Journalism Practice In Nigeria Research Articles

The Law of Sedition: Implications for the Practice of Journalism in Nigeria

This study was conducted to examine the law of sedition and its implication for the practice of journalism in Nigeria. The study is premised on the tenets of the social responsibility theory while the secondary sources of data relevant to the discourse were relied upon for analysis. It was revealed that the freedom of expression is a fundamental human right enjoyed and protected by law in civilized and democratic societies, however this right is not absolute anywhere in the world as the fundamental human rights are restricted by the law of sedition which restricts journalists from publishing or undertaking actions that bring into hatred, ridicule or contempt to the government in power, or incite or provoke the citizens to rise against or seek to remove the government in power. It was also revealed that sedition is a punishable offense under the Nigeria law as journalists in Nigeria have been charged for various seditious offenses in the past. The study equally revealed that journalists charged for sedition have the right of defense through lawful excuse, prove that words used were not seditious as well as claim ignorance of the act. The study concludes that the law of sedition is a compromise to freedom of expression because constructive criticism is an indispensable tool especially in a democratic society. However, the law of sedition law has been used by the government as a tool to regulate citizens' opinions and indiscriminately wield power. The government uses the law to suppress the protesting views of the public and journalists alike. The study recommends that journalists should operate within the ambit of freedom of expression guaranteed by the fundamental human rights for a better society, journalists should observe the ethics of the profession as safety measures against being accused and charged for sedition and journalists should be conversant with laws that tend to inhibit their practice.

Assessment of the Effect of New Communication Technologies on the Performance of Print Journalists in Nigeria

This study borders on how new communication technologies affect the performance of print journalists and the implications on journalism practice in Nigeria. To carry out this investigation, research objectives, and research questions were raised. The questions raised in the study were: To what extent do new communication technologies affect the level of performance of print journalists in Nigeria? The challenges perceived by print journalists in the use of the new communication technologies in their operations in Nigeria? A number of relevant studies were reviewed to establish the gap in the literature, anchored on Technological Determinism theory. Explanatory mixed method design was used to achieve the objective of the study. The qualitative data were generated to shed more light on the quantitative data. The population of the study was made up of three hundred and eighty-nine (389) editorial staff of the Guardian, The Sun and Trust newspapers in Nigeria. The Krejcie & Morgan sample size formula was used to determine the sample size as one hundred and ninety-four (194) print journalists. Cluster and Purposive sampling techniques were combined for the selection of samples from the print journalists. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the quantitative data while notes from the interview schedule were transcribed, coded and analyzed using the hermeneutic interpretation method. The key findings of the study include that: new communication technologies have significant effect on the level of performance of print journalists in Nigeria; new communication technologies have significant influence on the improvement in quality of newspaper content, design and accessibility to readers in Nigeria. The study concluded that new communication technologies enhance the performance of print journalists in Nigeria; new communication technologies have made information communication available, affordable and accessible to print journalists for the effective performance of their duties in Nigeria. However, further studies should focus on the assessment of the effect of new communication technologies on the quality of product and services of print journalists in Nigeria (A case study of The Vanguard newspaper organization).

Media Convergence and Journalism Practice in Nigeria Issues and Challenges

Media convergence has ushered in salient modifications to the functions and operation of journalists, and the journalism profession at large. Although media convergence is, to a large extent, beneficial to media organizations and their users, it challenges the operations of journalist and their functions. The history of media evolution has constantly shown that the introduction of new technology into the media landscape does not signal an end to the prevailing journalistic practices, rather it fosters the evolution and adaptation of the existing media while contributing to the development of the successor. The research utilized the qualitative research method and made use of the explorative approach, with secondary data, to ascertain the issues and challenges confronting journalism practice in Nigeria in the age of media convergence. Findings revealed time pressure, professional competencies, the question of quality, internal competition, the rise of user-created content, poor remuneration and the welfare of the Journalist as major convergence challenges facing journalism in Nigeria. The paper, therefore, concluded that technology has come to merge the different roles of the journalist and media institutions to create multimedia outlets for news gathering, processing and dissemination. Hence, the need for journalists to be versatile in their operations, adhere to the journalistic code of ethics and professional conduct and be properly motivated by their employers to drive optimal performance.

Ethical issues in internet-based journalism practice in Nigeria

The guiding and central narrative of ethical issues in Nigeria is the alarming spread of fake news, hate speech, source credibility, quackery, poor internal censorship and other unwholesome practices resulting to serious ethical issues among internet based journalism platforms in Nigeria. The world has been engulfed in a spectre of fake news and disinformation with less attention to ethically sound reporting that has been the most potent tool for objective journalism across the world. People are more concerned with hot news reporting against balanced reporting where all sides are displayed and this has shown less integrity on media practice.Therefore, this study examines ethical issues in internet based journalism practice in Nigeriaagainst a sprawling fake news syndrome among internet based platforms with a view to examining factors that trigger ethical concerns among internet based journalism practitioners.The study was anchored on the Social Responsibility Theory with focused group discussion guide and key informant interview as instruments for data collection. systematic sampling technique was used in selecting 5,944 registered journalists in Nigeria, media scholars and Nigerian Union of Journalists’ ethics committee drawn from the six geo-political zones, data from discussants were analysed using detailed, orient probes and discussions.Among other findings, the study revealedthat there is a dearth in comprehensive knowledge of media laws because most practitioners are not aware of the legal ramification of certain media practice which must be adhered to in performing key role conceptions of the media, source credibility occasioned by a clearly defined editorial policy would be very useful in addressing ethical issues of fake news and hate speech prevalent among practitioners of internet based journalism platforms in Nigeria and adherence to ethical concerns is being hampered by untrained practitioners parading themselves as media influencers on different internet based journalism platforms.The study recommended that to curb the rising trend of ethical issues among internet based journalism practitioners in Nigeria, there should be a deliberate effort to increase the level of awareness and adherence to media laws in order to create online news platforms devoid of legal issues, strong regulatory framework by government and the Nigerian Union of Journalists to ensure that internet based journalism platforms instill editorial philosophy and constant training and retraining of practitioners of internet based journalism platforms in order to raise the bar against flagrant disregard for ethical principles of journalism.

Media framing and construction of socio-political issues in Nigeria: (Dis)connection between theory and professional ethics?

For decades, the socio-political environment the press operates in had conditioned it to always build prominence around phenomena and people, using language as a strong carrier. Knowing full well that the press can escalate or de-escalate the salience of events through news reportage, media scholars saw the necessity for the institutionalization of some regulatory principles for the press. This is known as social responsibilities. This position paper interrogates the connection or disconnection between two media theories (framing and identity construction) and Nigerian journalism practice as codified by Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) code of ethics, using the farmer-herder crisis and Independent People of Biafra’s (IPOB) call for secession as cases. Having identified a plethora of negative frames and constructed identities around the two cases selected from 19 empirical papers conducted between 2015 and 2021, the findings show that the Nigerian press (newspapers) lean more towards war and ethnic journalism than peace/solution-driven journalism while reporting issues related to the two cases. The paper argues that the journalism practice of the Nigerian press, most times, aligns with the propositions of framing and identity construction theories, but largely disconnects from its ethical principles. In order to have a socially responsible journalism practice in Nigeria, this paper joins the conversation on advocacy for peace/solution-driven journalism.

Influence of Media Staff Welfare on Effective Journalism Practice in Nigeria

An abstract is written along 100-200 words with a single space. Abstract content must explain the subject matter discussed in the article, the method used, the results or findings and conclusions. Abstracts are written in only one paragra This study examined the influence of media staff welfare on effective journalism. The study explore how media staff especially journalists’ welfare are poorly handled by media owners and managers, therefore hampering their effective practice of the profession. The study reviewed scholar’s opinion and empirical studies. Abraham Maslow Hierarchy of needs theory and functional/Efficiency theory were also used as the theoretical fame work of this study. The study recommended that media ownership managers should at fulfilling their duties which is to motivate journalists through good and attractive welfare packages; this is because it could encourage and drive them to stay on the side of truth, objective news, reporting, and fairness and give them courage to practice investigative journalism even in the face of intimidation and attacks; good working condition should be provided for journalists. It is also important that hard working staff are appreciated for their work etc

Citizen Journalism and Security Challenges: Audience Perception of Ethical and Security issues in Nigeria’s online Journalism Practice

Citizen journalism has transformed the face of journalism practice in Nigeria and the rest of the world. The Internet has basically restructured the mode of news and information gathering and distribution. Unfortunately, not complying by the ethics of the profession has become its main challenge, a circumstance that is put down on some identified factors. Today, there is no distinct difference between the function of conventional journalism and citizen journalism. Conventional journalism, which is the established career of journalism, calls for different kinds of trainings, which could be through education or apprenticeship, for them to carry out their social responsibility function. This is a contrast in the case of citizen journalism, which is currently assuming the role of conventional journalism. This situation foretells undesirable effects to the journalism profession and has equally contributed to the rise of security challenges around the country. Situated within the framework of Source Credibility Theory, this study was designed as a survey. The population of study were residents of Awka metropolis from which a sample size was selected. Finding shows that major issues associated with the credibility of citizen journalism are issues of ethics, professionalism, and training which pose a security threat to the stability of the country. The study recommends that these challenges require to be crucially addressed before they cause mayhem and chaos in the country

Assessment of Copyright Law in Journalism Practice in Nigeria

The right to protect one’s intellectual property overtime has increasingly become pertinent given credence to our day to day activities in our modern age. Hence, it is essential that people’s mental efforts which are often seen or recognized in the society should be protected from piracy and plagiarism. This paper is positioned to examine how copyright law is used to check replication of peoples work without their permission and to encourage originality of intellectual property produced both in private sectors and in the journalism practice. The paper thus, made laudable findings. This right, however, does not bestow on the copyright owner monopoly to control access to copyrighted materials. This paper discusses copyright law and journalism as its key concepts. The study on the illegal practices of copyrighted work as damaging to the rights of owners of copyrighted materials as it stifles creativity, innovation and growth, and the summary of the Laws guiding copyright materials and aimed at balancing the exclusive rights of copyright owners and access to information by all, in order not to harm researchers, and erudite. The paper suggests that there is need to raise awareness about copyright law in journalism practice in order to discourage violations, thereby robbing copyrighted owners of the benefit of their labour.

Journalism Education, Practice and Gender Issues in Nigeria: Factors Determining Journalism Career Consideration by Female Graduates of Mass Communication

Over the past two to three decades, journalism education at advanced levels is increasingly gaining popular acceptance despite being gendered, with more institutions of higher learning (such as universities and polytechnics) offering courses in Mass Communication and Journalism across Nigeria. Also, since the deregulation of the Nigerian broadcast media industry in 1992, many public and commercial broadcast outlets have been established across Nigeria, thus providing a bustling market for journalism career. This development could have encouraged those who studied Mass Communication and Journalism especially women (who are often discriminated against) to consider adopting journalism as a career after graduation. However, it is not known whether that is obtainable, and what factors could be affecting that. To solve that research gap, this study examined the factors impeding the adoption of journalism as a career among female graduates of mass communication in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. The study attempted to finding out the rationale behind non-pursuance of journalism by women. A qualitative survey approach, specifically the key informant interview (KII) approach was adopted. Using the snowball sampling method, 12 women mass communication graduates who were selected for interviews, and their responses were analysed using the thematic approach. The study found that: there was a great deal of perceived discrimination senior colleagues at places of work and by the general society toward women that are into journalism practice in Nigeria; female roles as mothers and wives; religious and cultural beliefs; and poor salary/wages were some of the critical factors impeding women mass communication graduates in Maiduguri from adopting journalism-related careers. The study concluded that women mass communication graduates in Maiduguri have negative perception toward journalism-related careers. The study, therefore, recommended that media organisations should make it as a duty to employ offer employment opportunities to more women and formulate and implement viable and strong gender equality policies. Keywords: Career consideration, Journalism career, Mass communication graduates, Media organisations, Nigerian news media, Women journalists DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/98-01 Publication date: September 30 th 2021

The ethical challenges and issues of online journalism practice in Nigeria: What do professionals and academics think?

This study evaluated the ethical challenges and issues of online media in Nigeria. The study used a mixed research method. Data were collected from journalists in Jalingo and lecturers of Mass Communication in one public University. The quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 25. While the qualitative data collected via interviews were analysed thematically. Both data suggest there is a high rate of unethical practices in online media in Nigeria. Fake news was ranked first, while other issues such as a lack of objectivity, lack of decency, invasion of privacy, hate speeches and sensationalism were found to be common in online media practice. Furthermore, the study found that desire to break news, lack of professional training and regulation, and political interest were key factors encouraging unethical practices in online media. The study also established that unethical practices among online media can be checkmated if online media practitioners are also regulated by licensing and exposed to training. Thus, the study recommended among others that the Nigeria Communication Commission should work with internet service providers and Telecommunication companies to design a model that will ensure that online media are registered before they can operate. Telecommunication companies and service providers should block online media that are known for perpetrating unethical practices.

Journalism in COVID-19 Web: Assessing the Gains, Pains, and Perils of Nigerian Journalists in Coronavirus Containment

The study evaluated the effect of COVID-19 and the containment measures on Nigerian journalists and journalism practice in Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design, with a questionnaire and personal interviews as instruments for data collection. A total of 362 copies of the questionnaire were correctly completed and returned by the respondents, and 25 editors and management staff of selected media organizations in Nigeria were interviewed for the study. The study's findings indicated that Nigerian journalists were actively involved in COVID-19 containment efforts in the country and that COVID-19 containment measures negatively affected journalists' performance and journalism practice in Nigeria. It is recommended, among others, that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be provided for a journalist covering the pandemic, and journalists' fundamental human rights should be respected in COVID-19 containment efforts.

Journalism Education, Practice and Gender Issues in Nigeria: Factors Determining Journalism Career Consideration by Female Graduates of Mass Communication

Over the past two to three decades, journalism education at advanced levels is increasingly gaining popular acceptance despite being gendered, with more institutions of higher learning (such as universities and polytechnics) offering courses in Mass Communication and Journalism across Nigeria. Also, since the deregulation of the Nigerian broadcast media industry in 1992, many public and commercial broadcast outlets have been established across Nigeria, thus providing a bustling market for journalism career. This development could have encouraged those who studied Mass Communication and Journalism especially women (who are often discriminated against) to consider adopting journalism as a career after graduation. However, it is not known whether that is obtainable, and what factors could be affecting that. To solve that research gap, this study examined the factors impeding the adoption of journalism as a career among female graduates of mass communication in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. The study attempted to finding out the rationale behind non-pursuance of journalism by women. A qualitative survey approach, specifically the key informant interview (KII) approach was adopted. Using the snowball sampling method, 12 women mass communication graduates who were selected for interviews, and their responses were analysed using the thematic approach. The study found that: there was a great deal of perceived discrimination senior colleagues at places of work and by the general society toward women that are into journalism practice in Nigeria; female roles as mothers and wives; religious and cultural beliefs; and poor salary/wages were some of the critical factors impeding women mass communication graduates in Maiduguri from adopting journalism-related careers. The study concluded that women mass communication graduates in Maiduguri have negative perception toward journalism-related careers. The study, therefore, recommended that media organisations should make it as a duty to employ offer employment opportunities to more women and formulate and implement viable and strong gender equality policies. Keywords: Career consideration, Journalism career, Mass communication graduates, Media organisations, Nigerian news media, Women journalists DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/98-01 Publication date: September 30 th 2021

Implication of Brown Envelope Syndrome on Hate Speech and Fake News in Nigerian Media

This study discusses brown envelope syndrome as it is used to promote hate speech and fake news with negative effect on the practice of journalism in Nigeria. Various reasons were advanced from the study why the menace of brown envelope syndrome on hate speech and fake news persists and solutions to it were also explored. Two theories were used in putting the study in proper perspectives. The theories are Agenda Setting and Dependency Theory. The two theories recognize the role of mass media in mobilizing, educating and entertaining the public on vital, social economic and political issues. The study recognizes the role of journalists in promoting hate speech and fake news in order to advance the interest of certain political class. Hate speech and fake news consists of lies and vulgar languages against a particular section of the society. The study found out that journalists use both print and electronic media to spread fake news and hate speech which however has significant effect on the political development of the country. The study recognizes that poor remuneration, inadequate training, job insecurity as well as general economic down turn in Nigeria have been responsible for brown envelope syndrome. Media researchers are of the opinion that proprietors of media houses, and the government should take the welfare of journalists’ very important if journalistic code of ethics and practice would be applied on any erring journalist. The study recommends regular training and staff motivation as necessary for eradicating the menace of brown envelope syndrome, fake news and hate speech among practicing journalists in Nigeria. Appropriate legislation must be put in place by the legislatures to discourage hate speech and fake news in the country. Erring journalist(s) and the media house(s) he or she represents must be sanctioned accordingly to serve as deterrent to others.

An appraisal of organizational citizenship behaviour in media organizations and journalism practice in Nigeria

This study is an appraisal of organizational citizenship behaviour in media organizations with a focus on its effect on journalism practice in Nigeria. The paper contends that OCB is essential in fostering journalists’ productivity. Again, the discourse submission is that societies and organizations stand to gain the most when they provide the needed conducive atmosphere for journalism practice to thrive. It therefore argued that, the quality of journalism practice in any clime is that which that society permits.

Nigerian journalists and ethical dilemmas: the ‘SAD’ imperative

Ever since Philosophers developed and devoted themselves to the study of whyhuman beings behave the way they do, as well as the results of such behaviours, the concept of ethics has continued to grow not only in prominence, but in complexity and controversy. Being a public-spherical profession in which truth, fairness, sense of duty and consideration of possible consequences combine to determine the course of a given action; journalism will continue to remain at the centre of such complex and controvertible discourses for a long time. Basically, the objective of this paper is to research into the ethical dilemmas that hamstring the practice of journalism in Nigeria. Relying on secondary data, this paper radically explores the subject matter vis-à-vis the major reasons that orchestrate journalists’ vulnerability to such dilemmas. In conclusion, the paper submits that the application of the ‘SAD’ formula is a panacea to resolving the various ethical dilemmas encountered by Nigerian journalists in the day-to-day discharge of their responsibilities.Keywords: Ethical Dilemmas, Journalism Practice, Media Laws, Nigerian Society, SAD Imperative

Freedom of Information Act 2011 and Press Freedom: Challenges and Prospects for Media Practice in Nigeria

Information flow is not just a fundamental ingredient of democracy but also a sine qua none to the overall development of the society. Journalism plays an important role in ensuring that relevant information of significance is gathered, processed and transmitted to the citizenry. This paper hinged on access to and transmission of information. Specifically, it examined the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and press freedom vis-a-vis their implications for journalism practice in Nigeria. The paper is a product of descriptive research and document analysis. Findings revealed that Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act was not enacted exclusively to aid journalism practice, rather for use by the generality of Nigerians. However, if the applicable aspect of Act is properly harnessed by journalists, the contents of Nigerian mass media would be enriched. It is therefore recommended that the Nigerian Press Council should sponsor a bill in the National Assembly for the enactment of Journalism Practice Act in order to enhance professionalism and efficiency in journalism practice. Again, Nigerian journalists should not over-rely on the assurances of the Act as they are nothing far from facade, rather journalists should keep engaging in investigative journalism so as to publish the real truth not what public officers call the truth.

The Impact of Social Media on Conventional Journalism Practice in Nigeria: A Study of Journalists’ in Jalingo Metropolis

This study examines the impact of social media on journalism practice in Nigeria. It explores the extent to which social media has changed journalism practice in Nigeria with special reference to Journalists in Jalingo metropolis. The quantitative survey method was adopted for the study. The population is comprised of 293 Journalists in Jalingo metropolis registered under Nigerian Union of Journalists. The study employed Taro Yame’s formula to sample out 75 journalists. Questionnaires were used as the tool for data collection. The researcher administered questionnaires to 75 purposively selected Journalists, and 70 were duly answered and retrieved. Data gathered were analyzed with SPSS version 20 with devices such as frequency counts and simple percentages. Data analyzed were presented in tables. Findings revealed among other things that a considerable number of journalists in Jalingo metropolis are computer literate, and they have internet access at various levels. Findings also revealed that journalists in Jalingo metropolis go online very often and that they prefer Facebook to other forms of social media and this assist them in faster gathering and dissemination of news. The study recommends among other things that Journalists should conduct researches on the accessible online networking organizing apparatuses to check which one of them is more and solid, keeping in mind the end goal to guarantee the validity of sources.

An Evaluative Study of the Freedom of Information Act on Journalism Practice in Nigeria

This study evaluates the Freedom of Information Act on Journalism practice in Nigeria. A case study of Journalists in Jalingo metropolis. The study employed the quantitative survey design. The population was made up of Journalists in Jalingo Metropolis which are about 293. The researchers employed Taro Yame’s formula to sample out 75 Journalists which formed the sample frame. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection.. Data gathered was presented thematically. Findings revealed that Journalists in Jalingo metropolis are fully aware of the Freedom of Information Act. The study also revealed that although FoIA can aid journalism practices towards fair, balance, accurate and objective reporting, it has not created access to government-held information for journalists in Taraba State. The study recommends that journalists should go beyond just being aware of the passage into law of the FoIA, but to be well acquainted with relevant provisions of the Act. Keywords: Freedom of Information Act, Journalims, Jalingo, Taraba State, Government

A Review of Some Ethical Issues in Nigerian Journalism Practice: Afghanistanism, Character Assassination and Junk Journalism

This study reviews some ethical issues in media practice in Nigeria: character assassination, junk journalism and Aghanistanism. The study made use of qualitative research method with the consultation of secondary sources such as books, journal articles and magazines. The study reveals among other things that Afghanistanism is the practice of concentrating on problems in distant parts of the world while ignoring controversial local issues, character assassination is damaging the reputation of an individual, while junk journalism otherwise known as sensationalism is the tendency to publish information that causes any interest or emotional reaction. Base on the study, these ethical issues are affecting journalism practice in Nigeria. The study recommends that sanctioning the defaulters of Aghanistanism, character assassination and junk journalism by NBC, NUJ, NPC will go a long way in curbing the menace of these practice among journalists. Keywords : Aghanistanism, character assassination, junk journalism, ethical issues, media practice

Media Accountability Systems and Journalism Practice in Nigeria

The paper appraises the existing media accountability structures in Nigeria and their appositeness on the ethical expectations from journalists by the society. The paper employs social responsibility theory to linchpin the thesis of the paper. The paper submits that the existing structures may not be able to support the fragile nature of our fledgling democracy. It therefore recommends the strengthening of the existing structures through self regulation, minimal government interference with more roles for the civil societies. Keywords: Media, accountability systems, Journalism Practice, ethics