PROFESSIONALISM AND OBJECTIVITY IN ONLINE NEWSPAPERS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE PIONEER NEWSPAPER

This study examined objectivity questions the demands for professionalism in online newspaper: a study of the Pioneer Newspaper. The theory that guided the work was Media System Dependency Theory and Social Responsibility Theory. The study adopted the survey research method. The population of this study is 146 employees of Pioneer Newspaper. The census design was used for this study. Findings from the study revealed that Pioneer online newspaper in Nigeria adhere to the principles of journalistic objectivity to a very large extent. Finding also revealed that the unique challenges and pressures faced by Pioneer online newspapers in Nigeria in maintaining objectivity is political influence. It was also found that that the consequences of compromised objectivity in Pioneer online newspaper, particularly in the context of misinformation, social divisions, and the erosion of public trust in the media is erosion of public trust. Furthermore, the study revealed that the best practices and strategies employed by Pioneer online newspaper in Nigeria to uphold professionalism and objectivity is adherence of journalistic standards. Finally, the study revealed that the challenges faces by media practitioners in the wake of online newspapers is fake news and misinformation. It was concluded that while media practitioners at the Pioneer Newspaper strive to uphold traditional notions of objectivity, they also face challenges related to speed, audience engagement, and economic sustainability. The study therefore recommend among others that the Pioneer Newspaper should develop and enforce clear editorial policies that prioritize journalistic principles such as accuracy, fairness, and objectivity.