MA Journalism and Media Communications

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Hostile or Helpful: The Media’s Portrayal of Immigrants in California and Ireland
(Griffith College, 2020) Homa, Khugyani
Immigration has become an issue of controversy and debate across Europe and The United States. Since the early 1990s, the increase of immigration and anti-immigrant propaganda in California and Ireland has resulted in pressures exerted on citizens and immigrants to find a way to integrate into a more multicultural society. Linguistic labels applied to news media can evoke judgment and shape citizen attitudes depending on the labels attributed to immigration and immigrants in the public discourse. This study employs mixed-methods content analysis to analyze the frames implemented by Californian and Irish media in their portrayal of immigration through the medium of online newspapers. To conclude whether the portrayal of immigration was harmful or helpful, this study includes a systematic analysis of articles from four online newspapers in the time between January 2019 and June 2019. The analyzed data is from The San Francisco Chronicle, The Los Angeles Times, The Irish Times, and The Irish Independent. The findings reveal that the current framings of immigration in both Ireland and California give a positive portrayal of immigration in the media that may aid in shaping how citizens react to future discussions on immigration and undocumented immigrants. The study concludes with a discussion of the limitations and possibilities for future research.
The Impact of Instagram on Nigerian Youths
(Griffith College, 2020) Chioma Idongesit, Chimamanda
Social media has become an important facet of Nigerian society. As we spend significant amounts of time using it, social media has penetrated the patterns of communication among Nigerian youth. Instagram is regarded as an image based machine. It has gained prominence among the youth. However, amidst the frequent usage of Instagram, literature remains disjointed regarding the impact of Instagram as a platform. The Literature Review discussed the various conceptual clarifications in the aspect of social media, Instagram, well-being, self-esteem, Nigeria youth and the accompanying theories of the main variables of the study. Instagram is widely used among youths compared with other media, reasons for such was disclosed during the course of elaborating more on the theory of the study. Qualitative and quantitative survey method was adopted for the dissertation due to the correlation of the methods in line with the purpose of the study. The major attribute of both research methods are in its ability in providing complex textual descriptions of how people perceive a given research phenomenon from human perspectives, which is relevant to the study. This dissertation investigates the various ways Instagram has been able to affect the selfesteem and well-being of Nigerian Youths from users‘ perspective with a self-administered online questionnaire. The second source of research is in the form of interview with two influencers of Instagram platforms to gather relevant information from experts‘ perspective. The findings show that the effect of Instagram on the youth well-being and self-esteem can be linked directly to the level of exposure and dependence on the platform. It was found that Instagram has become prevalent among social media users due to its features. Throughout the research, the impact of Instagram on Youths self-esteem and well-being is considered.
Selfbuild TV
(Griffith College, 2020) Madsen, Astrud
This project focuses on the design and creation of video content for Selfbuild TV, a new paywalled YouTube channel that has yet to be launched. Selfbuild TV will be a small part of the paywalled suite of resources available on Selfbuild+. Selfbuild+, due to launch in October 2020, will be.an online depository of information and resources for those building, extending or renovating their house in any of the 32 counties of Ireland. Selfbuild TV will be home to a series of videos about Irish residents undertaking a self-build project. Two Selfbuild TV videos were shot and edited for this Dissertation by Practice. These two pilot episodes serve a dual function. The first is to create a structure for future Selfbuild TV videos, i.e. a format that can be readily duplicated. The final structure of the videos emerged from the editing process and gaining clarity on what the technical limitations would be. The second function was to create content in the form of two pilot episodes, each approximately 10 minutes long, produced using mobile journalism (mojo) techniques. The editing process combined a phone app and a more established editing software, Adobe Premiere Pro. These choices were made because of their low production cost: filming on a phone and requiring only one person as journalist, cameraman and sound recorder. The Selfbuild TV pilot episodes contain a “how-to” component (basic information, tips, advice, insights) but also share the experience of what it is like building in Ireland today, highlighting both the communal nature of house building/renovating and the messiness of life in general, which is projected onto how self-build projects are managed. A key outcome of this project was to highlight the need to devise more formats for Selfbuild TV. Future video making will have to consider how to produce engaging content from user generated material. A format will also have to be devised for face to face interviews, with independent experts in their field.
What Contributed to Sinn Féin’s surge in popularity during the 2020 general election campaign in Ireland?
(Griffith College, 2020) Langham, Bethany
The campaign leading up to the general election on 8 February 2020 in Ireland was eventful and its result unanticipated. Ireland’s usual bipartisan voting trend was broken with the Sinn Féin party winning the most first preference votes for the first time since August 1923. Throughout the twentieth century, the Sinn Féin party mostly lay dormant. It began its continuous contesting of elections in 1987. However, ten years later in the last general election of the twentieth century, Sinn Féin’s support had only risen to 2.5%. Since then, the party has slowly gone from strength to strength with its percentage of first-preference votes breaking the threshold of double digits in February 2016 with 13.85%. This thesis examines the potential reasons for the leap of over 10% in first preference votes in the space of one general election seen by Sinn Féin. It looks at the social media tactics of the party in comparison to those (or lack thereof) of the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil parties. It examines the messaging of these three parties with reference to each party’s manifesto. Since the economic crash of 2008, Ireland has seen itself in the grips of health and housing crises. The effects of this on the Irish electorate will also be explored with reference to the strong front bench of the Sinn Féin party.
Why Practising Effective Journalism in Nigeria Is Challenging.
(Griffith College, 2020) Ishaka, Elohor
Journalism does not simply entail providing information. For the function of journalism to be achieved, a journalist must provide the public with objective, useful information that can be used to make decisions. It is only after this happens that journalism is effective or has gotten the desired result. However, some challenges make it difficult for many journalists to practise effective journalism in Nigeria. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that make it difficult to practise effective journalism in Nigeria and identify how these factors can be mitigated. This study is based on an interpretivist research paradigm. A qualitative research approach was adopted because this study required nuanced and detailed data to answer the research questions. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from the five participants who were chosen using purposive sampling. The participants were chosen because they have considerable experience working as journalists in Nigeria. The findings of the study are similar to the findings gotten from the literature review but are more complex and offer a different perspective. The findings show that inadequate remuneration and funding, brown-envelope journalism, censorship and lack of technological devices are common factors that may affect the ability of a journalist to practise effective journalism in Nigeria. Furthermore, while these factors are common, journalists who are just starting their career are likely to experience these. Lastly, improving the remuneration and allowances of journalists can help to reduce three of the four factors listed. However, the relationship between gender discrimination and effective journalism requires further research to ascertain if gender discrimination impedes effective journalism.
Why Practising Effective Journalism in Nigeria Is Challenging.
(Griffith College, 2020) Ishaka, Elohor
Journalism does not simply entail providing information. For the function of journalism to be achieved, a journalist must provide the public with objective, useful information that can be used to make decisions. It is only after this happens that journalism is effective or has gotten the desired result. However, some challenges make it difficult for many journalists to practise effective journalism in Nigeria. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that make it difficult to practise effective journalism in Nigeria and identify how these factors can be mitigated. This study is based on an interpretivist research paradigm. A qualitative research approach was adopted because this study required nuanced and detailed data to answer the research questions. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from the five participants who were chosen using purposive sampling. The participants were chosen because they have considerable experience working as journalists in Nigeria. The findings of the study are similar to the findings gotten from the literature review but are more complex and offer a different perspective. The findings show that inadequate remuneration and funding, brown-envelope journalism, censorship and lack of technological devices are common factors that may affect the ability of a journalist to practise effective journalism in Nigeria. Furthermore, while these factors are common, journalists who are just starting their career are likely to experience these. Lastly, improving the remuneration and allowances of journalists can help to reduce three of the four factors listed. However, the relationship between gender discrimination and effective journalism requires further research to ascertain if gender discrimination impedes effective journalism.
The role of Films in promoting Islamophobia: Content Analysis
(Griffith College, 2020) Felicia, Adib
Said (1979) explains that the media over time has been populated with negative stereotypes that seek to create a link between Islam and acts of terrorism as well as all forms of violence (p.347). Given this, the film industry, which is regarded as a media tool, has been criticised for its role in enforcing negative stereotypes which result in anti-Islamic sentiments. For this reason, this research work seeks to analyse seven films that cut across different groups, to understand the prevailing stereotypes, how they are used as well as the non-verbal cues used in the films to pass across a message. Quantitative content analysis was employed to carry out the research, and the films were examined based on context, stereotypes, mis-en-scene and the Riz test proposed by Ahmed Riz. In an attempt to avoid a myopic and bias conclusion, the films selected were based on the link to Islam and Muslims rather than the theme of terrorism. The findings of this research conclude that while there is the prevalence of these negative stereotypes in the films examined, the concept in which they are used gives a clear understanding on the motive of the director which very quite often are used to raise awareness and educate viewers.
Are New Media Tools Strengthening Investigative Journalism in Nigeria?
(Griffith College, 2020) Igweze, Chisom Michael
New media tools are increasingly being applied to various aspects of journalism practice. Investigative journalists the world over are finding in these tools new opportunities for easing and improving their performance. In Nigeria where there is obviously need to improve investigative journalism culture, there seems to be little focus so far by scholars on how much investigative journalism may be benefitting from these tools. Against this backdrop, this study focused on the extent new media tools may be strengthening investigative journalism in the country; that is, roles these tools may be playing in promoting this sort of reportage among practitioners. The research objectives were to find out: how informed Nigerian journalists are about the utility of new media tools in investigative journalism; whether they utilize these tools for investigative journalism; the ways the journalists possibly utilize the tools in advancement of investigative journalism; and factors possibly affecting use of new media tools for investigative journalism in the country. Ten investigative journalists working in print, broadcast and online-only news organisations were interviewed. Findings indicated that the journalists are informed about roles of new media tools in investigative journalism. The respondents were found to ave actually utilised some of these tools in the reportorial aspects of their investigative journalism engagements including fact-finding, fact verification, story writing, photo taking, and storage of data, as well as for non-reportorial aspects like accessing training, applying for grants, and entering for awards. They have, however, yet to adequately explore these tools for crowdsourcing and collaboration with colleagues as well as for shielding the identity of anonymous sources, encryption of conversations with sources, data organization, data analysis, and monitoring of the Internet for trending issues and developments. Results further revealed that factors like poor phone and Internet networks, unsteady electricity supply, financial handicaps, nonchalance of employers towards updating skills of journalists, and laidback attitude on the part of journalists themselves hinder adequate utilization of new media tools for investigative journalism in the country.The study concluded that the growing Internet culture in Nigeria will have the effect of exposing journalists to more knowledge and skills for stronger adoption of new media tools, giving hope for a much better future for investigative journalism in the country.
What Contributed to Sinn Féin’s surge in popularity during the 2020 general election campaign in Ireland?
(Griffith College, 2020) Langham, Bethany
The campaign leading up to the general election on 8 February 2020 in Ireland was eventful and its result unanticipated. Ireland’s usual bipartisan voting trend was broken with the Sinn Féin party winning the most first preference votes for the first time since August 1923. Throughout the twentieth century, the Sinn Féin party mostly lay dormant. It began its continuous contesting of elections in 1987. However, ten years later in the last general election of the twentieth century, Sinn Féin’s support had only risen to 2.5%. Since then, the party has slowly gone from strength to strength with its percentage of first-preference votes breaking the threshold of double digits in February 2016 with 13.85%. This thesis examines the potential reasons for the leap of over 10% in first preference votes in the space of one general election seen by Sinn Féin. It looks at the social media tactics of the party in comparison to those (or lack thereof) of the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil parties. It examines the messaging of these three parties with reference to each party’s manifesto. Since the economic crash of 2008, Ireland has seen itself in the grips of health and housing crises. The effects of this on the Irish electorate will also be explored with reference to the strong front bench of the Sinn Féin party.
Irish print media's view of Ireland’s energy sector: Negative or Positive – a content analysis on the reporting of Ireland’s energy sector by Ireland’s two leading broadsheet newspapers.
(Griffith College, 2023) O’Sullivan, Cian
This dissertation comprises a content analysis of the Irish newsprint media’s reporting on Ireland’s energy sector. The purpose of the study is to gain as thorough a comprehension as possible of the news media’s viewpoint regarding Ireland’s energy sector by examining published articles on the topic and discerning whether there is an overall positive or negative outlook. The methodology used is a mixed-method approach, involving the use of quantitative research methods to collect data on specifically chosen news articles, as well as qualitative research methods to examine the content of the selected news articles. The purpose of the research was to gather an overall picture of the sentiment depicted by the Irish newsprint media towards the energy sector by examining the journalistic framings and news values exhibited in the reporting by Ireland’s two most prominent newspapers; the different slants of which would seem to reflect differing editorial approaches. With an examination of the differing strategies and framing devices used by the journalists who are authoring the selected articles for each publication, this dissertation then integrates these findings to suggest an overall journalistic concept or strategy adhered to by each publication, as well as depicting the overall tone and outlook on the energy sector presented to the Irish public by its leading newsprint media publications. The energy sector and the issue of Climate Change are intertwined topics in media reporting. The frequency of reports on these topics has continued to increase year on year as the detrimental effects of global warming continue to arise. These are timely and important topics that need to be addressed, particularly in the current sociopolitical climate, and this dissertation aims to make a modest contribution to the discussion of these issues.
Investigative Reporting and its Challenges for Nigerian Journalists. A Content Analysis.
(Griffith College, 2023) Ugochi Onumajuru, Beatrice
The concept of investigative reporting is to unveil societal misconduct so as to promote transparency and accountability of government. This research examined Investigative reporting and its challenges for Nigerian journalists, its decline in practice, and perception of young reporters towards the career, thereby suggesting measures for improvement of better practice. The research reviewed related literature and anchored on the social responsibility theory of the press. The research adopted a qualitative content analysis approach in the methodology whereby in-depth interviews of eight participants were conducted through purposive sampling. A thematic analysis of the data collected was done by assigning codes to common themes. Findings revealed that legal constraints/poor access to information, attacks, funding/poor remuneration, censorship, and regulations are the major challenges. Participants also identified ownership/political influence, lack of technological skills and training, female gender discrimination and corruption as other forms of challenge. Attacks, funding, poor remuneration, gender discrimination are found to be the cause of decline in practice. Results also showed that younger journalists that aspire a career in the field are dispirited to practice because of their safety which is at risk. However, adequate funding and remuneration is said to overcome some of the challenges. Collaboration of media is suggested. The research also recommends a comparative legal implementation of media rights study for further research.
The aftereffects of the Covid-19 pandemic on news consumption habits and media trust on 3rd level students in Ireland
(Griffith College, 2023) Butenhoff, Laura-Marie
The public health crisis known as the Covid-19 pandemic was an unprecedented interruption of the world’s natural flow and people’s daily patterns. As a subject of frequent and sustained news coverage, the pandemic’s impact favoured the formation of alternative news & current affairs consumption habits among consumers. With the increasing and deliberate proliferation of erroneous information on social media platforms, the necessity to comprehend how and why people consume news as well as factors that influence those habits has grown significantly. Influential factors interrogated by this study incorporate media literacy and media trust. The aftereffects of the pandemic have provided a suitable environment and an opportune occasion to investigate this objective. By employing an online survey that comprised both open-ended and closed questions, this objective was examined with data collected from 41 current and recent Irish students currently studying or with a media-related degree. Through cross-tabulation and keyword extraction, this research identified that news consumption patterns as well as media trust in Irish news changed among the 41 questioned individuals. Additionally, it was found that there was active participation from the target audience in maintaining those patterns even after the pandemic. Lastly, the study was able to determine that media literacy has been a pivotal and influential factor in those changes.
A comparative analysis of celebrities’ endorsed posts on Instagram pages: a study of two football stars: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and two singers and actresses: Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande, endorsed posts on Instagram
(Griffith College, 2023) Adeyemo, Adewunmi
Celebrity endorsement is becoming a norm in the advertising world, and every organisation is taking advantage of this great practice. The traditional media utilises this strategy in product promotion, and it has yielded great success. Social media is the new communication weapon in the hands of advertisers, its great power to break boundaries and reach the most obscure places on earth has made it the best way to reach out to audiences far and wide. Celebrities and social media influencers are using social media to bring their loved ones together on a platform. Instagram is one of the most popular platforms for celebrities to communicate as well as endorse products. Their followers react as well as accept their testimonials about the products. This study investigates the Instagram pages of four celebrities with the most followers on Instagram to know whether their profession is connected to the product endorsed. This study was carried out by establishing a quantitative content analysis of the Instagram pages of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Ariana Grande, and Selena Gomez, by studying their posts within seven months. It was found that only the two male, celebrities Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi had endorsed posts connected to their profession as a footballer, while the other two female celebrities, Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande did not have any of their endorsed post connected to their profession as singers or actresses. Also, the study revealed that Lionel Messi’s endorsed picture and video posts attract more likes than Cristiano Ronaldo’’s posts. Also, Selena Gomez’s endorsed picture and video posts attract more likes than Ariana Grande’s posts.
Unfiltered Reality: The impact of visual social media platforms on the mental well being of young adults cross culturally
(Griffith College, 2023) Roik, Sophia
In an increasingly digitalised world, the impact of social media (SM) on young adults’ mental health (MH) represents a crucial investigation area. Thus, this dissertation’s objective is to investigate the impact visual social media platforms have on Generation Z (Gen Z) cross culturally. Through interviews with six NGOs including Irish, German, and US mental health experts (MHE) and a comprehensive literature review, the relationship between SM use and Gen Z’s mental health (MH) is explored. Research questions include to what extent SM triggers mental health concerns (MHC) among young adults, what factors specifically trigger MH, and to what degree a universal issue is experienced. Potential key differences in NGOs were uncovered through interviews. Lastly, potential approaches to prevent negative impact were assessed. It's suggested that SM has a significant influence on the young adult’s MH. Instagram and TikTok emerged as the most popular and problematic platforms due to their visual and algorithm-driven nature. However, conflicting outcomes highlight the multifaceted and individual nature of SM’s impact. Excessive usage patterns, active vs. passive usage, belonging to vulnerable groups, and certain design features including algorithms, filters, exposure to harmful content, and SM challenges revealed to be key factors. It has been suggested that individuals with existing MHC, teenagers, particularly young girls, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or unstable support systems as well as individuals in uncertain life stages whether influenced by personal or external circumstances, tend to be at the highest risks. Interestingly, research revealed that excessive usage patterns are more depending on the user’s behaviour patterns than time spent on platforms. Moreover, active SM usage has been linked to more positive well-being outcomes, than passive consumption. The ever-evolving nature of SM platforms and the constant introduction of new design features challenges researchers to thoroughly evaluate the effects on MH. However, SM also offers positive aspects including community support and awareness-building, particularly for marginalised groups. To address the negative impact of SM, awareness campaigns, and increased accountability for SM companies are recommended. Collaboration between policymakers, MHEs, and technology companies is advocated to create a safer online environment. The research highlights the universal nature of SM’s impact on Gen Z’s MH, transcending cultural differences. However, nuances exist among NGO recommendations, with countries emphasising different concerns. Strict age restrictions, mandatory ID sign-ups, and media literacy education are suggested as crucial measures by all. Additionally, app notifications promoting authenticity, and limiting screen time are proposed to raise awareness and encourage responsible SM usage. In conclusion, this dissertation emphasises the need for a comprehensive approach to address the complex relationship between SM and young adults’ MH. However, more accurate data from e.g., longitudinal studies are needed. To effectively implement global efforts, more countries especially those who significantly differ in economic and legislations, need to be compared. By understanding these challenges and implementing effective strategies, a supportive digital environment for young adults, enhancing their well-being in the digital age can be created.
Exploring the Strategies that Self-Brand Instagram Users Adopt to Create Business Awareness in Nigeria: Content Analysis
(Griffith College, 2023) Edih, Vera Chidimma
The research's main objective is to explore and determine the strategies essential for self-brand users of Instagram in Nigeria to achieve profitability in their businesses. The literature review centers on the usefulness of the U&G-TAM model in Instagram marketing for business owners. Additionally, it examines the behavioral patterns of self-brand Instagram users and the strategies they have employed. Based on the literature review, the research identifies 12 successful Instagram marketing strategies that self-brand users can adopt. A qualitative research approach was employed for the study, and five semi-structured interviews were conducted with self-brand Instagram users. The analysis of the findings revealed some correlations between the strategies discussed in the literature and their practical benefits for self-brand users. The study highlights three main elements that significantly contributed to the participants' business progress: partnering with influencers, optimizing a strong business profile, and utilizing hashtags and geotags effectively. These strategies have played a crucial role in the participants' success and profitability in their Instagram businesses.
The perceived impact of Instagram marketing on the performance of small businesses in Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria.
(Griffith College, 2023) Olubukola Odofin, Oluwaseun
This dissertation explores the perceived impact of Instagram marketing on the business performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. In recent years, social media platforms, especially Instagram, have gained prominence as effective marketing channels for businesses. However, limited research has been conducted to understand how Instagram marketing specifically influences the performance of small businesses in the Nigerian context. To address this gap, the study employs qualitative interviews as the primary data collection method to gain insights from small business owners and marketers. The study involved in-depth interviews with a sample size of 5 small business owners who actively engage in Instagram marketing. The data collected from these interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to uncover recurring themes, patterns, and insights regarding the perceived impact of Instagram marketing on small business performance. The findings of the research demonstrate the significant positive impact of Instagram marketing on various aspects of small business performance. The study highlights the role of Instagram in enhancing brand visibility, customer engagement, and ultimately contributing to increased sales and customer loyalty. Additionally, the research identifies challenges faced by SMEs in utilizing Instagram marketing, such as resource constraints, and algorithm changes. To address these challenges, the dissertation presents practical recommendations for SMEs to optimize their Instagram marketing strategies. Furthermore, the study contributes to the existing literature on social media marketing in the context of developing economies, offering directions for future research on digital marketing practices in Nigeria and other similar settings.
A Framing Analysis of Partisan Media’s Coverage of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting.
(Griffith College, 2023) Van Zyl, Marius
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2021 saw a record high for gun-related injuries and deaths in America. This included both homicides and suicides. 2021 is the most recent year for which detailed statistics is availabe. A total of 48,830 people died from gun related injuries, the majority (54%) were categorised as suicide, while 43% were categorised as homicide. Eight out of ten homicides involve a firearms (Gramlich, 2023). These figures far exceed other developed Western nations. America is also the only nation in the world where the number of civilian owned firearms exceed the number of people within the country. (Fox et al., (2023). Statistics like these are the reason that the US’s debate about firearm control has raged over decades. However, the debate has remained gridlocked, with no major changes being made to gun policy. The debate has become highly politicised, with voices from The Democratic Party calling for stricter gun control, while voices from The Republican Party argue for the protection of the right to bear arms provided by the Second Amendment. Mass shootings have become a phenomenon that is correlated with America. While mass shootings have occurred in other developed countries, such as Britain, Australia, Norway etc. However, no other developed Western nation saw more than 8 occurrences over a period of 22 years. America had over 100 public mass shootings within this timeframe (Fox et al., 2023). When mass shootings occur in the US, the inevitable talks about gun control follow with no real resolutions being identified and implemented. One such event occurred on 14 February 2018, when Nikolas Cruz entered the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School armed with an AR-15 and killed 17 people before being apprehended by police later that day. Events such as these receive large amounts of media attention and the gun debate that ensues in the aftermath is closely covered by media. Media in the US are divided along partisan lines, much like the gun debate. Their political affiliation often determines how they will cover an event such as a mass shooting. The New York Times is a world renowned agenda setting newspaper that is affiliated to The Democratic Party, while The Washington Times is a conservative paper affiliated with The Republican Party. This paper will conduct a qualitative framing analysis of the coverage of The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting by The New York Times and The Washington Times to assess if their political alignment influenced the way they framed this event. It will attempt to identify the dominant frames present in each newspaper, how the papers’ use of sources contributed to the framing. The goal is to determine if political biases were evident in their coverage.
An Analysis of the Development of Nigerian Media Law since Independence, with a Focus on how the State Transitioned between Democratic and Authoritarian Regimes.
(Griffith College, 2023) Olajumoke Folashade, Titiloye
Since Nigeria's independence in 1960, the development of media law has mirrored the country's socio-political dynamics, which have oscillated between democratic and authoritarian regimes. This dissertation offers a thorough analysis of the development of Nigerian media law in the context of these transitions. The primary purpose of this study is to comprehend how the country's media legislation has changed and adapted in response to shifts in governance and the broader sociopolitical environment. Initial findings suggest that, while the press enjoyed relative freedom during the early years of independence, it was subject to significant restrictions during military rule. The media's ability to serve as a watchdog was frequently constrained by laws enacted during the authoritarian period. However, transitions to democratic governance ushered in renewed vigour for press freedom, albeit with obstacles, as the media played a crucial role in the democratic consolidation process of the nation. In addition, this dissertation assesses Nigeria's media laws in the context of international media legislation and press freedom standards. A comparative analysis reveals areas of congruence and divergence, highlighting the unique challenges and factors that influenced the formulation of media laws in Nigeria. In addition, the impact of international conventions and treaties on Nigerian media law is examined, shedding light on the interplay between local contexts and international norms. Nigeria's journey from post-independence euphoria through periods of authoritarian rule and successive returns to democracy provides valuable insights into the complexities of media law evolution in a post-colonial African context. This research highlights the importance of a free press in the consolidation of democracy and the need for a balanced legal framework for the media that adheres to international norms.

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