Appraisal of the Influence of Citizen Journalism on Gatekeeping in the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Channel 10, and The Guardian Newspaper


Keyword : Citizen Journalism, Gatekeeping, Nigeria Television Authority, The Guardian


Author(s) : Anthony I. Igyuve; Ben Odeba And Namoda Mercy Ishaya

Abstract :   

This study assessed the influence of citizen journalism on the gatekeeping role of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Channel 10, Abuja, and Guardian Newspaper. The aim is to determine the influence citizen journalism has on the gatekeeping role of the mainstream or traditional media. The study employed a qualitative research method with the interview as the instrument for eliciting data from the respondents. The study is anchored on the Gatekeeping Theory of the Media. The major findings of the study showed that the emergence of citizen journalism has broken down the gates of conventional media. Therefore, traditional media no longer hold the monopoly of deciding what information is released to society. The main tools of citizen journalism include smartphones, digital cameras, and the Internet which enable them to source for and disseminate any information of their choice directly to society. Further findings revealed that despite the challenges that citizen journalism poses to the gatekeeping functions of the conventional media, the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Channel 10 and Guardian Newspaper still maintain their relevance as they remain the authentic sources for verifying information disseminated by citizen journalists, among others. Based on the findings, the study concludes that with the emergence of citizen journalism the mainstream media are no longer the sole gatekeepers or purveyors of information in society. The study recommends, among others, that citizen journalists should undergo training in the basic skills and ethics of the journalism profession.

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