Impact of News Commercialization on Nigeria Broadcasting Commission Communication Policy

Abstract

The Mass media in any society are regarded as the purveyors of national cultures which they transmit from generation to generation. One of the means through which this activity is carried out is by the news gathering and dissemination function of the mass media . In a situation where news selection and presentation is based on material gratifications instead of public goals and interest, stands against the ethics of the profession, it is anti-public unity and development. Above all it amounts to a total disregard and breach of the codes of the National Broadcasting Commission. This study aimed at assessing the effects of news commercialization by the mass media in Nigeria and its effects on the credibility of the institutions.  This study was a prescriptive survey and used the documentary survey method to generate data for evaluation. The study found out that news commercialization has
become a practice in Nigeria, and this has negatively affected the image of media institutions in the country. Public service broadcasting which was supposed to serve public interest has been turned into a powerful instruments for perpetual colonization of the poor by the rich. The study recommends that relevant regulatory agencies should ensure that enforcement of laws and ethics is rigorously pursued to compel media houses to comply with the ethics of the profession in the interest, unity and development of the country

Keyword: News, Commercialization, Impact, Broadcast Media, Policy.