AKSU Journal of Communication Research (AJCR)

FROM FREEDOM OF THE PRESS TO FREEDOM FROM THE PRESS: AN ENQUIRY INTO ETHICAL AND RIGHTS ISSUES IN CYBER JOURNALISM IN NIGERIA

Author:  Chuks Odiegwu-Enwerem, Ph.D, Lateef Adekunle Adelakun, Ph.D, Jonathan E. Aliede & Helen Ambassador-Brikins

Abstract
The paper examined the capacity of cyber journalism to offer greater media access for the citizens as against ethical infractions, misuse of freedom of expression, propagation of hate and prejudice as well as general misinformation and sometimes disinformation. By analysing some online commentaries, the paper observes that the new media platform is tending towards becoming a tool for stereotyping and other negative sentiments. These are capable of engendering inter-ethnic mistrust, violence, erosion of peaceful coexistence and impeding of national cohesion, which are likely to lead citizens to demand “freedom from the press, as against the old familiar ‘freedom of the press’. The paper identifies some likely reasons for the trend, and suggests framework for handling and managing observed ethical and rights breaches in order to make the cyber space a truly better and most effective tool for development purposes.