KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF DIGITAL SAFETY AMONG JOURNALISTS IN BAUCHI STATE: A STUDY OF NIGERIAN UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ)

Abstract This study investigated the knowledge, attitude, and practice of digital safety among journalists in Bauchi State, focusing on members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). The objectives were to assess journalists’ level of awareness of digital safety, examine the extent to which they practice digital security measures, identify digital threats faced in their professional environment, and determine the safety tools they employ for protection. The study population comprised 284 journalists, with a sample size of 162, determined using the Krejcie and Morgan table. Guided by the Knowledge Gap Theory and Technological Determinism Theory, the research employed a survey method, analyzing data through descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions and percentages. Findings revealed that most journalists possess substantial knowledge of digital safety and recognize its significance in safeguarding professional integrity and data security. Notably, 87% of respondents affirmed that learning digital safety practices is essential. The study recommended that the NUJ collaborate with cybersecurity experts and NGOs to conduct periodic workshops and that media organization establish internal digital safety policies to protect both personnel and organizational data.