Gratification Syndrome and News Objectivity among Journalists in Bayelsa State

Abstract

The impact of gratification syndrome is that there is a shift in journalism from being a "Fourth estate of the realm" to a publicity seeking outlet available to the highest bidder; integrity, objectivity and balance is weakened as a result and news is commercialized. The study examined gratification syndrome and news objectivity among journalists in Bayelsa State. The paper was hinged on the social responsibility theory. The study adopted the survey research design. The census principle was used as the sampling technique, using questionnaire as the instrument for data collection from the population of 120 journalists in Bayelsa State. Result indicated that the extent to which journalists in Bayelsa State accept gratification from news sources is low at 40%.The journalists perceive the acceptance of gratification as a bad practice that can affect news objectivity at an average mean of 3.5. The study also revealed that gratification syndrome has a negative influence on news objectivity at an average mean of 3.5. the study further showed that harsh economy condition; poor remuneration; lack of journalistic ethical precepts are the factors responsible for accepting gratification by journalists in Bayelsa State at an average mean of 3.6. The study concluded that gratification is a corrupt practice and an unprofessional conduct that alters the true reflection of professional journalism embedded in ethicality. The study recommended that journalists should observe the tenets of social responsibility theory as a foundation for their journalistic practice and adequate enforcement of journalistic ethics among journalists should be embraced.