ABSTRACT
Normative theory seeks to locate media structure and performance
within the milieu in which it operates. That
is, press always take on the form and colouration of the social and political
structure within which it operates. In short, the political structure of a
country determines the form and colouration of the press. The research however
aims at examining the challenges and prospects of media practices under
democratic system (A case study of Jonathan and Sambo Administration). It is
very obvious that mass media especially during democratic administration enjoy
more freedom than during military era. The freedom becomes effective especially
when the new freedom of information law was assented by the present
administration of Jonathan and Sambo which is an added plus to media practice
in Nigeria. The researcher adopted survey research method coupled with
questionnaire to elicit data from 100 journalists who were purposively
selected. The data collected were analysed and interpreted using frequency and
simple percentage method. Findings show that media organizations are playing
significant role during democratic era while it is also observed that press
enjoy more freedom democratic era than in that days of military. Also, access
to government information is more visible than during military which prohibit
press from accessing government information. Media houses and media
associations should as well educate, organize workshops and seminars for their
staff on how to make use of law in shaping the practice of journalism in this
democratic era.
