Journalists Perception of the Role of Research in Investigative Journalism in Nigeria: Case of Unique 103.1 FM Radio Station, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines Journalists perception of the role of research in investigative journalism in Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to: examine journalists’ perception on the rationale for research in investigative journalism in Nigeria; journalists’ perception on ways investigative journalists can be protected while carrying out research; journalists’ perception on the impact of research on investigative journalism in Nigeria and Journalists perception on the challenges investigative journalism face in carrying out research in Nigeria. Survey was adopted for the study while questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection. 44 journalists who are staff of Unique 103.1 FM Radio Station, Ilesa, Osun State were purposively selected for the study. The findings from the study revealed journalists perceive the rationale for research in investigative journalism are to provide powerful stories for news and features that are verified, credible directly relevant to audiences’. The study also revealed that the impact of research on investigative journalism is that it ensures thorough fact findings and the ability to filter speculation from facts in spite challenges such as, threat to life and inadequate security. The study further found that for safety in conducting research in investigative journalism, investigative journalists among other things should assess the risks they will face before going into the field and most importantly the legality of the research. The study concludes that; journalists perceive research as a vital requirement for investigative journalisms practice. Although there are challenges to conducting research in investigative journalism, safety measures are very important. The study recommends that the need to always weigh the risk involved in research in investigative journalism should be highly upheld.