Freedom of the press which can also be referred to as freedom of information is a concept in journalism and an issue in contemporary media practice. This controversial concept establishes that media practitioners, especially journalist, reserve the freedom to probe, to dig, to pry for the purpose of obtaining information, news, opinion and publish same without hindrance. This study investigates the freedom of the press and practice of journalism in a democracy. It examined the form of censorship and hindrance affecting the practice of journalism, the impact of freedom of press on journalistic practices and determines how government encourages freedom of press during this time of a democracy. The study used the survey research method in the process of data collection. The method entails identifying population of the study and collection of data through questionnaire administration. The population of the study comprised of journalist from Tell Magazine, This Day Newspaper, The Nation Newspaper and civil servants that comprised of teachers, lecturers and security agents. The instrument for data collection is a self-designed questionnaire. A sample size of 150 respondents was drawn from the population and questionnaire administered to them. However, 142 (94.67%) copies was retrieved and used for the data analysis. Data generated was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). Findings of the study revealed that there is no hindrance affecting the practice of journalism in a democracy. It showed that freedom of press is important in the practice of a democracy while it also revealed that government encourages freedom of press. It was recommended that journalists should try and break loose of the censorship mentality in order to practice the Freedom of Information Act efficiently. Also, Government should adhere to Freedom of Information Act in order to continue to sustain true democracy in Nigeria.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Significance of the Study
1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Research
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Theoretical Review
2.2 Conceptual Review
2.2.1 The Concept of Freedom of the Press
2.2.2 Historical Development in the Concept of Press Freedom
2.2.3 Signing of Freedom of Information Act in Nigeria
2.2.4 Defining Democracy
2.2.5 Aims of Democracy
2.2.6 Problems of Democracy
2.2.7 Major Roles of the Media in Democratic Societies
2.3 Summary of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population of Study
3.3 Sample and Sampling Technique
3.4 Instrument for Data Collection
3.5 Administration of Data
3.6 Validity of the Instrument
3.7 Method of Data Collection
3.8 Method of Data Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND DATA ANALYSIS
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Presentation of Respondents Demographic Information
4.2 Research Question
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.0 Discussion of Findings
5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Recommendations
5.3 Suggestion for Further Studies
References
APPENDIX: Questionnaire
