ADOPTION AND PERCEPTION OF CITIZEN JOURNALISM IN LOKOJA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

The researchers examined the adoption and perception of citizen journalism among journalists in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria, with the aim of understanding its impact on traditional journalistic practices. Premised on the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the study employed a survey research design that utilized structured questionnaires to gather quantitative data from a defined population of 178 registered journalists in Lokoja, Kogi State. A census approach was adopted to ensure a comprehensive examination of the perspectives and experiences of all registered journalists in the area. The findings reveal that citizen journalism has gained significant acceptance among journalists in Lokoja, Kogi State, with a substantial proportion adopting it as a news source. However, a mixed perception of its effectiveness persists, with varying opinions on credibility and usefulness. Citizen journalism has enhanced traditional journalistic practices, facilitating faster information dissemination, eyewitness reporting, broader coverage of local stories, and collaboration among journalists. Despite these benefits, challenges related to credibility and accuracy persist. To address these concerns, the researchers recommend that journalists and media organizations actively seek opportunities for collaboration with citizen journalists, leveraging the strengths of both traditional and citizen journalism to enhance the quality and reliability of news reporting.