CONSTRUCTION OF FEAR APPEAL MESSAGES IN THE REPORTAGE OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN ONLINE NEWSPAPERS IN NIGERIA (MARCH 2020-FEBRUARY 2021)

This study, “Construction of Fear Appeal Messages in the Reportage of COVID-19 Pandemic in Online Newspapers in Nigeria (March 2020 - February 2021),” examines how fear appeals were constructed in online Nigerian newspapers—Blueprint, Daily Trust, The Sun, and Vanguard—and their effectiveness in conveying the severity of the pandemic and promoting protective behaviors. Grounded in the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) and Persuasion Theory, this study employs qualitative content analysis to explore the content, sources, and strategies of fear appeal messages. Findings revealed that the newspapers predominantly emphasized the severity of the COVID-19 threat, with frequent mentions of rising death tolls and healthcare system constraints. While some articles included clear efficacy messages, others lacked sufficient guidance on effective responses, potentially increasing fear without offering constructive solutions. The study also found that fear appeal messages largely relied on credible sources, such as government officials, health organizations, and medical experts. However, there were instances of sensationalism were noted, which could undermine public trust and lead to panic. The study concludes that credible sources enhance the persuasive impact of fear appeal messages, but ethical considerations are essential to avoid causing unnecessary alarm. It recommends that journalists in online newspaper organizations adopt ethical guidelines to avoid exaggeration and ensure that their messages are both constructive and informative