INFLUENCE OF POLITICAL AND PERSONAL IDEOLOGIES ON OBJECTIVE REPORTAGE AMONG JOURNALISTS IN ABEOKUTA

The influence of political and personal ideologies on objective reportage among journalists in Abeokuta. This study investigated the influence of political and personal ideologies on objective reportage among journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Most reporters and journalist allowed bias and their ethnic and religious sentiments to becloud their editorial judgment in the reportage of daily events, This study ascertain the issue of journalistic objectivity and how it is maintained or otherwise in journalism practice in Abeokuta. The research design adopted for the study is survey, the population of the study comprised 120 of registered, accredited and practicing journalist residents of Abeokuta, Ogun state. Using the stratified random sampling technique, respondents were drawn from journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The type of sampling used is random sampling, the researchers adopted 120 registered journalists in Abeokuta serving as the population and sample size. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, while analyses were done using the chi-square. Findings revealed that journalists often exhibit ideological biases that can influence their reporting decisions and underscore the multifaceted challenges that hinder objective reporting in journalism, particularly concerning the influence of political and personal ideologies. The study concluded personal ideologies play a crucial role in how journalists perceive and report news. Sensationalism can overshadow factual reporting, further fostering a landscape where objectivity is challenged .it was recommended that Advocacy for stronger protections for journalists against political pressure can create a more favorable environment for objective reporting. Similarly Media organizations should invest in ongoing training for journalists that emphasizes the importance of objectivity, ethics, and critical thinking. Workshops focusing on recognizing and mitigating personal biases could be particularly beneficial.