Threats to Media Freedom and the Safety of Journalists in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines the enormous prevalence of threats to media freedom and the safety of Nigerian journalists. The goals of the study were to identify and investigate various threats to media freedom and safety of journalists in Nigeria, examine media freedom as it is defined in Nigeria's Constitution and propose potential strategies to protect Nigerian journalists from future threats. Hinged on the Authoritarian and Social Responsibility theories from the Normative theories of the press, the study used a qualitative research method in which thirty (30) journalists were purposefully chosen to participate in a Focused Group Discussion. Findings revealed that various threats to media freedom and journalists' safety accounted for the ordeals of some journalists based on the paradoxical nature of the Nigerian constitution with regard to media freedom. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended mitigation and protection measures such as the need to intentionally strengthen provisions of the constitution of Nigeria to protect journalists and media outlets from threats. In addition, legislation to punish violations of media freedom, free operation of media regulatory agencies, and the establishment of an intervention strategy or compensation scheme for journalists who are victims were similarly recommended.