Pitfalls Of Journalism In Nigeria. By Ityovenda Lawrence

Ityovenda Lawrence

All over the world journalist encounter certain challenges while practicing journalism the case is not different here in Nigeria. They are lots of pitfalls and hazards involved in practicing journalism in Nigeria which are clearly stated below :

1.CENSORSHIP : This is suppression of speech, public Communication or information. This is done on the basis that a news story is considered objectionable.

2.TREAT TO LIFE :

This simply explains that journalist at the point of carrying out their job get harassment, intimidation, murder traits and abduction of family members as a result of publishing or broadcasting a story.

3. POLITICAL PRESSURE : Government officials in power use their office as a means to suppress journalist in the discharge of their civil responsibility. With reference to Dele Giwa the editor in Chief and Co- founder of News watch who was killed by a parcel bomb in his residence at Ikeja, Lagos , on Sunday October 19, 1986.

4. EDITORIAL POLICIES :

This point triggers from the perspective of news editors being answerable to political demigods, editors also been into active politics where as it results to unpublished news or stories of fact.

5. YELLOW JOURNALISM :

This is Journalism based on sensationalism and publication of poor researched stories, for the sake of attracting readership, listenership and viewership. This often results to misinformation, disinformation and fake news reportage for example ( Angry youths sets the National Assembly on fire).

6. BROWN ENVELOPES :

When the state of the economy is bad and Journalist salaries are not paid they are prone to collect brown envelopes – poor renumeration.

7. GOVERNMENT POLICIES :

With the use of regulatory bodies (NBC) the government of the day restricts Journalist from discussing vital issues going on in the country to mention but a few , high level of Insecurity, Economic ecession, Fulani herdsmen killings , Budget paddling etc.

8. JOB INTIMIDATION :

The Constitution having stated freedom of the press as a constitutional right for freedom of speech and expression, but it is usually been neglected as Journalist face job intimidation for publication of government hidden policies and programs. This act is simply carried out by political thugs who threaten the life’s of Journalist and their family members.

9. JOB SECURITY :

Journalist who play the role of informing the general public on happenings in the state are usually left with camera’s as their tools to bacon with even at the war front coverage of security reports . No provision of bullet proof vest, improper security strategy approach towards the enemy there by putting the life of the Journalist at stake.