WATCHDOG ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN NIGERIA: EXAMINING THE DYNAMICS OF MEDIA OWNERSHIP, LAPDOG TENDENCIES AND NEWS OBJECTIVITY

Abstract

This study assessed the watchdog role of the media in Nigeria; examining the dynamics of media ownership, lapdog tendencies and news objectivity. The agenda-setting theory was anchored in this study. This study adopted a qualitative research methodology, employing in-depth interviews to explore the experiences and perspectives of journalists in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The population for this study comprised all journalists working in various media outlets, including print and broadcast within Port Harcourt. A sample size of 15 journalists was selected and for the sampling technique, purposive sampling was employed. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, allowing for open-ended responses that can reveal deeper insights into the subjects’ thoughts and experiences. The interviews were recorded with participants' consent and subsequently transcribed for analysis. The findings revealed that, that media ownership in Nigeria significantly impacts journalistic objectivity, often leading to biased reporting that aligns with the interests of owners, which limits the media's effectiveness as an independent watchdog and reduces public trust. The study concluded that the influence of media ownership on journalistic objectivity in Nigeria underscores the critical need for structural reforms to promote diverse ownership and enhance the media's capacity to act as an independent watchdog, thereby fostering accountability and transparency in governance. The study recommended that to address biases in media coverage, regulatory bodies should promote
diverse media ownership to enhance objectivity and journalistic independence