Media Ownership Interests and Challenges of Ethical Journalism Practice in Nigeria

The influence of media ownership on journalistic ethics remains a critical concern in Nigeria, as proprietors often dictate editorial policies, potentially compromising objectivity and press freedom. Ethical journalism is essential for democracy, yet ownership interests, economic pressures, and regulatory inefficiencies continue to shape media content, limiting diverse perspectives and public trust. This study examined the relationship between media ownership and ethical journalism practices by focusing on how ownership structures influence editorial independence and content diversity. A survey research design was employed, targeting journalists registered with the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). With a population of 403 journalists as at 2024, a sample size of 217 was determined using the Australian Calculator to ensure a 95% confidence level with a 5% margin of error. A multi-stage sampling technique was applied to ensure representativeness across print, broadcast, and online media. Data were collected through structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms on the NUJ WhatsApp platform to respondents. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis which revealed that media ownership significantly impacts editorial decisions, often leading to self-censorship and bias. Findings also indicated that economic pressures influence journalistic ethics, while weak regulatory enforcement limits accountability. The study recommends strengthening media regulations, promoting financial transparency, enforcing independent ownership laws, and enhancing ethical training for journalists.