Analysis of the coverage of Ebola virus disease in the New Vision and Daily Monitor Newspapers

Abstract

This study set out to analyse the coverage of the Ebola Virus Disease in New Vision and Daily Monitor newspapers. The study is guided by three specific objectives: 1) To assess the extent to which the media gives prominence to issues relating to Ebola Virus Disease outbreak (EBV), 2) To find out which aspects of Ebola Virus Disease outbreak New Vision and Daily Monitor newspapers focus on, and 3) To identify the differences and similarities between the New Vision and Daily Monitor coverage on Ebola in 2012 and 2019. The study used content analysis of Daily Monitor and New Vision newspapers and in depth interviews with editors and reporters as methods to collect data. Agenda setting theory underpinnes the research which covered three months; July and August 2012 and June 2019. The study found out that in 2012 and 2019, the New Vision and Daily Monitor newspaper provided to a greater extent prominence and wide coverage to the Ebola outbreak. In their coverage, two newspapers focused on the origin of the virus, outbreak of the EBV, prevention and treatment, role of NGOs and role of media among others. The study further found out that the two newspapers aimed at creating awareness and also providing a platform for sensistization of the masses. In terms of difference, the study found out that Daily Monitor’s coverage was more sensational and omitted positive information which, was not the case with New Vision. Finally, the study makes recommendations on how to improve media coverage of outbreak and for further research.