Illusion and Reality of Press Freedom in the Performance of the Watchdog Function of the Press in Nigeria

Abstract

This article analyzed the illusion and reality of press freedom in the Nigerian context. It also identified the real obstacle to press freedom in Nigeria and pointed out how press freedom would be realized in Nigeria. Theoretical framework of this article was anchored on two of the normative theories of the press namely: The Authoritarian Theory and the social Responsibility Theory. In the article, write-ups from available relevant literature were considered and used to analyze the illusion and reality of press freedom in Nigeria. In the conclusion, it was noted that the highly desired press freedom would unfortunately remain unrealizable for as long as humans remain imperfect and the system of things imperfect. It was therefore recommended that meanwhile, both the government and the press should learn to manage themselves with love. While government officials should endeavour to eschew corruption and greed and embark on programmes and policies that would make for national development and beneficial to the masses, the press should also perform their functions devoid of corruption and greed and in line with their code of ethics in other to give the impression that they can carry out their press duties with responsibility and thus build government confidence in them.