An Analysis Of Newspapers' Role In Raising Public Awareness About Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Of Habari Leo and Mwananchi.

Mohamedi, Ahmad Said (2025) An Analysis Of Newspapers' Role In Raising Public Awareness About Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Of Habari Leo and Mwananchi. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study assessed the role of newspapers in raising awareness on sustainable development goals using Habari Leo and Mwananchi. The study utilized a mixed research approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods, to investigate three specific objectives: firstly, to examine the extent to which Habari Leo and Mwananchi covered Sustainable Development Goals, secondly, to identify themes covered by Habari Leo and Mwananchi newspapers about of Sustainable Development Goals and lastly to explore the readers’ perception on Habari Leo and Mwananchi regarding to Sustainable Development Goals coverage. The results indicated that in 2020, Habari Leo and Mwananchi produced a total of 647 news articles and 337 photos related to the Sustainable Development Goals. The articles addressed societal concerns, resulting in targets for Goals 2: Zero Hunger, 3: Good Health and Well-being, 4: Quality Education, and 5: Gender Equality are receiving the most attention in positive, neutral, and negative news tones. Goal 1: No Poverty, Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure Goal 10: Reduced Inequality, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 13: Climate Action, Goal 15: Life on Land Goal 16: Peace and Justice, Strong Institutions got subpar coverage, while goals Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and Goal 14: Life Below Water received no coverage in the two publications. The study examined four SDGs news themes, and the results showed that out of 637 news items, 424 (54%) were about information, 163 (23%) focused on implementation, 46 (below average) on news analysis, and 12 (2%) on project evaluation, which is insufficient coverage. The results indicate that 60% of respondents see the overall coverage as ordinary, while 40% consider it below average. All participants want to see more media coverage of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study recommended that Tanzanian media should enhance coverage of all objectives and provide informed news, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation to comprehend successes and facilitate the attainment of the SDGs by 2030. Keywords: Newspapers, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Awareness

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