Visual Aesthetic in Newspaper Photography: Analysing Key Elements in Select Nigerian Newspapers

LAWAL; Christabel Ndifereke; OKON; Godwin Bassey PhD; SADO; Austen; Amechi PhD

doi:10.56201/rjmcit.vol.11.no3.2025.pg41.56

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Visual Aesthetic in Newspaper Photography: Analysing Key Elements in Select Nigerian Newspapers

LAWAL, Christabel Ndifereke, OKON, Godwin Bassey PhD, SADO, Austen, Amechi PhD

Abstract

This study investigated the visual aesthetic in newspaper photography and analysis of key elements in select Nigerian newspapers. The theoretical framework of the study was drawn from the visual communication theory. This study adopted a content analysis design. The population for the study comprised the whole national dailies published in Nigeria within the period under review. The population of these four newspapers were 1,460 issues published from July, 2022 to 2023. Philip Meyer’s recommendation of 322 was adopted to represent the population since the total population falls below 1,460. The study adopted a systematic sampling procedure to select the sample content analysed. The researcher used coding sheets to analyse the elements of graphics, layout style and aesthetics of newspaper publications in South-south region of Nigeria. Data for this study were analysed using qualitative methods. In other words, contingency tables were used to present data obtained. Findings from the study revealed that the majority of the elements of graphics such as illustrations, diagrams, and background graphics on newspapers pages of The Punch, Vanguard, ThisDay and The Guardian were applied on inside pages of newspapers. This was followed by stories placed on the front pages, centre page and back page. The study recommends that newspapers should strategically expand the use of graphics across all pages to enhance visual appeal and audience engagement.

Keywords

Visual AestheticNewspaper PhotographyElementsNigerian Newspapers

References

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Visual Aesthetic in Newspaper Photography: Analysing Key Elements in Select Nigerian Newspapers

Abstract

Keywords

References

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