Online Communication and Citizen Journalism Practice in Nigeria - Threats and Opportunities

Abstract This paper examined the evolution of online communication and citizen journalism practice in Nigeria in consonance with the tenets of democratic participatory and diffusion of innovation theories. The relationship between online communication and citizen journalism practice in Nigeria, the link between the Internet, blogging and citizen journalism, effect of online communication and citizen journalism practice as well as contending hurdles ahead of Nigerians in the practice of citizen journalism were explored. It was evident that even though citizen journalism may have democratised and debased journalism practice globally, it provides more opportunities than threats to any nation like Nigeria. The paper thus argued that the Nigerian government should provide the enabling environment and infrastructure for Nigerians to be engaged in the practice of citizen journalism and to operate within the ambits of the law in order to give everyone everywhere the chance to contribute positively to national development irrespective of educational attainment, professional experience, religion, gender and age. Key Words: Blogging, Citizen Journalist, ICTs, Journalism, Nigeria, Social Media JCMRJournal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 6, No. 1, April 2014, 173 – 182 ©Delmas Communications Ltd. About the authors *Dr. Festus Prosper Olise is a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of the Social Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria **Mr. Perekeme Tebekaemi is a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of the Social Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria Full Article Words: 5,035; Pages: 10