IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES (IJELCS )

E-ISSN 2545-5702
P-ISSN 2695-2157
VOL. 10 NO. 1 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijelcs.vol.10.no1.2025.pg41.52

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Photo Aesthetics in Select Nigerian Newspapers and Reader Preferences in South-South Nigeria: Examining Visual Appeal and Audience Engagement

LAWAL, Christabel Ndifereke, OKON, Godwin Bassey (PhD), &SADO, Austen Amechi (PhD).

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Abstract

This study examined the photo aesthetics in select Nigerian newspapers and reader preferences in South-South Nigeria and its visual appeal and audience engagement. The theoretical framework of the study was drawn from the news value theory and visual framing theory. This study adopted a survey design. The population for the study comprised the registered readers in Uyo City in Akwa-Ibom State, Port Harcourt City in Rivers State, Benin City in Edo State, Asaba in Delta State, Yenagoa in Bayelsa State, and Calabar in Cross River State. The total population of the free readers stood at 10,081 (ten thousand and eighty one). Multi-stage sampling was utilised. Data for this study were analysed using quantitative methods. The data obtained from the research questions were analysed using the descriptive statistical analysis. In other words, contingency tables were used to present data obtained from the questionnaire using weighted mean score (WMS). Findings from the study revealed that respondents moderately agreed with the effectiveness of photographs in Nigerian newspapers, as reflected in their acceptance of a mean score of 3.21 for statements such as the ability of photographs to effectively illustrate or complement accompanying articles, their relevance to the topics they accompany, and the consistency of visual style across sections like news, sports, and entertainment. The study concluded that The Guardian demonstrates the most effective use of headlines, photographs, visual elements, and other key content components, achieving a high weighted mean score, followed by ThisDay, reflecting its strong performance in design and branding; The Punch indicating moderate effectiveness, while Vanguard highlights significant gaps in areas such as infographics, interactive elements, and pull quotes, necessitating targeted improvements to enhance its overall content quality and reader engagement. The study recommended that Newspapers shou

keywords:

Photo Aesthetics, Nigerian Newspapers, Reader Preferences, South-South Nigeria, Visual Appeal, Audience Engagement

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