Challenges and prospects of journalism practice among journalists in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract This study examines the challenges confronting journalists in Osun State and explores the prospects for journalism practice amid challenges. The study identifies key impediments to ethical journalism by drawing on qualitative data from seven focus group discussions with 42 journalists registered with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). These challenges included media ownership interference, political censorship, economic precarity, inadequate remuneration, and lack of access to essential journalistic tools and training. The results reveal that such conditions have led to self-censorship, the erosion of editorial autonomy, and a decline in public trust in the media. Key Words: Journalism, Profession, Challenges, Prospects, journalism career About the Authors * Lydia Oko-Epelle, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. She is a media and communication researcher with professional experience in broadcast journalism. Her research focuses on journalism studies, health communication, communication for development, media effects, digital media, and public health communication. **Kazeem Alade Oyedeji, Ph.D., is the Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. His research interests include political communication, media studies, digital communication, and emerging communication technologies. ***Amarachi Ezeakolam Agatha, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Kings University, Odeomu, Osun State, Nigeria. Her research interests include development communication, public relations, advertising, and strategic communication. JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 18, No. 2, October 2026, pp. 136-148. © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). Article Citation Oko-Epelle, L., Oyedeji, K. A., & Agatha, A. E. (2026). Challenges and prospects of journalism practice among journalists in Osun State, Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 18 (2): 136-148. Full Article Words: 7,272 Pages: 13 To access full article, click on download.