What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to explore how citizen journalism influences the work culture of mainstream journalists in Nigeria.

June 18, 2026

Citizen journalism and work culture among mainstream journalists in Nigeria: A structuration exploration

Key Points

This study aims to explore how citizen journalism influences the work culture of mainstream journalists in Nigeria.
Qualitative approach using interviews.
Data collected from trained journalists across 10 media outfits via multi-stage sampling.
Theoretical framework based on adaptive structuration theory.
Mainstream journalists report significant influences from citizen journalism on their daily routines.
Increased focus on improving skills with new communication technologies to match citizen journalists.
Ethical challenges arise from the quick dissemination of information by citizen journalists.

Abstract

Abstract This study examined the perspectives of mainstream journalists in Nigeria on the influence of citizen journalism on their work culture. The study adopted the qualitative approach using an interview to gather data from trained journalists who were selected in a multi-stage sampling process across 10 print and broadcast media outfits. The assumptions of the adaptive structuration theory provided the theoretical framework for the study. Findings from the study showed that the work culture of Nigerian mainstream journalists has been significantly influenced by citizen journalism. To keep up with citizen journalists' quick sharing of information, many mainstream journalists have had to change their daily routines amidst coping with the ethical challenges posed by citizen journalists. Because the dynamics of sophisticated information technology and gadgets are changing, mainstream journalists are driven to improve their skills in the use of the latest communication devices and platforms to avoid falling behind citizen journalists in terms of information collection and delivery. The study concluded that attitude, behaviour, and decision-making among mainstream journalists in Nigeria have been influenced by the activities of citizen journalists, while advanced communication technologies are shaping the structures and work culture across the mainstream media. Key Words: Citizen Informant; Citizen Journalism; Citizen Journalist; Digital Age; #EndSARS protest; Journalism Ethics; Mainstream Journalism; Mainstream Journalist; Mainstream Media; Work Culture. About the Authors * Oludare Ebenezer Ogunyombo, Ph.D., Orcid ID: 0000-0003-3529-2720 is with Caleb University, Lagos, Nigeria ** Ifedolapo Ademosu, Ph.D., Orcid ID: 0000-0003-3199-1620 is with Caleb University, Lagos, Nigeria JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 15, No. 1, Special Issue 3, July 2023, pp. 81-92 © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). Article Citation Ogunyombo, O. E. & Ademosu, I. (2023). Citizen journalism and work culture among mainstream journalists in Nigeria: A structuration exploration. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 15 (1, SP.3): 81-92. Full Article Words: 8,078 Pages: 12 To access full article, click on download.

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