An Assessment of the Role of the Mass Media in Conflict Management: a Study of Channels Television

Abstract
This research attempts to assess the relevant role played by the mass media in conflict management. In addition, the research examines the way and manner the mass media have been used to manage conflicts. The objectives were to establish the mass media accessibility level and the various types of media coverage; to establish the extent to which the mass media escalated and/or deescalated violence and to determine how the mass media could influence selected human factors towards conflict in the area of study. The research utilized the survey research design and questionnaire for data generation. Findings showed that the mass media have a crucial role to play in conflict resolution. Also, findings further showed that the mass media have not been giving objective reports of the conflicts and this tends to escalate the situation. Based on the findings, the research concludes that the extent to which the mass media are used to manage conflicts is minimal and recommended among others; that the mass media should be constantly used to preach peace, so as to bring about lasting peace in Nigeria and the world at large.