Abstract This study sought to examine proliferation of broadcast stations in Nigeria and to determine the extent of citizens’ access to the media. The paper also investigated news commercialisation and its impact on the broadcast industry, audience and the journalism profession. The study is a conceptual study and is bed rocked within the framework of two communication theories that are somewhat related; the Democratic Participant Media Theory and the Uses and Gratification Theory. The study used library research as methodology. The study found that proliferation of broadcast stations provided the audience with wider latitude of choice of programmes and stations/channels. It also discovered that proliferation of broadcast stations has brought about an interactive programming; a new innovation which has engendered effective audience participation. The study recommended among other things that the broadcast regulator (NBC) should set up effective monitoring strategy with a view to making broadcast stations socially responsible. Key Words: News Commercialization Broadcasting Proliferation Interactivity Citizens’ Access JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 13, No. 2, October 2021, pp. 91-98 © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). About the authors Andrew Ali Ibbi, Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. He holds a B.Sc (Mass Communication), M.Sc (Mass Communication and Ph.D (Mass Communication) with specialization in Broadcasting and Film. His areas of research interest are: new media, film induced tourism and community broadcasting. ** Ikaderinyo Ibambo Furomfate, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. He holds a B.Sc (Mass Communication), M.A (Communication Studies) and Ph.D (Communication Studies) with specialization in Development Communication. His area of research interest is rural development. Full Article Words: 4,917 Pages: 8 To access full article, click on download. Article Citation Ibbi, A. A. & Furomfate, I. I. (2021). Proliferation of broadcast stations in Nigeria, its effects on news commercialization and citizens’ access to the media. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 13 (2): 91 – 98.
Ibbi et al. (Fri,) studied this question.