Evaluation of Child Rights Reporting on Two Radio Stations in Abuja Nigeria (2022-2023)

Background: Child rights remain a critical area of focus globally, and the media plays a vital role in creating awareness and advocating for the protection of these rights. This study evaluated the reportage of child rights issues by two radio stations in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Human Rights Radio and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) from January 2022 to December 2023. Objective: The study aimed to compare the extent of coverage given to child rights issues by the two selected radio stations and to determine which station provided greater coverage. Method: The research employed a survey method within a cross-sectional design. Participants included 51 staff members from Human Rights Radio, 31 staff members from FRCN, and 314 residents of Abuja, resulting in a total of 396 respondents who completed structured questionnaires. The study was anchored on the Interest Theory of Rights. Data were presented using charts and frequency tables, while hypotheses were tested using one-sample T-Test and Chi-Square test of significance. Results: Findings revealed that Human Rights Radio, Abuja, provided greater and more specific coverage of child rights issues and exposed more acts of child rights abuse and neglect compared to FRCN, Abuja. Additionally, radio was found to play a significant role in educating Abuja residents about child rights. Conclusion:The study concluded that Human Rights Radio outperformed FRCN, Abuja, in the three aspects reviewed: extent of coverage, specificity of issues, and exposure of abuses. Unique Contribution: This study underscores the pivotal role of radio in promoting child rights and highlights the need for enhanced support and resources for media organizations to improve their advocacy for child protection. Key Recommendation: Radio stations should prioritize training for journalists and increase focus on child rights reporting to amplify advocacy and public awareness.