Influence of Online Citizen Journalism on Professional News Gathering in Nigeria
Mass Communication — 2025, Undergraduate
This study examined the influence of online citizen journalism on professional news gathering in Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted and a structured questionnaire was administered to journalists and media practitioners in selected news organisations in Lagos. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The findings revealed that user-generated content and social media tips significantly influenced news sourcing, speed, and the range of beat coverage. However, issues of verification, credibility, and ethical standards were identified as major concerns. The study recommends professional editorial gatekeeping, stronger verification protocols, and collaboration between legacy media and citizen contributors.