IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

RESEARCH JOURNAL OF MASS COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (RJMCIT )

E-ISSN 2545-529X
P-ISSN 2695-2475
VOL. 11 NO. 3 2025
DOI: 10.56201/rjmcit.vol.11.no3.2025.pg41.56

---

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 Aesthetic, Newspaper Photography, Elements, Nigerian Newspapers

---

References:

Akpan, E. (2017). Communication and Media Arts: A new Approach to the Basics. Uyo
Modern Business Press Ltd.
Alo, M., & Ogungbe, E. O. (2013). Visual-verbal rhetoric in Nigerian e-newspapers. Journal
of Visual Literacy, 32(1), 73-92.
Alom, K. (2018). Influence of newspaper aesthetics on readership in North-Central, Nigeria.
A Ph.D Thesis presented to the postgraduate school, Benue State University, Makurdi.
Anim, E. (2003). The Aesthetics in Value in Newspaper Layout. Journal of University Media
and Aesthetics, 1 (3), 20 - 23.
Baskette F. & Sissors, J. Z. (1997). The Art of Editing. Macmillan Publishing Inc.
Ibuot, U. P. (2023). The impact of expressive newspaper layout designs on Nigerian readers.
Modern
Journal
of
Social
Sciences
and
Humanities,
2(8).
http//www.mjssh.academicjournal.io
Ibuot, U. P., & Akanni, T. (2023). Photographs and infographic elements on contemporary
Nigerian newspapers: A study of Vanguard, The Punch, Daily Sun and Leadership.
Redeemer’s University Journal of Management and Social Sciences, 6(2).
http//www.runjmss.com
Ijeh, P. N. (2015). An appraisal of photojournalism practices in government newspapers in
Nigeria: Insights from The Observer and The Pointer. Global Journal of Arts,
Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(12), 58-69.
Nwanne, B. U. (2011). Aesthetic impact on communication: A look at print Journalism in
Nigeria. Journal of Media and Aesthetics, 3 (1), 34- 42.
Nwanne, B. U. (2011). An assessment of the aesthetic forms in the presentation of news in
select national newspapers. Journal of Media and Communication Studies, 3(1), 45-58.
Ottah, G. (2017). A content analysis of the use of pictures in selected newspapers. Online
Journal of Arts, Management and Social Sciences (OJAMSS), 2(2), 113 – 126.
Ottah, G. A. (2023). A content analysis of the use of pictures in selected newspapers. Online
Journal of Arts, Management and Social Sciences, 6(2). http//www.gojamss.net
Pepple, I. I. (2021). Aesthetics of the editorial pages of the Guardian newspaper. Journal of
Media, Communication and language, 8(1), 1 – 18.
Udoh, G. (2011). Aesthetics as a factor in newspaper selection among academics in South-
South Nigeria. A PhD Thesis Submitted to Postgraduate school University of Oyo,
Nigeria.

DOWNLOAD PDF

---

Back