, demassification and asynchronisation

which result in a successful scattering of the communication audience. Apart from the

technological import of the ICTs in mass communication and the social media

communication, the proponents of the Diffusion of Innovation theory examine the

influence of communication technologies on human mental process. For them, every

innovation has the tendency of impacting on the mental drives which human beings

necessarily pass through consciously or inadvertently in decision taking or reacting to

innovation. The process comprises knowledge, persuasion, decision and confirmation. This

makes it necessary for cyber–crimes to be reported by the mass media, particularly for the

purposes of checkmating heinous criminal activities in the society. It remains an attainable

desire that the ICTs would make the society evolve into a super information village through

cybernetics, the use of natural intelligence to create artificial intelligence.

The Social Responsibility Media Theory was propounded by Siebert, Peterson and

Schramm and has its origin from the report of the 1947 Hutchins commission on the

freedom of the press (Siebert, Peterson and Schramm, 1961). The proponents of the Theory

posit that freedom of expression and the free press is the right of mankind. In view of this,

the onus of Social Responsibility Theory is that, freedom carries concomitant obligation,

and the press which enjoys a privileged position under the government, is obliged to be


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responsible to society by carrying out the essential functions of mass communication

(Anaeto. Onabajo and Osifeso, 2008). Also, the press should be neutral and objective in the

course of carrying out its responsibilities with the intent to contribute, as a corporate citizen,

to the well-being of the society. The Social Responsibility Theory also recognised the role

of government and the press in promoting the freedom of citizens. Senam (2017) stressed

the that, much as the mass media have the power, they owe the society some obligations

vis-à-vis their fiduciary relationship with the society: the mass media should avoid

whatever might lead to crime, violence, civil disorder or offense to minority groups.

The Development Media Theory was propounded by Dennis McQuail 1987. The

theory which was promulgated because of the need for third world countries such as

Nigeria to develop was aimed at promoting development communication. The disparity in

development across the whole world raised a great concern in the global communication

circle and this gave rise to the Development Media Theory which was postulated to help the

mass media pay greater attention to the genre of media practice that addressed the

imbalance in development and information flow in the third world. It therefore behoves

journalists to ensure that they contribute to the developmental goals of the society through

effective and efficient reportage of significant issues in the society, such as cyber-crimes.

In view of the principles and theses of the theories reviewed above, journalists must

abide by well-founded principles in reporting cyber-crime. Cyber-crime stories must be

objective, fair, just, accurate, informative, truthful and balanced. The primary objective of

journalists in cyber-crime reportage should be to satisfy the information need of members

of the public with the support of government in place. Citizens should have access to the

media and as well have the opportunity to air their views in a wide range of issues,

including to cyber-crime related issues.

6. Materials and Methods

The research methodology adopted for this study was as follows:

6.1 Research Technique

The research technique used in this study was the content analysis. According to

Wimmer and Dominick (2011, p. 157), "the goal of content analysis is an accurate

representation of a body of messages". Supporting this statement, Ohaja (2003, p. 14)

asserted that "content analysis refers to the examination of the manifest content of

communication to discover the patterns existing therein. Such manifest content could be

advertisements, news stories, features, opinion articles, editorials, letters-to-the-editor,

cartoons, photographs and other illustrations in a newspaper or magazine". This informed

the use of content analysis in determining the nature of newspaper coverage of cyber-crime

activities in Nigeria using select national dailies.

6.2 Population of the Study:

The population of this study comprised one year’s issues of three national dailies:

The Guardian, The Punch and The Vanguard Newspapers. Each of the newspapers


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published 365 issues within the period of 12 months (January to December 2015). The total

number of issues of the three newspapers for the year was 1095; which is the population of

the study.

6.3 Sample Size and Sampling Procedure

For Ohaja (2003, p. 74), "selecting a sample size is very important considering the

impracticability of studying the entire population..." In view of this, the Yaro Yamane

statistical formula was used in determining the sample size for the study. This method was

applied because the numerical strength of the population was known. The formula is:

n =

Where n = the sample size

N= the finite population

e = the level of

significance

1 = unit or a constant

Therefore, at the population of 1095 and the level of significance at 0.05, the

sample size was derived thus:

n =

=

=

=

= 399.63

= 400

The systematic random sampling method was used in arriving at the particular 400

issues of the three newspapers. The 2015 calendar was used as a sampling frame while the

Skip Interval (S.I) was derived from the formula:

S. I.

=

Where P = Population

S = Sample

Therefore, with the population of 1095 and a sample size of 400, the skip interval is

derived thus:

S. I.=

= 2.74 = 3

Therefore, the skip interval used for the study was 3.

6.4 Content categories

Content analysis usually calls for the category systems in which the contents are

selected. The contents selected included:


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(i) Identity theft

(ii) Hacking

(iii) Cyber-crime legislation

(iv) Cyber fraud

(v) Cyber security

(vi) Cyber terrorism

(vii) Email bombing

(viii) Trojan attack

(ix) Web jacking

(x) Cyber-harassment

The above contents were classified in the following categories;

(i) Direction of coverage (Angle of coverage): This content category sought to find

out the direction that most of the reports on cyber-crime took. It looked at whether the news

stories tried to provide excuses for the act of cyber-crimes committed (negative) or whether

it condemned the actions of the criminals (positive). It equally looked at whether the

cyber-crimes were reported just straight to the point without really condemning or

supporting the acts (neutral).

(ii) Placement (Prominence): This content category sought to find out the level of

prominence (importance) that was given to news events that were cyber-crime inclined. It

sought to find out whether the newspapers in the country (typified by The Guardian, The

Punch and The Vanguard) saw the events as important to human interest. This was assessed

based on whether the reports were carried on the front pages, back pages, centre spreads or

inside pages.

(iii) Frequency: This content category sought to find out the number of times news

stories under cyber-crime was published between January and December, 2015.

(iv) Genre: This content category sought to find out the genre of the stories published

under cyber-crime; that whether the reports were carried under news, features,

opinions, columns, cartoons, letters, advertorials, such as public service

announcement.

6.5 Units of Analysis

Units of Analysis in mass media research are the genres of media contents under

which the subjects to be analysed are placed. In other words, they entail the kind of contents

or theme embedded in the content category. The units of analysis for this study were: news

stories, feature stories, editorials and opinions.

6.6 Coding and Inter-coder Reliability

Coding is the placement of units of analysis into appropriate content categories. To

fully ascertain the reliability of the coding process, two persons (coders) coded as follows:


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Coding Tables and Holsti Formula

Table 1: Coder 1

Content

Category

The Vanguard The Punch The Guardian Total

Identity Theft 8 6 - 14

Hacking 2 3 2 7

Cyber legislation 2 3 3 8

Online Fraud 4 20 2 26

Cyber Security 3 15 2 20

Cyber terrorism - 2 1 3

Email Bombing - - - -

Trojan Attack - - - -

Web Jacking - - - -

Harassment - 1 - 1

TOTAL 19 50 10 82

Table 2: Coder 2

Content

Category

The Vanguard The Punch The Guardian Total

Identity Theft 8 8 - 16

Hacking 3 5 2 10

Cyber legislation 2 4 3 9

Online Fraud 2 10 1 13

Cyber Security 7 16 4 27

Cyber terrorism - 2 1 3


Trojan Attack - - -

Web Jacking 1 - - 1

Harassment 1 1 1 3

Total 24 46 12 82

Holsti (1969) formula as cited in Wiminer and Dominick (2000) was used to

calculate the reliability of codings undertaken by the coders, with the formula:

CR =

Where CR = Coefficient of Reliability

M = Number of items or interia agreed upon

N l = Number of items for Coder 1

N2 = Number of items for Coder 2

Therefore CR =

=

=0.9814

Therefore, reliability is 0.98. This indicates a very high inter-coder reliability.


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6.6.1 Method of Data Collection

Data were gathered data from The Vanguard, The Punch and The Guardian

newspapers published between January 1 and December 31, 2015. The coders coded issues

on cyber-crime based on content categories of frequency, prominence, direction of

coverage and genre.

6.8 Method of Data Analysis

The data collected from The Vanguard, The Punch and The Guardian newspapers

were collated, presented in tables and computed based on simple percentages, with the

formula:

N = R x 100

N 1

7 Presentation and Analysis

This study examined newspaper coverage of cyber-crime in Nigeria. The period

covered under study was January 1 to December 31, 2015. All the data analysed were

collected from three national dailies namely: The Vanguard, The Punch and The Guardian

newspapers. The data gathered were presented in tables to facilitate easy understanding and

this formed the basis of analysis which directly addressed the research questions. For the

three newspapers, the table showing the content category of cyber-crime stories reported is

represented thus:

Table 3: Content Category of Cyber-crime Stories published in the Selected

Newspapers

Content

category

The Vanguard

The Punch The Guardian Total

Identity Theft 8(33.33%) 8(17.4%) - 16(19.5%)

Hacking 3(12.5%) 5(10.8%) 2(16.67%) 10(12.2%)

Cyber Legislation 2(8.33%) 4(8.7%) 3(25%) 9(10.98%)

Online Fraud 2(8.33%) 10(21.7%) 1(8.33%) 13(15.85%)

Cyber Security 7(29.17%) 16(34.8%) - 4(33.33%) 27(32.93%)

Cyber Terrorism - 2(4.4%) 1(8.33%) 3(3.66%)


Trojan Attack - - - -

Web Jacking 1(4.17%) - - 1(1.22%)

Harassment 1(4.17%) 1(2.2%) 1(8.33%) 3(3.66%)

TOTAL 24(100%) 46(100%) 12(100%) 82(100%)

From Table 3, the Punch newspaper published more of the stories on cyber-crime

than the Vanguard and the Guardian newspaper. There was no story published on Trojan

attacks and Email bombing in any of the three newspapers. Stories on cyber security ranked

the highest number of content published by the three newspapers.


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Table 4: Select Newspaper Coverage of Cyber-crimes

Months The Vanguard The Punch The Guardian Total

January - 2(4.35%) - 2(2.4%)

February 3(12.5%) 5(10.87%) - 8(9.5%)

March - 4(8.7%) 1(8.33%) 5(6.1%)

April 2(8.33%) 1(2.17%) - 3(3.7%)

May 4(16.66%) 1(2.17%) - 5(6.1%)

June 1(4.17%) - 2(16.67%) 3(3.7%)

July - 4(8.7%) 2(16.67%) 6(7.3%)

August 5(20.84%) 12(26.09%) 1(8.33%) 18(22%)

September 3(12.5%) 3(6.52%) 1(8.33%) 7(8.5%)

October 4(16.66%) 1(2.17%) 1(8.33%) 6(7.3%)

November 1(4.17%) 7(15.22%) 2(16.67%) 10(12%)

December 1(4.17%) 6(13.04%) 2(16.67%) 9(11%)

TOTAL 24(100%) 46(100%) 12(100%) 82(100%)

Data in Table 4 show that The Punch newspaper published the highest number of

stories. From the total number of 400 editions selected as the sample size, only 82 stories

were published on cyber-crimes within the period of one year. The table shows the total

number and percentages of stories published per month in the three newspapers with

January ranking as the lowest (2 stories) and August the highest (18 stories).

Table 5: The Prominence of the selected Newspapers’ Coverage of Cyber-Crimes

Placement The vanguard The Punch The Guardian Total

Front page 4(16.67%) 3(6.52%) - 7(8.5%)

Inside page 20(83.33%) 43(93.48%) 12(100%) 75(91.5%)

Centre spread - - - -

Back page - - - -

TOTAL 24(100%) 46(100%) 12(100%) 82(100%)

Table 5 indicates that, none of the newspapers carried a cyber-crime story on its

back page and centre spread. Majority (91.5%) of the cyber-crime stories were published

on the inside page while 8.5% of the stories were published on the front page.

Table 6: The slant in Newspaper Coverage of Cyber-crimes

Direction Total

The Vanguard The Punch The Vanguard

Positive 5(20.83%) 18(39.13%) 5(41.67%) 28(34.1%)

Negative 3(12.5%) 2(4.35%) 5(6.1%)

Neutral 16 (66.67%) 26(56.52%) 7(58.33%) 49(59.8%)

TOTAL 24 (100%) 46 (100%) 12 (100%) 82 (100%)

From Table 6, out of the total number of 82 cyber-crime stories, majority of the

cyber-crime reports (59.8%) assumed the neutral position while very few (6.1%) assumed

the negative direction and 34.1% took the positive slant.


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Table 7: The Genres of the Selected Newspapers’ Coverage of Cyber-crimes

Genre

Total The Vanguard The Punch The Guardian

News 19(79.17%) 36 (78.3%) 10(83.33%) 65(79.3%)

Features 5(20.83%) 6(13.0%) 2(16.67%) 13(15.8%)

Editorials - 1(2.2%) - 1(1.2%)

Opinions/views - 3(6.5%) - 3(3.7%)

TOTAL 24 (100%) 46 (100%) 12 (100%) 82(100%)

Table 7 reveals that, The Vanguard and The Guardian newspapers did not publish

any cyber-crime story under editorial and opinion/views. The Punch newspaper published

their stories reflecting all the genres.

8 Discussion of Findings

The findings are discussed in line with the research objectives as follows:

8.1 Research Objective 1: This was to assess the frequency of newspaper

reportage of cyber-crimes in Nigeria.

This research objective sought to find out how regular cyber-crime stories were

reported within the period of one year (January to December, 2015) in the selected

newspapers. The data gathered indicated that the highest number of cyber-crime stories

published within the period of one year was in the month of March, representing 29%

which is very poor. From the frequency table, it could be agreed that cyber-crime beat was

not given attention as a very insignificant number of stories were published in each month.

Bryant and Thompson (2007) argued that the media should go back to the concept of

journalism in public interest to be able to discharge its proper role in the times of crises. The

role of the media is similar to that of a middle man in providing information or issues of

significance to the society. Therefore, the media in reporting cyber-crime should be

frequent in publishing cyber related news in a fair, objective and accurate way.

In relation to the Diffusion of Innovation Theory earlier used in the study, the

media must be concerned with the technological dynamics of the society within which they

operate. Cyber-crime is a fast growing crime that affects the economy and the welfare of the

citizens. Therefore, there is need for journalists to adequately cover this area of crime

because this exposes readers to the nature of the crime and help them to look out for,

identify and report all forms of cyber criminality act. This action in turn, results in the

growth and development of a better Nigeria.

The underlying paradigm of the Development Media Theory revolves round the

principles of the right to communication and communication for social change, better life

and development (Senam and Akpan, 2014). This theory is applicable to this study because

it forms the basis on which journalists must base their practice. Reporting cyber-crime

issues especially in Nigeria is necessary because cyber-crime affects the development of

the country and journalists must have in mind that any reportage undertaken must be to

promote social change, better life and development as stated by the theory.


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In view of the Social Responsibility Theory, journalists must in reporting cyber-

crime be objective, fair, just, accurate, informative, truthful and balanced. The primary

objective of a journalist in cyber-crime reportage should be to satisfy the information need

of members of the public with the support of government in place. Citizens should have

access to media and opportunity to air their views and opinions in regards to cyber-crime

related issues.

8.2 Research Question 2: To examine the prominence given to cyber-crime stories

in Nigerian newspaper.

This research objective sought to find out the level of prominence or importance

that was given to stories that were cyber-crime inclined and also find out whether the

newspapers in Nigeria (The Vanguard, The Punch and The Guardian) saw cyber-crimes as

important issues that aroused human interest or not. The data collated established the fact

that an insignificant percentage (8.5%) of cyber-crime report was carried on the

newspapers’ front pages whereas cyber-crimes reports published in the inside pages were

91.5 percent. None of the cyber-crime reports were published on the centre spread or the

back page. Based on this, it indicates low prominence given to the issue of cyber-crime in

the country.

Media audiences are always excited to read detailed stories on how events unfold

and this is largely based on the prominence given to such news stories (Rodman, 2006).

Media attention given to stories reflect on where stories are placed which invariably affects

readers’ perception of the story. The impression given here, according to Meyer (1979), is

that not all crimes are seen as being newsworthy. From the data gathered, cyber-crime

stories are mostly placed on the inside page and very insignificant number of stories were

placed on the front page, back page and centre spread. This reflects the level of attention

given to cyber-crime beat and in a sense, news placement is very important. Editors realise

sometimes that the readers may or may not go through all the pages of the newspaper.

Therefore, articles that are considered the most significant and attention getting are placed

in the front, back or centre.

In line with Development Media Theory, reporting cyber-crime issues especially in

Nigeria is necessary because it affects the development of the country and journalists must

have in mind that any reportage undertaken must be to promote social change, better life

and development as stated by the theory.

8.3 Research Objective 3: To ascertain the slant of newspaper reportage of

cyber-crime stories in Nigeria.

This research objective sought to find out the direction most of the reports on

cyber-crimes took. It looked at whether the reports tried to provide excuses for the of

cyber-crime committed (negative) or whether it condemned cyber-crimes (positive). It

equally looked at whether the news as it was reported was just straight to the point without

really condemning or supporting cyber-crimes (neutral). From Table 6, a total of 34.1% of

the cyber-crime reports were positive – cyber-crimes were condemned in reporting; only

6.1% of the reports were negative – some sorts of excuses were made for the cyber-crimes


170

while 59.8% of the reports were neutral – cyber-crime reports were presented in an

objective way.

In terms of editorial bias, a substantial portion of the stories (59.8%) did not go

beyond reporting the fact as they were because the items that fell under this category were

majorly straight news stories which required news to be reported in a factual and balanced

manner without any form of sentiment. This makes the role of newspaper as a source of fair

and balanced reporting even more important although Cunningham (2003) argued that the

idea of objectivity covers lazy reporting because it fails to push the story incrementally

toward a deeper understanding of what is true and what is false. Warren (1999) disputed

this by asserting that a journalist must report facts and not a personal attitude to facts. The

press should be neutral and objective in the course of carrying out its responsibilities. A

good reporter who is well versed in the subject matter under consideration offers a detailed

explanation of the subject and it is expressed and reflected in his journalism.

8.4 Research Question 4: To find out the genres of cyber-crime stories reported in

Nigerian newspapers.

The research objective sought to find out the genres of cyber-crime stories reported

in the Nigerian newspapers. It categorised cyber-crime stories into news, features,

editorials and opinions. The data gathered yielded details on the genres of cyber-crime

stories commonly reported. Findings revealed that 79.3% of the reports were news, 15.8%

of the reports were features, 1.2% of the reports were opinions/views and 3.7% of the

cyber-crime reports were editorial. From the data gathered, cyber-crime reportage in

newspapers was not balanced in terms of genres as only news and features were given

attention. Editorials and opinions/views were reported disproportionately when compared

with news and features. Balance, according to Stanley (1997) is important as it helps to

avoid some form of leaning or slant in a work of arts. In consonance with the Social

Responsibility Theory, citizens should have access to media and opportunity to air their

views and opinion in regards to cyber-crime related issues. Newspapers are saddled with

the responsibility of publishing the opinions and views of the citizens of the country as

these enable them to take active part in the growth and development of the country.

Unfortunately, from the data collated, newspapers have neglected their role of publishing

editorials and opinions of citizens on cyber-crime beat.

9 Conclusion and Recommendations

Based on the findings and analysis, it would be pertinent to conclude that

newspaper coverage of cyber-crime in Nigeria has been generally poor. This is because

newspapers somehow failed to provide the people with information that bordered on the

people’s day-to-day information needs and interest. Again, the low reportage accorded

cyber-crimes did not enable the newspapers to condemn cyber-crimes and allay fears on

the possible impact of cyber-crimes. The attention given to cyber-crime reportage was low

as compared with other stories in the newspaper. However, when cyber-crime stories were

published, majority of the stories were carried in the inside page and an insignificant

number of cyber-crime story was carried on the front page, back page and centre spread.


171

From the findings and analysis in this study, it is recommended as follows:

(i) Cyber-crime stories should be frequently reported and journalists must be trained

in this beat for effective reportage.

(ii) Front page prominence should also be given to cyber-crime stories as this helps to

stress the importance of the beat.

(iii) With the evolving trends in cyber criminality, developing nations such as Nigeria,

must take adequate measures to ensure that cyber-crime does damage the society.

(iv) National dailies should not only report cyber-crimes, but should also strongly

condemn them as much as possible.

(v) Cyber-crimes should mainly be reported in news columns so as to catch greater

attention of newspaper readers.

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