Abstract

This study investigated journalists’ awareness and knowledge of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the extent to which Nigerian journalists use the FOIA, constraints to the use of FOIA in investigative reporting and how journalists perceived the influence of the Act on investigative reporting in Nigeria. Survey method was used to elicit information from the purposively and conveniently sampled study population comprising journalists in print media outfits in Lagos. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 240 respondents of which 182 (138 respondents from newspaper and 44 respondents from magazine outfits) were valid. Data were analyzed using simple frequency and non- parametric chi-square tests with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS 17.0). Results were presented in simple percentages and frequency count tables. Findings reveal that Nigerian journalists hardly use the FOIA for investigative reporting though they are aware and perceived it as beneficial. It also revealed that FOIA did not make any significant input into investigative reporting in Nigeria due to certain constraints. Nonetheless, the study recommended that certain grey areas of FOIA need to be reviewed for ease of access. Media outfits need to train journalists on the use of FOIA and government needs to be sincere with implementation of FOIA by training/enlightening public servants. Government also needs to prosecute corrupt public officials and ensures computerization of public records for timely access to requested information.

Abstract

Public relations asserts that the interests of the different parties to an issue are met. This underlines the Mexican Statement which is a global definition of public relations practice. However, the four models of public relations practice developed by Grunig and Hunt show models/structures that do not align with the position of the Mexican Statement. Using a desk research method, this paper evaluates public relations practice through the submissions of the Mexican Statement in juxtaposition with the four models. The study found that there are some Mexican Statement elements in public relations practice in line with the four models; and thus recommends that more should be done to totally affirm the Mexican Statement with the submissions of the four models of public relations practice.

Abstract

In the Western literature, conflict-sensitivity has been etymologically linked with medical practice as alluded to in the Hippocratic Oath taken by newly inducted medical personnel. Although, the original Greek phrase, PrimumNon Nocere (above all, do no harm) was not stated in the Hippocratic Oath, it contains similar words and the promise “to abstain from doing harm” in medical intervention (Smith 2005). Furthermore, the Hippocratic Writings, Epidemics states that, “the physician must be able to tell the antecedents, know the present and foretell the future- must mediate these things and have two special objects in view with regard to disease, namely, to do good or to do no harm.” From its medical origin, the Do – No – Harm principle has been adopted in other fields like development studies, confiict and peace building, journalism and many other contexts.

Abstract

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