Journalists’ Perception of News Commercialization and its implication on Media Credibility in Nigeria

This study investigates the perception of journalists in Nigeria on news commercialization and media credibility with special reference to Journalists in Jalingo Metropolis. The quantitative survey design was used. The population comprised of Journalists in Jalingo Metropolis which are about 293. The researchers employed Taro Yame’s formula to sample size out 75 Journalists which formed the sample frame. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The questionnaires were administered among 75 Journalists in Jalingo Metropolis registered under NUJ who were purposively selected on the basis of on-the-job experience. All the questionnaires distributed were duly filled and retrieved by the researchers. Data gathered were presented using tables while frequency counts and simple percentages were used for analysis and interpretation. Findings revealed News commercialization affects objectivity and balance in reporting. The study further revealed that poor remuneration, personal greed and corruption are some of the reasons why news commercialization strives. Some of the recommendations proffered for reversing this trend are: Media professional bodies should be serious in maintaining ethics in the media industry by sanctioning defaulting journalists to ensure that journalism practitioners adhere to laid down codes of practice, sound education and professional training of journalists should be provided this will serve as a good antidote for solving the problem of news commercialization.