Editorial policy and journalism practice in selected media houses in Uyo – a study of Akwa Ibom state broadcasting corporation (AKBC) and Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Uyo

Description

Abstract

Editorial policy and journalism practice in selected media houses in Uyo – a study of Akwa Ibom state broadcasting corporation (AKBC) and Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Uyo. This research focused on“Editorial Policy and Journalism Practice in AKBC and NTA, Uyo”. For the study to have focus, the objectives among which were to ascertain the existence of the editorial policy in AKBC, and ascertain the extent editorial policy influences journalism practice in AKBC. The study adopted survey method as a research design. The theoretical framework used in the study was“the Gate-keeping theory” and the census of 42 was sample size. Data were gathered through the use of structured questionnaire. At the end, the study found out that every practicing journalist in AKBC has a high level of awareness of editorial policy and that this affects professional ethics of balance in reportage. This study concluded that strict adherence to editorial policy is a brand in the practice of journalism as professionalism is jeopardized. It was recommended among others that truth, fairness, objectivity and balance, media owner must strive never to crucify morality on the altar of editorial policy, that the editorial policy of AKBC needs to be revisited and that editorial policy should be defined based on public interest and professional demand, and that government official should not interfere with editorial board decisions.