Framing the 'Deep Scars' of Health Emergencies: Assessment of National Newspapers Coverage of COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria

Aim: This study examines how four Nigerian national newspapers, Vanguard, Daily Trust, Leadership, and Punch, framed the COVID-19 pandemic through editorial approaches, sourcing strategies, and dominant narratives, and evaluates the impact on public health communication and emergency management. Method: A total of 851 articles published in 528 newspaper editions between March 2020 and December 2021 were analysed using content analysis. The study applied Entman’s micro-frame analysis to identify the main themes and frames used in reporting the pandemic. The data coding and analysis process focused on news placement, type, sourcing strategies, and dominant frames. Findings: The results show that the newspapers addressed COVID-19 through frames such as prevention, treatment, transmission, support measures, vaccination, and misinformation. Placement of reports on the front page increased public interest. The most frequently cited sources were government officials and health professionals, which enhanced the credibility of the reports. However, negative framing shaped by editorial policies and political ideologies influenced public perception and complicated crisis management. Religious and cultural biases, along with misinformation, contributed to vaccine hesitancy. While early coverage focused heavily on fear and uncertainty, over time, it shifted towards more balanced perspectives. Conclusion: The study underscores the significant influence of media framing on public health responses. Editorial decisions and political leanings shaped Nigeria’s COVID-19 narratives, affecting public trust and crisis management strategies. To improve health emergency reporting, media organisations should integrate religious and cultural frames, prioritise balanced coverage, and counter misinformation through evidence-based journalism.