Commercialization of News and National Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Over the years, news commercialization has been a subject of concern in media studies. It is a widely discussed topic that receives scholarly attention at several academic forums and platforms. It is against this backdrop that this study examines the implications of news commercialization to national development in Nigeria. Through exploration of secondary sources, the study established that news commercialization is a practice that is not just in vogue within the Nigerian media landscape, but breads other unwholesome media practices that contravene the ethos of the profession. The study argues that commercialization of news has an adverse effects on Nigeria’s development as trivial issues are often reported due to their economic value to the media outfits at the expense of pressing development issues. Against this background, the study recommends that media proprietors should not slaughter national development on the altar of economic gratifications, but should negotiate a blend between the two to live up to expectations of the revered profession. This will enable them to make greater impact on the quest for national development that has remained a topmost agenda in the country amidst economic pressures.