Media Analyst Condemns Channels TV as Headline Comes Under Media Framing Scrutiny
A heated public debate has emerged following a Channels Television headline on a bomb blast that rocked parts of Maiduguri, Borno State, on Christmas Eve, with critics accusing the station of media framing that allegedly downplayed the identity of the victims and the location of the attack.
The Channels TV headline, which read “Many Feared Dead As Bomb Blast Rocks Maiduguri On Christmas Eve,” has drawn criticism from media scholars, journalists, and social media commentators, particularly from Northern Nigeria, who argue that the framing influenced public perception by emphasizing Christmas Eve rather than clearly stating that the explosion reportedly occurred in a mosque and that the victims were Muslims.
Reacting to the development, media analyst Abubakar Suleiman described the headline as a classic example of media framing — a practice where information is presented in a way that subtly shapes audience interpretation.
According to him, while it is factual that the incident happened on Christmas Eve, omitting the place of worship and the religious identity of the victims strips the story of important context and, intentionally or otherwise, feeds into broader narratives that can deepen religious misunderstanding in an already fragile national environment.
He further argued that such framing risks eroding the dignity and visibility of victims, especially when attacks on Muslim communities in the North are reported differently from incidents elsewhere in the country.
From a broader perspective, commentators have noted that Nigeria’s media landscape often reflects regional, religious, and socio-political fault lines, with outlets sometimes accused of unconsciously mirroring the fears, priorities, or dominant narratives of their core audiences.
Drawing parallels with global media trends, Suleiman referenced how perceived bias and selective storytelling by major Western outlets led to the emergence of alternative media platforms in other regions of the world. He echoed the famous words of literary icon Chinua Achebe, noting that narratives often favor those who control the means of storytelling.
While some observers believe the criticism of Channels TV may be excessive, others insist it presents an opportunity for self-reflection within the Nigerian media space. They argue that responsible journalism, especially in a deeply plural society like Nigeria, requires extra sensitivity in headlines, language, and framing to avoid fueling fear, division, or suspicion.
As a media organization based in Northern Nigeria, Hausa360 emphasizes the need for balanced, inclusive, and context-rich reporting that acknowledges victims, respects identities, and promotes national cohesion over sensationalism.
Analysts agree that beyond regional or religious divides, Nigerian media must strive to tell stories in ways that heal rather than harm — ensuring that accuracy, empathy, and responsibility remain at the heart of journalism.
