The study examined the reportage of information on climate change in the Guardian and the Daily News, two leading broadsheet newspapers in Tanzania. Data were collected and analysed using the informetrics method. Content analysis was used to delineate themes. Quantitative data generated was analysed using Microsoft Office Excel Software 2007 to generate graphs and charts. In all, 338 articles from 728 newspaper issues from January to December 2015 were collected and analysed. Key findings indicate that climate change impacts and adaptation, climate change conferences and policy, politics and development were themes mostly covered in the two newspapers under review. Findings also indicate an increased coverage of international and local climate change news. The study concludes that the access of journalists to relevant and reliable Internet resources influenced the climate change information appearing in the two newspapers. Thus, the study recommends for climate scientists and policy-makers to train journalists on proper analysis and reporting of climate related information. Moreover, the study suggests establishing a communication policy framework designed to enhance journalists’ and media owners’ access to and effective dissemination of climate change information.
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate on themes covered by media and factors affecting coverage of climate change information in Tanzania.
Design/methodology/approach
In all, 85 journalists from five local media were identified using snowballing and purposive methods where quantitative methods were applied.
Findings
The results show nearly a half (49 per cent) of the journalists yet to receive training on climate change, with the majority (77 per cent) of organisations providing such training being non-local. The majority (79.8 per cent) of media houses lack editorial policies. Findings show journalists mostly cover information on climate impact and adaptation (49.3 per cent) followed by weather and climate trends (33.8 per cent), while the least covered topics are on renewable energy and climate and poverty (1.4 per cent).
Practical implications
The results imply journalists lack training on climate change. This may result into low and poor quality coverage of climate change information and inadequate public awareness and understanding. The study concludes that challenges in verifying information from a source, media lack of editorial policy and little exposure and access to specific internet climate change information sources may affect public agenda setting, coverage and adaptation to climate change. It is suggested that a policy be established to foster on access to climate information through frequent short training which expose journalists to new knowledge and networking.
Originality/value
This study contributes to literature and knowledge on climate themes reported in developing countries and factors influencing coverage of climate change.
This bibliometric study investigates the research methodology practices of Master of Arts in Information Studies (MAIS) students at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The study established students’ insufficient understanding and application of research methodology concepts. Survey research was predominant, with purposive and convenience non-probability sampling methods being extensively used. Simple random sampling and stratified sampling were the probability sampling methods highly used. Findings further show advanced qualitative and quantitative data analyses were inadequately applied. In practice, the study findings can help Library and Information Science institutions around the globe improve teaching research methodology to produce quality theses with logical conclusions which can develop new theories. Quality theses can translate into increased quantity and quality of journal articles and growth of the Library and Information Science discipline. Thus, there is a need to strengthen research methodology training for students and lecturers to generate generalizable findings that meet diverse needs.
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