Status-Conferral Function of the Press and the Fight against Corruption in Nigeria: Issues, Trends, and Implications

Abstract

The study was carried out to ascertain the relationship between the status-conferral function of the press and the fight against corruption in the country, as well the issues, trends, and the implications. The study was predicated on Status Conferral Theory (SCT) and Social Responsibility Theory (SRT). The objectives were to ascertain the relationship between the status-conferral function of the press and the fight against corruption in Nigeria and evaluate the trends, issues and the implications of status-conferral function of the press on the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Interview schedule was used to elicit information from 24 media practitioners (12 Practising journalists and 12 Journalism teachers) selected from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, via convenience sampling method. Findings established relationship between status-conferral and the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Indicate the use of status-conferral in developmental reporting as a trend, whilst the issues of lack of integrity, objectivity and fairness in the media and no regard for the rule of law in the country, as well as corruption were highlighted, amongst others. Given the findings, the study recommends that the media should be circumspect, whilst utilising status conferral function of the press, so as not to glorify perpetuators of corruption in Nigeria, as well as not engage in witch hunt, amongst others.