MEDIA SYSTEMS AND JOURNALISM PRACTICE IN A DEMOCRACY: THE NIGERIA PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The mass media, often referred to as the fourth estate of the realm have important role to play in the society especially in a democracy. While practitioners which are journalists are, to a large extent, permitted by law to perform this role, the environment under which they practice often limits them when one considers the forces at play. These forces are components of the media systems in place within the country. The study, therefore, was an attempt to identify the media system in Nigeria and how journalism practice is carried out under the identified system in a democracy. Anchoring on the structural functionalism and social responsibility theories, it adopted the qualitative research design, using the secondary research approach. The study found out that the capitalist and third world media systems (mixed system) is operational in the country and that practice is based on the proposition of the system. It observed that journalists operate almost freely though with caution bearing in mind the outcome of working against proprietors’ interest which could cause dismissal, harassment and suspension. It concluded that journalism practice under the system in Nigeria thrives but with self restrain and ownership control while government regulates it.