MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVITY: A STUDY OF PRIVATE RADIO STATIONS IN CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE

This study was carried to ascertain the level of professional objectivity observed in the four (4) private radio stations (HIT FM, FAD FM, CORRECT FM, and SPARKLING FM) operating in Calabar, Cross River State. The study was guided by four (4) research questions drafted in line with the research objectives drafted for the study. Guided by the Agenda-Setting and Social Responsibility theories, the study adopted the survey design, with questionnaire as its instrument for the collection of relevant data from respondents sampled within Calabar Metropolis who are regular listeners to the radio programmes of these radio stations. Analysis of the data gathered revealed that the radio stations carry out their daily activities within the provisions of the Professional Code of Conduct guiding journalism practice in Nigeria. The study concludes that though the sampled radio stations operate within the ambience of the law, there is continuous need for the stations to redesign, redefine and re-examine the activities of their journalist to avoid dragging the image of the stations to the mud or disrepute by some non-professionals working within their stations. The study recommends that journalists in these radio stations be checked to ensure that they uphold the ethics of the profession by being objective in their news reportage.