Moonlighting as a Survival Strategy for Journalists in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the prevalence and implications of moonlighting among journalists in Southwest Nigeria within the context of the evolving online journalism landscape. As traditional media outlets face financial challenges and digital platforms reshape news consumption patterns, many journalists are turning to secondary employment to supplement their income. Through a mixed-methods approach combining surveys and in-depth interviews with 150 journalists from Southwest Nigeria, this research explores the motivations, forms, and consequences of moonlighting practices. The findings reveal that over 70% of respondents engage in some form of moonlighting, with content creation, freelance writing, and digital marketing being the most common secondary activities. The study also found that, while moonlighting provides essential financial support, it also raises concerns about journalistic integrity, work-life balance, and the quality of news production. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on the changing nature of journalism in the digital age and offers insights for media organizations, policymakers, and journalism educators in Southwest Nigeria and beyond.