News Commercialization: Implications for Nigeria’s Development

Abstract

This paper takes a close look at news commercialization and its implication for national development in Nigeria. Many believe that this idea blossomed because of poor funding of government media organizations. The paper is anchored on the social responsibility theory of the press which encourages media outfits to contribute positively to their society. It notes that news commercialization has unpalatable effects on different aspects of society such as national integration, peace building, value system, education, socialization and others. The paper recommends better government funding of public media and higher commitment to continuous and systematic improvement of facilitates, while embracing international best practices. Journalists on their part, must always uphold the ethics of their profession.