Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Child rights advocacy seeks to ensure the protection, education, and well-being of children, addressing issues such as abuse, neglect, and lack of access to basic needs. In this effort, print media serves as a critical platform for raising awareness, influencing policy, and mobilizing community action. In Gombe Local Government, Gombe State, print media has been utilized to highlight child rights issues, featuring stories, editorials, and investigative reports that expose violations and call for interventions (Abubakar & Musa, 2024). Campaigns in newspapers and magazines often collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government agencies to promote child rights and advocate for legal and social reforms. However, challenges such as limited readership, insufficient focus on child-related issues, and the dominance of digital media have reduced the impact of print media in this regard (Garba, 2023). This study explores the effectiveness of print media in child rights advocacy in Gombe Local Government, assessing its contributions and identifying opportunities for improvement.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the increasing focus on child rights advocacy, many children in Gombe Local Government continue to face violations such as abuse, child labor, and inadequate access to education and healthcare. Print media, which has the potential to amplify advocacy efforts, often struggles with challenges such as limited reach, lack of sustained coverage, and insufficient collaboration with child rights organizations. These issues limit the effectiveness of print media in driving meaningful change. This study examines the role of print media in promoting child rights advocacy, addressing gaps and proposing strategies for improvement.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the role of print media in promoting child rights advocacy in Gombe Local Government.
2. To identify challenges hindering the effectiveness of print media in child rights advocacy.
3. To recommend strategies for enhancing the use of print media in advocating for child rights.
1.4 Research Questions
1. What role does print media play in promoting child rights advocacy in Gombe Local Government?
2. What challenges limit the effectiveness of print media in child rights advocacy?
3. What strategies can improve the impact of print media on child rights advocacy?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
1. Print media significantly contributes to promoting child rights advocacy in Gombe Local Government.
2. Challenges such as limited readership and insufficient focus on child issues affect print media’s effectiveness.
3. Enhanced collaboration with stakeholders can improve the impact of print media in child rights advocacy.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study underscores the importance of print media as a tool for advocating child rights in Gombe Local Government. It provides valuable insights for NGOs, policymakers, and media practitioners, emphasizing the need for effective media strategies to address child-related issues. The findings also contribute to academic discussions on media’s role in advocacy, offering practical solutions for leveraging print media to protect and promote child rights.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on the use of print media in promoting child rights advocacy within Gombe Local Government, Gombe State. It excludes other forms of media and regions outside Gombe.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
• Print Media: Newspapers, magazines, and other printed publications used for advocacy.
• Child Rights: The fundamental rights of children, including protection, education, and access to basic needs.
• Advocacy: Efforts to raise awareness and promote action to address social issues.