Title: Influence Of Private Media Ownership On Credibility Of News Reporting In Nigeria
Authors: Olagoke
Olawale
Israel
Volume: 10
Issue: 2
Pages: 293-299
Publication Date: 2026/02/28
Abstract:
The study is on the influence of private media ownership on credibility of news reporting in Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research methodology and primary and secondary data were used. The population of the study are journalists from the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Borno State with a sample of 150 journalists selected for this study and administered research questionnaire. The study made used of systematic and cluster sampling techniques. A research questionnaire was employed as a research instruments. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 23.0 software. The study made used of descriptive statistics involving frequency tables and percentages. The findings of the study showed that private media owners in Nigeria significantly influence the selection of news stories published by their media organisations, editorial decisions in privately owned media houses are often shaped by the political or business interests of the owners. Furthermore, it was revealed that journalists in privately owned media organisations feel pressure to align news content with the preferences of the owners. The study recommended that media house should report accurate stories and should strive to display appreciable level of objective, balanced and fair reportage.