Health reporting in Nigerian Newspapers: A study

Considering the importance of health in society, mass media over the years, have given attention to its coverage. The specialised nature of health has made its coverage challenging to health reporters all over the world. Health reporters, especially those who are trained in journalism, mass communication and other social sciences, consider health reporting as technical because they do not possess the required scientific expertise to relate well with health and scientific findings and jargons. This has consistently resulted in conflicts between them and health and science researchers and professionals. Health and science experts often accuse health reporters of inaccurate reporting of health facts, misinterpretation of health findings/statistics and misleading information. This study, therefore, examines the effects of health and science training in health reporting among health reporters in Nigeria. Using in-depth interview method, the study found that lack of health and science training actually affects health reporters who are trained in the humanities and social sciences. The interviewed reporters admitted their inadequacies, which were also confirmed by their colleagues, who are trained in the science. However, health reporters without health and science background seek assistance from their colleagues in interpreting health and scientific jargons; they also consult health experts, engage in extensive research in order to manage the challenge of lack of health and science background. The study, however, concludes that health reporting in general is more effective and productive by journalists who have health and science backgrounds.