A Discourse Analysis of Online Newspaper Reports on COVID-19 in Nigeria

This study explored a discourse analysis of the online newspapers reportage news about COVID-19 using Van Dijk’s parameters and J. Austin’s speech acts concepts. To do this, 91 stories were retrieved from two Nigerian newspapers. An search was conducted keywords: ‘Coronavirus in Nigeria’, ‘updates on Coronavirus ‘COVID-19 Nigeria November to December 2021’. The total articles consisting ‘news’, ‘feature’, ‘opinion’ ‘column’ over period months - 2021 Vanguard Punch Evidentiality, Metaphor, Lexicalisation presupposition as provided by Dijik used analyse headlines leads Because prominent roles which verbs production, study, analysed concept act determine how they have been newspapers’ pass messages across readers. Framing theory employed underpin study. explicated crafting (framing) (in forms leads) media plays significant role process people (the audience) develop particular conceptualisation an issue assign meaning or redirect their thinking issue. concluded that mass fundamental disseminating information, influences public behavior can curtail spread pandemic. way craft present especially during pandemic has long effect ameliorating challenges aggravating it.