Explorations of New Media in Investigative Journalism Practice and Whistleblowing Among Journalists in Selected South-West States, Nigeria

Abstract

The study explores the contributions of new media in investigative journalism and whistleblowing among journalists in selected states in Southwest, Nigeria. The study adopted the mixed methods research design to gather data from 84 journalists and 5 independent investigative journalists which were selected through multistage sampling technique, out of the 6,162 registered members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in two major Southwest States of Nigeria (Ogun and Lagos States). The quantitative aspect of the study adopted the face-to-face questionnaire as an instrument for data collection, while the qualitative aspect of the study utilized the interview guide as an instrument of data collection. Findings from the qualitative data gathered showed that majority of journalists in Ogun and Lagos States acknowledged the challenges of ownership and online media fake news as impediments to effective investigative journalistic practice however, some of them suggested that there is a need to set in motion frameworks that will reduce the perceived negativity in the mind of journalists and further entrench the benefits therein. Equally findings from the quantitative data generated showed a huge exposure to new media platforms, especially social media, by journalists as it aided in their information sourcing, collaboration and expanded topical issues they report. Summarily, the findings from the study revealed that the new media contributes positively to data verification and information sharing.