AKSU Journal of Communication Research (AJCR)

Abstract
This study explored the various issues journalists working with campus broadcast stations can investigate in their communities. The study employed in-depth interview research method with five reporters of ABU FM Radio to find out how investigative journalism can help in promoting accountability at community level. The paper adopts the Social Responsibility Theory to explain how reporters can conduct and deliver investigative news reportage within ABU FM Radio audience responsibly. Findings show that all the respondents were aware of investigative journalism as a concept, its techniques and relevance to their community, but could not be able to adequately carry out investigative journalism effectively. Respondents said reporters can conduct investigative journalism by uncovering wrong doings such as students’ extortion by lecturers, female students’ sex for grade syndrome, tribalism and corruption at university’s senate. The study concludes that although the level of awareness is adequate, reporters in ABU Samaru FM have not fully utilize the Freedom of Information Act to collect data on corrupt university staff. It recommends that media organizations should organize regular training in investigative reporting skills, ethical standards and challenges. Media managers should make investigative reporters free from other media job burdens in view of its difficulties, journalists should devise new ways of investigating corrupt practices in academic institutions and finally journalists should utilize provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to expose any public office holders who violates the Act.