| Abstract: |
The concept of the media as the fourth estate of the realm presumes that the media
perform a watchdog role over government and other institutions by promoting
accountability, transparency, and informed citizen participation. This study
evaluated the extent to which the Nigerian mainstream media continue to fulfil this
essential democratic responsibility. The study precisely examined the watchdog
role of the media in promoting accountability and identified the challenges affecting
their performance as the Fourth Estate. A qualitative descriptive research design
was adopted, using in-depth interviews as the instrument of data collection. The
population of the study comprised fifteen (15) journalists selected from mainstream
media organizations in Nigeria through purposive sampling. Data were collected
through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using qualitative thematic content
analysis. The study was anchored on Agenda-Setting Theory and the Social
Responsibility Theory of the Press. Findings revealed that Nigerian mainstream
media continue to contribute to democratic governance through investigative
reporting and the exposure of corruption and failures in governance. However, their
effectiveness is constrained by political interference, ownership influence,
economic pressures, and digital disruption. The study concluded that although the
media remain central to democratic accountability, strengthening editorial
independence, professional ethics, and institutional support is crucial for enhancing
their watchdog role.
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