Internal Factors Affecting Investigative Journalism in Public Broadcast Stations: A Study of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria

This study examined the various factors that affect investigative journalism (IJ) from within public broadcast stations with a particular focus on Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeriato identify reasons for inadequate investigative stories in public broadcast stations. Media ownership is adopted to explain the challenges facing investigative journalism in public broadcast media from within. The study employs an in-depth interview research method with ten journalists to find out the internal challenges facing investigative journalism in FRCN. Findings show that ten journalists (equivalent to 100% of the respondents) agree that media owners interfere with investigative reportage only when their interests are at stake. The interference could be direct, like determining which stories the editors and journalists should investigate, punishing staff that air the news item they considered offensive, and delaying the release of funds for investigative activities. The study recommends that stations should organize regular training in investigative reporting skills and ethical standards for their journalists; a new law should be introduced that can fully protect investigative journalists from ownership threats; news editors should make investigative reporters free from other media job burdens given its difficulties; investigative reporters should utilize social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp whenever their stations refused to air their stories.