Endangered Voices: Nigerian Journalists' Safety amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

The study explored new and emerging safety challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic as experienced by Nigerian journalists who work in broadcast media houses. Specific research questions were: What are the safety issues or challenges experienced by Nigerian journalists during the pandemic? How did journalists respond to these safety challenges? What are the implications of these emerging safety issues associated with the pandemic to journalism practice in Nigeria?

Sample

Nine broadcast journalists

Main Findings

Findings revealed that safety threats to Nigerian journalists during the COVID-19 pandemic included the risk of contracting the virus, financial insecurity, and emotional trauma, among others. Journalists responded to these threats by taking responsibility for their safety with little or no support from the media houses they worked for. These threats had implications for journalism practice including reduced work output, reduced dissemination of factual reports, low-quality stories, and a lack of in-depth and investigative news reports during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

Policy recommendations/implications

1. During a health crisis, journalists should not be solely responsible for their physical well-being. Hence, governments and media organizations should take responsibility and ensure the safety of journalists by creating and implementing policies that enforces media organizations' adherence to safety measures. 2. During health crises, media organizations should provide mental health support and interventions to help journalists deal with trauma arising from safety threats experienced or encountered.