MODERN JOURNALISM PRACTICE AND THE QUEST FOR PROFESSIONALISM
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MODERN JOURNALISM PRACTICE AND THE QUEST FOR PROFESSIONALISM
Chapter one
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study.
Journalism in Nigeria originated during the battle for independence from British colonialists. The print media was actively involved in Nigeria’s war for independence.
Nationalists such as Hebert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Obafemi Awolowo, among others, founded newspapers and eventually became major icons of leadership in the country, whose shoes are still too enormous for the feet of the continent’s current crop of leaders to fill.
As a result, journalism in Nigeria was traditionally associated with persons of noble character. According to Adaja (2012), “It is important to note that Nigerian journalism began much earlier than the proclamation or inauguration of the Nigerian nation.” Evidently, Nigerian journalism was not directed at its inception by any laws or regulations.”
Early journalists in the country did not require journalism training to be able to create good stories. More than a century after journalism began in the country, this foundation continues to play an important role in defining the practice.
Ownership and control are highly important factors in determining what becomes news in the country. Thus, a well-written piece, no matter how thoroughly researched, may not see the light of day if it repeatedly steps on the toes of the government in authority or the wealthy members of society who place advertisements in newspapers or broadcast organisations (Akabogu, 2005).
Journalists around the country are at a crossroads, having to choose between professionalism and survival. In the middle of this chaos, journalists’ salaries are not paid on time. This is despite the fact that journalists’ incomes are insufficient to meet their fundamental necessities (Singer, 2005).
The term brown envelope (a clever way of referring to a bribe) is commonly used. Journalists can be seen at the end of every media event, waiting for politicians and other wealthy newsmakers to hand them a brown envelope.
In this regard, the brown envelope is viewed as the impetus needed to write the story. Newsmakers who do not provide brown envelopes risk being avoided like the plague by journalists, regardless of how essential the information they possess. At the end of the day, the impact on the profession is significant.
1.2 Statement of Problem
The point being made here is that the press has a moral obligation and enormous obligations that come with its power and influence. With such apparent power and influence, the media has come under increasing public scrutiny, and even censure, for what are widely regarded as immoral actions. Nigerians are well-versed in terms like “brown envelope” and “junk journalism,” which refer to unethical behaviour.
1.3 Study Purpose
i. To benefit the political system by making information, discussion, and consideration of public matters widely available.
ii. To preserve the rights of individuals by serving as a watchdog over the government.
iii. To benefit the economy, for example, by connecting customers and sellers through the channel of advertising.
iii. Maintain financial independence in order to avoid becoming dependent on particular interests and influences.
1.4 Research Questions.
i. What prompted the introduction of rewards and gratifications into the journalism profession?
ii. Do Nigerian journalists function as watchdogs in society today?
iii. How has corruption affected journalistic practice in Nigerian newspapers?
iv. Do journalists maintain financial autonomy inside the state?
1.5 Significance of the Study
The press, radio, television, and other mass media agencies should always be free to uphold the core objectives, as well as the government’s responsibility and accountability to the people.
If these functions are any indication, the press bears a responsibility to members of society to uphold journalistic ethics. Truth, objectivity, accuracy, and balance are among the important ideals that journalists must uphold.
1.6 Scope of the Study
This study focusses on the challenges that Nigerian journalists face, such as public scrutiny, public dissemination, unethical behaviours, government influence over journalists, and the subject of brown envelopes in Edo broadcasting stations.
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