Visualizing environmental reporting in Nigerian newspapers

The study analyzed environmental news content in Leadership and The Punch newspapers from May 1, 2019, to July 31, 2020. The study aimed to determine the images used in news reporting about the environment based on the salient features they embody in the news. The findings revealed 151 articles about the environment while 117 contained images, split between Leadership (52) and The Punch (65) newspapers, indicating their prominence in environmental reporting. While some of the utilized images in the news reports captured the impact on the environment (air, land, and water) and its inhabitants, pictures of politicians were the most featured ones. The information/awareness theme was dominant, demonstrating a development communication perspective. The study also established a notable use of the “Health” theme, implying a connection between health and the environment, predominantly because of COVID-19.