An Evaluative Study of the Freedom of Information Act on Journalism Practice in Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluates the Freedom of Information Act on Journalism practice in Nigeria. A case study of Journalists in Jalingo metropolis. The study employed the quantitative survey design. The population was made up of Journalists in Jalingo Metropolis which are about 293. The researchers employed Taro Yame’s formula to sample out 75 Journalists which formed the sample frame. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection.. Data gathered was  presented thematically. Findings revealed that Journalists in Jalingo metropolis are fully aware of the Freedom of Information Act. The study also revealed that although FoIA can aid journalism practices towards fair, balance, accurate and objective reporting, it has not created access to government-held information for journalists in Taraba State. The study recommends that journalists should go beyond just being aware of the passage into law of the FoIA, but to be well acquainted with relevant provisions of the Act.

Keywords: Freedom of Information Act, Journalims, Jalingo, Taraba State, Government