MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND THE CREDIBILITY OF NEWS REPORTING
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MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND THE CREDIBILITY OF NEWS REPORTING
ABSTRACT
This study examined media ownership and the reliability of news reporting in Nigeria. The study’s objectives were to investigate whether political and personal ideological differences affect objective reportage among journalists, whether ownership of media organisations influences objectivity in news reporting, whether media organisations adhere to journalistic guidelines, and the extent to which objectivity affects media organisations’ credibility and prestige.
The scope of the study is media organisations in Nigeria, with the Social Responsibility Theory serving as a framework. This study’s research design is a survey, and the population addressed is all NTA News24, Channels TV, and TVC News workers.
The sample size was 400, and the cluster sampling approach was used. This study’s instrument is a questionnaire. Data were acquired from original sources.
According to the findings of the data analysis, political and personal ideological differences can sometimes affect objective reportage among journalists, ownership of media organisations can influence objectivity in news reporting, media organisations do not always adhere to journalistic guidelines, and objectivity affects the credibility and prestige of media organisations.
Following the findings, it was recommended that political and personal ideological differences between journalists should not influence objectivity in news reporting, that media organisations should always adhere to journalistic guidelines, that objectivity affects the credibility and prestige of media organisations, and that media organisations should always be objective in their news reporting. According to the survey, the best news is one that is objective and credible.
Chapter one
INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background for the Study
The globe is rapidly becoming a global village, and communication, in which mass media plays an important role, is an essential instrument for this process. The Nigerian mass media has come a long way in the fight for democracy in the country, as well as ensuring accountability and the dissemination of accurate information.
The media has played an active role from its establishment. A democratic society relies heavily on the media as a watchdog. Since the advent of mass media, communication academics and political economists have been fascinated by the nature of media ownership and how it affects their functions and operations. The media speaks for the people, reflects the interests of society, and acts as a check on the government.
The media plays an important role in fostering a healthy democracy. The media plays a critical part in any society’s advancement. As an essential source of public information, the media could be anticipated to serve as a catalyst for progress.
The media, or the media, is a primary source of information and entertainment. They are also a means of conveying messages, which can help communities grow into nations. They are sources of information.
The media has the power to influence the way and manner in which individuals, groups, and governments think and act. The media has the ability to correct people’s beliefs and opinions about specific topics.
The media is an excellent tool for changing behaviour. According to Jibo (2003), the Nigerian media was a key political actor long before the country was formed as a unified political entity, and it has continued to play an important role in national politics ever since.
The mass media is the driving factor behind the establishment of democracy in any political system. However, the media’s role is a double-edged sword; in addition to motivating and influencing people’s will and decisions, it can also be used against them in a variety of ways.
As a result, there is a need for research into media ownership and the reliability of news reporting in Nigeria.
1.2. Statement of the Research Problem
The use of the media as a weapon to promote narrow political interests is not uncommon (Ojoma, 2009). Although it is well known that good governance is critical to sustainable development, the relationship between good governance and the sustainability of such development through media has yet to be fully appreciated (Langmia, 2010; Okoro, 2010). Based on the evidence available to us.
Section 22 of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution states that the press, radio, television, and other mass media institutions must be free at all times.Many journalists have died while doing this critical function of transferring the government’s responsibility and accountability to the public. (Jide, 2018; Punch.NG)
The degree of independence of the media impacts its ability to accomplish its functions. Against this backdrop, the researcher explored doing an examination of media ownership and the reliability of news reporting in Nigeria.
1.3. Objectives of the Study
The purpose of this study was to look into media ownership and the trustworthiness of news reporting in Nigeria. Specific aims are to:
Investigate whether political and personal ideological differences influence objective reporting among journalists.
Examine whether media ownership influences objectivity in news reporting.
Investigate whether media organisations comply to journalistic principles.
Investigate how objectivity affects the credibility and status of media organisations.
1.4. Research Questions.
This study will be led by the following research questions.
Does political and personal ideological differences limit journalists’ ability to report objectively?
Does ownership of a media organisation influence objectivity in news reporting?
Do media organisations follow journalistic guidelines?
To what extent does objectivity influence the credibility and renown of media organisations?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The research is guided by the following hypothesis:
H0: There is no substantial association between media ownership and objectivity in news reporting.
1.6. Significance of the Study
The importance of reputable news is highlighted since it promotes progress. The study will help to a better understanding of mass media, namely how ownership and control influence news and other events in Nigeria. This study uses empirical methods to evaluate the role of media ownership in guaranteeing the credibility of news reporting.
This study will be extremely valuable to investors, the government, and scholars since it will provide policy suggestions to various Nigeria stakeholders for implementing appropriate actions in the broadcasting industry to increase capacity investment.
The changing character of the broadcasting industry, particularly television station reforms such as the licensing of online radio and television stations, has had an impact on the industry in recent years, prompting studies on media ownership and the credibility of news reporting in Nigeria to seek new evidence(s). It will add to the existing literature on the subject. This study will be beneficial to:
Members of the academic community will find the study useful because it will serve as a foundation for future research and a reference tool for academic work.
Government: This study will inform the government about developments in the media industry. Formulating and implementing policies based on these findings would secure the area’s development.
Investors: This study will also benefit investors, particularly those with a research interest, as it will drive their private investment selections.
1.6. The scope of the study
This study aims to examine media ownership and the reliability of news reporting in Nigeria, with a focus on NTA News 24, TVC News, and Channels TV.
1.7. Operational Definitions of Terms
The terms listed below have been defined operationally.
Media are communication outlets or tools that store and convey information as data.
Credibility is the attribute of being believable or worthy of trust. Believability of a source or message is determined by both objective and subjective factors.
Mass media refers to a wide range of mass technologies used to reach a broad audience through mass communication.
News refers to newly received or important information, particularly about recent occurrences.
Reporting is an account or statement that describes an event or situation in detail, typically as a consequence of observation or inquiry. To provide an oral or written account of anything one has seen, heard, done, or investigated.
1.9. Structure of the Study
The study is organised into five chapters. The first chapter is an introduction, which includes the study’s history, statement of problem, research questions, research hypotheses, study objectives, the study’s importance, scope and constraints, and lastly the study’s organisation.
The second chapter is a survey of the literature, which includes conceptual, theoretical, and empirical material, as well as the theoretical framework.
The third chapter discusses research methodology, which includes research design, study population, sample size, sampling strategy, data collection method, data analysis instrument, data analysis method, and instrument validity/reliability.
The fourth chapter presents and analyses data, as well as discusses the findings. Chapter five includes a summary, conclusion, and recommendations.
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