GOVERNMENT CONTROL AND JOURNALISTIC PRACTICES AND MEDIA ETHICS: A STUDY OF HIT FM AND CRBC

This study examines the nature and extent of government control over two prominent media outlets in Cross River State, Nigeria: HIT FM and CRBC. It explores the influence of this control on journalistic practices, the impact on media ethics, and strategies for mitigating negative effects. Through a field survey involving 200 respondents, the study found that government control over these stations is significant and primarily exerted through government policies. The study adopted Media Influence Theory. The findings of the study shows that government control over HIT FM and CRBC is significant, with 75% of respondents acknowledging its existence and 50% reporting it as being of a high extent. Government control influences journalistic practices at these stations, w ith 75% of respondents confirming this influence and 50% identifying government policies as '.he primary means through which this control is exerted and the impact of government control on media ethics at HIT FM and CRBC is largely negative, as perceived by 75% of respondents. The 'tudy concluded that government control exerts significant influence on journalistic practices and media ethics, raising concerns about the impartiality and credibility of these stations. However, the study also highlights the potential for adopting strategies to mitigate these negative effects, ncluding policy interventions aimed at promoting a free and independent media environment in -Toss River State. The recommended that media literacy and awareness among the public to enhance critical consumption of media content and foster a culture that values credible, impartial, -nd ethical journalism and independent regulatory bodies to oversee media organizations, ensuring that government control does not undermine journalistic practices and media ethics.