THE EFFECT OF MEDIA ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Archaeology is fundamentally concerned with the recovery, documentation, and interpretation of material remains that illuminate past human behaviour and cultural development. Despite its scholarly and socio-economic relevance, archaeological research in Nigeria continues to experience limited visibility, inadequate funding, and weak public engagement. Media platforms have the potential to bridge this gap by facilitating knowledge dissemination, shaping public perception, and promoting heritage awareness. This study examines the role and influence of media in archaeological research and communication in Nigeria, with particular attention to both traditional and modern media channels. Using documentary analysis and ethnographic observation, the research evaluates how archaeological information is represented across television, radio, newspapers, and digital media platforms. Findings indicate that archaeological issues receive minimal media coverage and are often subsumed under broader cultural or tourism reporting, resulting in low public awareness of archaeological heritage and research outcomes. Furthermore, structural challenges such as limited specialist journalism, infrastructural constraints, and weak collaboration between archaeologists and media practitioners contribute to this gap. The study argues that improved media engagement can enhance heritage preservation, stimulate public participation, and support national identity formation. Consequently, the paper recommends strategic partnerships between archaeologists and media institutions, increased use of digital platforms for public archaeology, and policy interventions aimed at strengthening heritage communication in Nigeria.