WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM AND CITIZEN JOURNALISM?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM AND CITIZEN JOURNALISM?

In answering this question, we shall explain the meaning of the words, profession, and then journalism, the concept of professional journalism and citizen journalism and lastly comparison of the two types of journalism.

PROFESSIONAL

The word professional is used as an adjective to qualify the noun ‘’Journalism’’. Professional is formed from the noun ‘’Profession’’ which according to Webster shorter dictionary means a vocation or occupation requiring an advanced education or training that involves intellectual skills. The word ‘’Professional’’, according to Oxford Advanced learners dictionary, is connected with a job that needs special training skill or high level of education. A professional has to practice his occupation according to the high standard and ethical codes. The members of the profession have to share common values, identify definition of roles and interest. They should have a set education standard, licensing and an enforcement of performance standard.

WHAT IS JOURNALISM?

Originally Journalism referred to the occupation of writing for journals but before then, citizen journalism was much practiced in the united states of America by citizens who printed pamphlets to distribute news worthy and sensitive topics. The art of journalism started as individual effort in 59BC; during the reign of Julius Caesar, the Roman Emperor. By then he employed scribes in his palace to write down events and news on sheets of paper, legislations and other interesting stories such as births, marriage and deaths. These publications were called Acta Diurma, Acta Senatus and Acta Publica respectively.

Through out the 16^th and 17^th century there was no full-time journalism or professional journalism. Individual journalism wrote and printed news and bulletins and circulated to the people by the end of 17^th century, journalism was made liable to suppression while they tried to perform the role of mouthpiece for the public in protecting their needs and problems.

PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM

By 1920s the concept of journalism shitted to involve the act of writing for journals, news papers, magazines and disseminating information for the purpose of informing people. The publishers began to call for freedom to operate and write to express their views without hindrances.

The early journalist however continued to write to criticize the authorities, to defend the citizens and to ask for recognition of their job as a profession not with standing their suppression, censorship and persecution. Most journalists became anonymous writers. This gave room to publishers like James Gordon Bennett to take publishing beyond his immediate environment. Reporters and publishers started earning a living from the job. With the advert of new technologies in printing. The press became a big business. The news became an essential commodity to the publishers until the internet was available to a large audience in the mid 1990s.

Today, there are various approaches to reporting and publishing. News can be disseminated through Radio, Television, Prints, Journals, Newspaper and Magazine. Journalism therefore can be seen as an art of earning ones living through writing for the printing and electronic media. This new media has added another dimension to current Journalism.

CITIZEN JOURNALISM

A citizen is one who has the legal right to belong to a country. Citizen journalism is also known as ‘’Public’’ ‘’guerilla’’ ‘’Participatory’’ ‘’democratic’’ or street journalism. It is different from community and civic journalism; which are practiced by professional journalists. Citizen journalism is not the same as collaborative journalism which are practiced by professional and non-professional journalists, working together. Some communities call it grass root journalism. It thieves more on new media and poses a threat to the traditional journalism.

Citizen journalism is a specific form of citizen media as well as user generated content. According to Mark  Waser, a freelance journalist, ‘’The idea of citizen journalism is that the people without professional journalism training can use the tools of modern technology and the global distribution of the internet to create augment or fact-check media on their own or in collaboration with others.

J.D LASICA CLASSIFIES MEDIA OF CITIZEN JOURNALISM INTO THE FOLLOWING TYPES:

·        Audience participation- Users comment attached to news stories, personal belongs, photos, videos footage captured from personal mobile cameras or local news from residents of a community

·        Independent news and information websites [consumer reports, drudge reports]

·        Full-fledged participatory reports or news site. Examples are; ‘’Now public, Ohm news, Ground report

·        Co-laboratory and contributory media sites

·        Thin medial [mailing list, email, news letter]

·        Personal broadcasting [video site like Ken Radio]

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM AND CITIZEN JOURNALISM

In order to meet the needs of the society and report within the codes conduct and ethics of journalism as stipulated by the law of the land, people have to go to school to learn how to be a journalist. They have to observe the hard and fast rules to qualify as a professional journalist. The condition has been that sources of the news have to be verified and hard facts need to be gathered before running the news. There have to be important stories with substances before it is reported. Professional journalism therefore is the state of practicing as a journalist, observing the prescribed imperatives, the codes and ethics of the professions without breach. The journalist must have passed through a specific training and met the required standard.

According to Jerry Flew there are three elements, critical to the rights of citizen journalism and citizen media.

v    Open publishing

v    Collaborating editing

v    Distributive contents.

He explained that Wikipedia is a typical example of citizen journalism. It is the largest and the most successful citizen journalism project.

CYBER JOURNALISM: Now Public and Division of traditional media companies like CNN’s reporter feature site journalism. The irony behind citizen journalism is that, the people formerly called the audience employ the press tools; they now have in their possession to inform one another. The impacts of reporting by the people for the people generates the name ‘’Democratic journalism’’. Many academic programmes combine the study of traditional journalism with new Media and these programmes address issues of citizen voices in reporting and other forms of user created contents.

REFERENCE

Einar Thorsen (2009) Citizen journalism, Global perspective New York

  Gordon Harmitton, (2009) How to be   a citizens journalist’

www.Helum-com/knowledge/163674. How to train yourself as a citizen journalist.

www. Educouse.edu/eli (2007)

Tony Rogers(2011) what is citizen journalism “A part of New York Times company”

MEDIA CONVERGENCE

MEDIA CONVERGENCE

THE MEDIA

The Media, according to Stephen Little john are organizations that distribute cultural products or messages that affect or reflect the culture of the people. Media refer to the vehicles or means by which information or messages are conveyed from source to receivers. The media systems are part of the larger society context of Political economical and other institutional forces.

The Modern media, according to Little John (1992), make it possible for millions of people throughout the world to be in touch with nearly any spot on the globe. Today we live in what Marshall McLuhan calls the “Global Village” The media has bridged the world together with new technology of information which we know as “Internet and Multimedia Facilities”.

The integration of Media forms, using network integration that involves content integration for an integrated end result is termed “Media convergence.

CONVERGENCE

Convergence is the process by which a range of media platforms are integrated within a single pie of media technologies. For instance, a combination of games console, a DVD player and internet modern.

The I-Phone can converge with a camera, a Video, an FM Radio, a games console, a Web browser and a palmtop computer.

The audiences enjoy using converged media to display events. They love variety with short form contents like download, Video clips, trailers, music, Jingles, Wallpaper and some music tracts.

Media convergence also refers to digital technology and network technology in the context of information needs. It involves the content integration, network integration and the result integration posed by the evolution of media forms. It is a fusion brought about by the Morphological changes of the media industry.

This means the bringing of different media service to incorporate together.

It involves a shift from computer to radio or T.V. performance to a digital platform where everything can be viewed read or heard on the internet. Newspapers now provide video and Television interactive charts. Radio has web-cams. Almost all Nigerian Newspapers can be read on the Internet using both computers and cell phones with 3g telephone.

Mass media companies can connect consumer technologies such as mobile phone and video games. Information and entertainment can go together. During promotion activities, education and entertainment are converged together. While informing, the audience is also educational enlightened. It is now difficult to separate intrapersonal, interpersonal and mass communication from each other. This shift from separate communication process to the use of digital platform where everything is done at the same time or separate times is referred to as convergence. It is typical of the new media. This is made possible by the use of multimedia facilities such as mass-media, computer, and consumer electronics like mobile phone, internet, satellite and telephony. In Nigeria, some mobile phones, computer, there is news headline summary on Radio, Television and internet. 

MEDIA CONVERGENCE IN NIGERIA

There is news from the radio, songs, entertainment and browsing from the internet with phones and computer. The merging of various medium of communications like Newspaper, Television and Radio productions on the internet is called Media convergence. Survey that the is highest ranked cluster consisted of World Wide Web, Mobile Telephone, Multi-media computers and communication satellite.

These technologies are equally in Nigeria and they best represent the level of media convergence in the country.

There is now a very slight line between the print media, Television and Cell phone. In terms of content convergence it can reflect mostly in the traditional media. The news information, and entertainment rate is higher. The news and information can be related to adult’s ages between age 10 and 25 years. This can be rated high because this reflects social integration in the various forms of media. Youths and children watch television, youth operate computer and internet while most adult buy newspaper. The consumer level of convergence varies here in that most adults prefer news and information about their people and what is happening in the society. The younger ones prefer the entertainment through music, games and other video displays. People in urban area read the news paper, watch the television and listen to radio. Rural people rely on radio for news mostly. Very few families have television or buy news paper in urban area.

CONTENT CONVERGENCE:

The news about politics in Nigeria is the central focus of the male folks in Nigeria now. All these are viewed in phones, television, and computer and listened to on radios as well. The women folk think and listen to political news less often. They are more attracted by news about the environmental safety, food, clothing’s and their relatives. Content also involves local and foreign news on the television and radio, internet and print media, massages, multi-plays at different stations,

CORPORATE CONVERGENCE:

Corporate convergence in Nigeria may include the print media and the internet working together.

For instance, programmes on the internet can be published on the newspaper. Scientific discoveries, foreign news and events from the internet are also published.

Most news from the print media are posted on the wed-site of these newspaper corporations. Besides, there are joint programmes of various print media, TV and radio stations. Most of the time, the same news and events run through all the mass communication outlets. These are areas of convergence in Nigeria.

During the presidential Primary election… at Abuja, all media stations in Nigeria covered the event.

ENVIRONMENT CONTENT CONVERGENCE

These are multimedia facilities impact on our everyday life. The society has to adapt and change according to technology. Before people where typing with typewriter, later to fax, e-mail and to voice mail. The society changes from old music, dressings, type of food based on what they see on the newspaper, television and internet. Films from other countries are adopted and used in Nigeria. Some things form Nigeria find a way through, the media to other countries as well.

Today, the channels Television display face book and the Twitter, the Ids Africa powers the Channel. Other countries flags displayed at the website of channels also indicate a kind of corporate convergence.

The radio Nigeria online as a link with the Common Wealth Broadcasting Association (CBA), the Network News Archives, Nigeria Government Official Website, Police Force and the Face book. This is also a corporate/investment convergence.

Most of the media website shows the logo of one bank or the other that advertise at the website. Some of the media houses like the “Sun” have investors and stakeholders. Such stakeholders/investors include MTN, Globacom, Nestle Nigeria PLC, Coca cola and Banks. This is a form of Investment drive convergence.

REFERENCE:

www.goole.com

www.encycopedia.com (2001)

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological-convergence

www.tutorvista.com/answers/media convergence

Mudathir and Akinreti (2011) secrets of online And Multimedia Journalism. Emgee Publishing Limited, Ibadan, Lagos.

THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER ON THE INTERNET

                  THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER ON THE INTERNET

  The Punch is published by Punch (Nigeria) Ltd. Reporters current News. They report current News, commentary. “an online Community of international reporters and social advocates. The web name is www.punchng.com. The punchng.com seems to have been in use for the past seven years and ten months.

Since April 10, 2003, The punch uses a classic tabloid. The website is a beautiful one with white and maroon colour. The name “PUNCH” is boldly printed in block curved with letters and the maroon colour at the background. This logo is punctuated with the captions “Nigeria’s” most wildly read Newspaper, and “ON THE WEB” writen below it. The www.punchng  news were coming on and off they were not posted permanently. Some headlines of current news and adverts are also displayed. Vacancies for adverts are also indicated. The Wed editors of the Newspaper contents are one on reports, political news, Business, sports news and online pools.It has a wider reach and easy access through the online. As early as five o’clock am. The news headlines were already on the net. Punchng online is timely.

The Punchonline.com uses the camera cell phone and computer to receive or watch broadcast. Accessing news on Punch website for now is free. Income is derived from occasional advertisement and print or text news on mobile phones. Subscribers pay by buying scratch cards. The Punch sells scratch cards to subscribers at the rate of one thousand five hundred naira (N1, 500) per month.

The Punch online also has a Mobile Punch which the subscribers can access the full text of an article and also get an e-paper version of the print on their mobile phones through Nigerians three major networks namely MTN, Zain and Glo. The Punch therefore falls into the convergence of business model of consumer devices.

Other versions of the punchng includes:

The punch paper, and English online Newspaper, Nigeria. This version is exactly as it appears on print. It also has an is www.punchng.com.safe. This is safety widgets. The version of the online services covers information, trading and insurance.

The Punch has links with Worldpress.org copyright @1997-2011 worldpress.org. The punchng converges with the sunnewsonline.com. Champion-Newspapers.com punchng.org The Punch-Wikipedia. free cyclopedia circulates 80,000 official website http

About us:

This is one of the sub-sections of Punch online. The content is as follows:

The Punch Newspaper started as Sunday publication on 17^th March, 1973. Its publisher Chief Olu Aboderin, of Ibadan origin, from Kudeti area, was an accountant with National Bank. The paper was published by a Limited Liability Company, Punch Nigeria Limited. The contents were mainly sensational news stories and features which were meant to defend freedom of the press, the liberty of the people and act as a watch dog of Nigerian society.

The Sunday Punch experiment worked, and within two years its popularity soared up. As a result of its success the daily edition began on 1^st of November 1976. The two newspapers, Punch (daily) and Sunday Punch were radical in criticizing the governments unpopular policies.

 The newspapers covered every aspect of the society but did not favour any political group. They did not support the military regimes either. The newspapers criticized the government when necessary and praise them when there is need.

The Punch’s editorial is one outstanding feature.

The Punch is a hot cake and a household name.

In 1981, the company added Financial Punch to its publications. In 1981 Aboderin parted with his partner, Sam Amuka – Pemu.

In 1984, Chief Olu Aboderin died, his Senior brother, Chief Moyosore Aboderin took over the company. He added Evening Punch which came out on January 1, 1986 and Labour Punch on 24^th March, 1986. The later covers trade and employment, workers, and labour stores. when Chief Moyosore died the management was handed over to Chief Ogunsola.

Many of the news additions are no more but the Daily punch, the Sunday punch and the weekend Punch are still in circulation. New buildings, housing plants, editorial and administrative offices have been constructed by Chief Ogunsola’s administration. In May 2006 when the Newspaper was chosen for survey BBC and one other agency selected the Punch Newspaper as the most trusted in Nigeria.

Today, Punch Newpaper is perhaps the largest Nigeria daily newspaper.

It covers News in the nation as a whole. It is still owned by Punch Nigeria Limited. It has about 26, 200 media outlets in 212 countries with worldwide media guide of 27670 media outlets. It covers National news Business News General Entertainment TV sport. General science, Health. Society, politics, Fashion, Celebrations, Accommodation and people. The language of presentation is English.

The punch Newspaper has 32 posts and 28 authors.

The punch now has Sunday issues and Sunday punch online. Mr. Adeyeye Joseph is the Editor for Saturday and Sunday punch and the Executive Director, Publication is Mr. Azubuike ishiekwene, The managing Director and Editor in – Chief,

Mission statement:

The mission statement of punch is to promote and defend the values of democracy and free enterprise and to foster the principle of equal opportunities for all. Their achievement so far according to the Managing Director and Editor-in-chief, Mr. Ademola Osinubi, at the lunch of the book. “Defying the odd; a case study of Nigerian Organization that have survived generations” on Tuesday, April 2006 at the Muson Centre, Lagos. He said that Punch Nigeria has survived three and have decades by applying the following strategies: clarity, focus and commitment. These involved clarity of goals in publishing a lively paper that excites readers and reports facts.

To keep a sharp focus on those goals, and the commitment to achieving those goals. He concluded that the secret of the company’s success is the cooperation of the board, management and staff-the human resources.

He commended them for their excellence in performance, versatility and constant training. Punch produces with computer installed to plate pre press equipment which he says eliminates film by lightography from the process of making plates; thus shortening the printing time and deliver sharper colours.

The Editor-in-chief admits that there may be some challenges but their focus enables them to define their priorities, allocate their scare resources and design their operational system which have helped them to scale through all these years.

The company has branches at Lagos, Aba, Abeokuta, Abuja, Ado Ekiti, Akure, Asaba, Benin, Calaba, Enugu, Ibadan, Ilorin, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Oshogbo, Ondo and Mina.

Punch Nigerian Newspaper has contributed immensely to the national and state developments. Mission and vision of defending the values of democracy and free enterprises in the society. Punch Newspaper cover “ The Nigerian National call to Action symbol” online Punch reviewed the Nigerian Tax Policy on 28^th January 2010.

Punch covered and partnered with the national Assembly to execute projects on PDF – June 24, 2010. Punch Nigeria is reported as having covered state and national MDGS Projects 13^th July, 2010. Punch Nigeria also covers football events by the Green Eagles all over the world.

A Simplified organogram:

Board of Directors

Chairman

Managing Director/Editor in Chief

Executive Directors

Editors/ Senior Management

Assistant Mangers

Senior Staff

Intermediate Staff

The Board of Director and the Chairman are not involved in the day to day running process of the organization, rather they meet from time to deliberate on issues that are of corporate interest like infrastructural development. For instance they made the decision to relocate their corporate headquarters to KM 14, Lagos Ibadan Express way by Ayorinde Bus Stop, Ogun State, otherwise known as “ The Punch Place” from their former office at No 1, Olu Aboderin Street, Onipetese, Ikeja, Lagos.

The Managing Director/ Acting Editor in Chief sees to the day to day running of the organization.

The standing Markers

For effective circulation purpose, the organizations sales are directly to the accredited agents who in turn sell to the newspaper vendors. The accredited agents receive their supply every morning around 5:30am. They then sell to the vendors who are usually

many.

References

Uhttp:/en.wikipeida.org/wiki/The puch

Punch former office at No1, Olu Aboderin Street, Onipetesi, Ikeja Lagos.

Ifedayo Daramola (2003). Introduction to Mass Communication, second Edition, Rothan Press Limited, Lagos.

Ifedayo Daramola (2006), History and Development of Mass Media in Nigeria Rothsn Press Limited, Lagos.

From the Website source http://www.Punching.com/punch Addresses.ospe

Http://www.Punching.com/Punch Adress.aspx

Http://www.bigseekpro.com/result/i/Xilisoft

download youtub/Lsb333162-544f…

www.Punch.com/Article aspx?heatic=Art 20100306051954

 www.robtex.com/dns/punchbg.com.html.

www.worldpress.org/newspaper/africa/nigeria

www.rebag.com/unl/punchng.com

www.aboutus.org/punchng.com.

www.sunnewsonline.com.

www.epapercatalog.com

http://www.punchng.com

            En.wikipedia.org/wiki/the-punch”

                                          

SUN NEWS ONLINE

 Wed name: www.sunnewsonline.com. This is a penchant for British Tabloit Style. The sun, both print and online dwell much on entertainment and Politics. It is another daily newspaper. The sun publishing Limited was established in March 29, 2001 and started printing as daily newspaper on June 16,2003. It was previously published as weekly paper.

Mission:

To practice journalism in the classical tabloid newspaper tradition, to present the news and features in an exiting style, with impact objectivity and appeal that generate returns to all stake holders the society the investors at the practitioners. It is described as “the voice of the people” The sum reports news largely from the angle of it uses bold and dramatic language. It reports on culture, politics economy, crime, religion, sports arts, fashion and life style. The core valve of the sun are on innovation, leadership, integrity and people with Tony annoying as the Managing Director Editor-in-chief.

The primary target of the sun are young adults of 18 to 45 years. The beauty and attraction of this paper for their redership class is shown on the selection of the sun girl for their daily edition. The sun has 42 out stations nation wide. They believe in good quality production. It has client are base with Blue chip, FMCG companies like MTN, Glo bacom Nigerian breweries PLC, union Bank, First Bank PLC, Nestle Nig PLc, coca cola, Dimond Bank and a host of others.

The Channels Television system

The television system came to existence in 1930. The Channels Television is one of the thirteen (13) independent television stations its website is on www.channelstv.com/global/corporate profile.php. The Channels Logo is designed with the man of America in blue and white colour. The name “CHANNELS” is boldly written in blocks below the map. This channel is described as the “Station of The Decade”. Ti is also decorated with the award NIGERIA TELVISION OF THE YEAR (2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2010).

THE FEDERAL RADIO CORPORATION ONLINE

The Radio is one of the scientific wanders. The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria is an example. Federal Radio corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), has an online edition The website kicks alive with songs and announcement immediately it opened. This was not the case with the T.V, channels. The Web name is www2.radio nigeria.gov.ng/home2.php. The Logo is with a circular design with the caption “Uplift THE PEOPLE AND UNITE THE NATION”. The design has some green, blue and yellow rings inside, with the caption written in black. The name “RADIO NIGERIA” is written in purple colour, with the Nigerian coat of Arms at the top right corner of the site. The radio Nig online, reports on national stations, News, National Programmes, Marketing, Employment. The current news are displayed briefly on short columns just as is done on Guardian online. Their links include annual lectures, common wealth Broadcast Association (CBA), Network News, Archives Nigerian Government official website, stations and Frequencies, Trainings and a lot of other national issues. The site is beautified with combinations of white, black, yellow, dark, blue, and gray, green grounds at different parts. FRCN is on face book. The online website is www.radionigeria.com. The News headline is flashed as well for the online news. The headquarter is at Abuja but their stations are located in almost all the states. There are about 37 FRCNFM/MW/SW stations. FRCN broadcast in 15 languages to uplift the multi-ethnic nation and unit the people.

The police force logo and advertisement in green and yellow colours add to the beauty of the site.

References:

www2.radio nigeria.gov.ng/home2.php.

www.radionigeria.com

VANGUARD’S NEWSPAPER ONLINE

The Vanguard‘s Newspaper is a publication of VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED.  It is an established brand and a companion of stakeholders in the Nigerian project.  This paper was established in 1983 by Mr. Sam Amuka a renowned journalist, and a columnist of the Sad Sam Fame.  It began production in 1984, Same Amuka was an editor of Sunday Times and the First Managing Director of the Punch Newspaper.

The maiden copy of VANGUARD first came to the news stands as a weekly newspaper on Sunday June 3^rd, 1984 with the Motto: “Towards a better life for the People”.  It started as a daily newspaper on July 15, 1984. Immediately after its inception, the paper gained popularity as a reputable newspaper.  It has a distribution center in each of the state capitals.

Vanguard Newspaper has brought a refreshingly different style of news coverage and also strives to maintain excellent service by utilizing the best media technologies.  The online site needs improvement.

Nigerian Vanguard Newspaper covers a whole range of staff from general, national news, political news, business, sports to the Niger Delta.

Vanguard is bold, captivating according to MR and MRS SARGE pocket cartons in the Daily and Sunday editions respectively which have become the major attractions to numerous readers.

The VANGUARD Newspaper features respected columnists like Kola Animasaun, Dele Sobowale, Pini Jason, Tony Momoh, Bisi Lawrence, Ocherome Nnanna, Les Leba, Helen Ovbiagele, Bunmi Sofola, Treena Kwenta, Obi Nwakanma, and until recently, Aig-Imoukhuede who passed on 23 January, 2007.  These names make VANGUARD a compelling read for discerning minds.

Other areas covered by Vanguard include:

Interest-Advertising, Management and Marketing, Energy, Hi-tech/Computer, Maritime, Aviation, Banking and Business, Health, Labour, Education, Insurance, Politics, according to their management, VANGUARD’s serves the menu hot and fresh!

VANGUARD’S NEWSPAPER is said to be a family oriented paper.

It is believed that all classes of people read VANGUARD with age range of 18-59 years.  This constitutes the vibrant youths and decision makers.

CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION

VANGUARD’S NEWSPAPER is said to circulate 20,000 copies (daily) in Lagos, others areas include Abuja – 12,000 copies, South-West 15,000; South 25,000; South East – 15,000; North Central – 18,000; North-East – 7,500 and North-West – 7,500.  A total of 120,000 copies with a Print Run of 130,000 copies daily.

The Vanguard media is reported to have organized series of lectures to broaden national discourse.

These include Crisis and Reconstructing of Nigerian Economy in 1995 by Prof. Bade Onimode.   Another work titled: Understanding the Nigerian Economy and Polity in the 20^th century in 1996 by Dr. Yusufu Bala Usman; and Africa and Global Competitiveness in the Next Millennium by Dr. Kwesi Botchway.

VANGUARD’S other corporate Responsibility include: The Annual Banking Review of 1996.

The website production and arrangement is done by Femi Olubosi.

At the Vanguards website, www.vanguardngr.com; the new Logo is a big “V” in red colour, and the various news content is displayed.  The site is brightly beautified with “Vanguard” written boldly in red at the top left corner of the page.  The content of the paper are lined just below the name “VANGUARD”.  Advertisements of Quary plant in Lagos state flashes brightly on and off.  Heavy machines for construction waste crushing are being displayed at the advertisement site.  Headlines of the day’s newspaper and the photographs of people are in full colour separation.

Dark red and blue colours are use in ruling lines and in writing news headlines for the day, and accompaning photographs are used.  The Front Page of the daily newspaper are also displayed at the site.

The various columns topics such as on politics, economics or sports are listed with short news under them.  Previous columns for each day of the week are listed at the end of the web page.  That was a unique display of articles.

The VANGUARD’S NEWSPAPER is tagged:

“The paper the Boss Takes Home” due to its rich content. VANGUARDs print process is said to be through Web Offset Computer To Plate (CTP), with six columns, 15 x 0.10.5 inches full page and 0.75 inches by 4.8 inches depth.  Vanguard is sold for one hundred naira cover price.

HONOURS/AWARDS:  The paper has consistently been listed among Nigeria’s Top 500 Companies since 1998. It was named Newspaper of the year in Nigeria 2002 and 2004.  It has won several other awards in recognition of its contributions to the socio-economic and political development of the nation.

Some of the prominent members of staff include:

-           Editor Mideno Bayagbon

-           Gbenga Adefaye, Editor-in-chief

-           Flora Archibong, AGM, Adverts and Corporate Affairs

-           Emeka Nkwocha, the Advert Manager.

Reference:

www.vanguardngr.com

THE CHANNELS TELEVISION SYSTEM ONLINE

The television system came to existence in 1930. The Channels Television is one of the thirteen (13) independent television stations. its website is on www.channelstv.com/global/corporate profile.php. The Channels Logo is designed with the map of Africa in blue and white colour. The name “CHANNELS” is boldly written in blocks below the map. This channel is described as the “Station of The Decade”. Ti is also decorated with the award NIGERIA TELEVISION OF THE YEAR (2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2010).

The TV channels station present home videos, Local News/ Election News, Politics, Business, Health, Sports, Infotech update, Travels and Entertainment. The First Banks Logo of an Elephant is permanent at the top left corner of the Website. The latest news headlines are just flashed on and off one after the other. The first Bank advertisement is permanent while others roll on and off. This is displayed in white colour on a maroon brown at the too middle of the site.

The corporate profile of the company stated at the site shows the channels was licensed in June 1993 and allocated a frequency on UHF channel 39. It began transmission two years later. It now broadcast to about 2 million people. The Channels TV online displays the sub-services of Face book and the Twitter. It is said to be powered by ids Africa. The Logo of the channels TV online is the floating earth with stars and the CHANNALS written actress the logo. Only the pictures came, no sound was heard. There are a few adverts on the site and more space for advert. The statistics showing the counter Flags countries and figures of the audience strength is displayed at the lower, left corner of the online website.

How These Media Outlets are Converged.

The media outlet treated above include three newspaper stations normally the punch Newspaper, The Vanguard Newspaper, The sun Newspaper, The channels Television station, the federal Radio corporation of Nigeria.

 The federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). These five media outlets converge in one way or the other, through interactive technologies and digital platforms like internet, computer and telephony. The various Newspapers have their Website on the internet. On the internet the various platforms like the blog, email, I phone, face book twitter, flicker are the means through which the users chart and interact.

The contents that drive the readers to use these platforms are the news, music, games messages, pictures, stories, advertisements, jobs, charts, photo, events and other social interactive activities.

Company corporations or media outlets engage in business or programmes with one another on the internet or through phone calls. On the website of FRCN, the police force, and the common wealth Association have some business links with radio station. Some banks like UBA, Zenith and union banks are involved in a corporate kind of convergence with the media outlets.

These outlets operate within the same environment thereby reflecting on environmental convergence.

They are all communicating with the same audience. The some audiences interact through phones and internet. The diversities are in the kind of content of message some can go through phone, some through e-mail. The face book is too open for private and confidential intimate or business interactions. Some medium therefore select consumer convergence depends on purpose of usage.

REFERENCES

1.        Http://www.Punching.com/Punch Address.aspx

2.        Htt://www.bigseekpro.com/result/i/Xilisoftdownloadyoutub/LSB333162-544f…

3.        www.Punch.Com/Article aspx?heatic=Art 20100306051954

4.        http://www.Punching.com/Punch Addresses.ospe

5.        Ifedayo Daramola (2003).  Introduction to Mass Communication, second Edition, Rothan Press Limited, Lagos.

6.        Ifedayo Daramola    (2006),    History and Development of Mass Media in Rothan Press Limited, Lagos

7.        uhttp:/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thepunch

8.        Punch former office at No.1, Olu Aboderin Street, Onipetesi, Ikeja, Lagos.

FEMALE JOURNALISTS AND INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING.

 

        

Rosabel, A female journalist in Libya writing on:                                                        A mercenary and an immigrant; a story of black Africans and Libya

FEMALE JOURNALISTS AND INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING.

Investigative Journalism is a form of reporting in which the journalists deeply probe cases or topics of interest.Weinberg has defined Investigative journalism as reporting through ones own initiative and work products the mater of importance to readers, viewers and listeners. According to De Burgh (2000),an investigative journalist is a man, or, woman whose profession it is to discover the truth and to identify the lapses from it in whatever media may be available. An investigative journalist may spend months or years, searching and preparing reports. No wonder Practitioners and theorists call it Watchdog journalism. During investigation, journalists make numerous interviews with Un-the record sources as well as anonymous sources. They analyse documents, they observe and do research for evidences. They make use of whistle blowers too. They uncover instead of covering cases.

Before now, women were restricted by custom and law from practicing journalism. The burden of child care and family maintenance also made women is prefers working in broadcast, and as editors and analyists in print. There was however a significant discrimination within the profession. Beginning from 19^th century women standard showing interest and agitating for the right to work at any level and any section on journalism in North America and Europe. 

Nellie Bly was the most noted of the turn-of-the-century investigative reporter. Robin Robert is one of the prominent among the African American investigative reporters. She investigated and reported on Women Lunatics Asylum and later wrote a book on it titled “Ten Days in the Mad House.” She was the African American ESPN, the First journalist to interview president Barack Obama after his inauguration.

Seymour Hersh of Booston university (2009) investigated on the constituted “Talks” There are some African female investigative journalists across Sahara Descent who hide their identities. They want to remain anonymous while they investigate on human traffic and prostitution. Rosebell Kagumire is an African immigrant investigative journalist who reports about war in Libyla and Somalia on her blog. One of her investigations is on “A story of black Africans and Libya” Most investigations in African countries are carried out or sponsored by women socialists and unionist. For instance, the international women Media foundation (IWMF) has offered ten (10) women journalist fellowship to produce investigative reports on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa.

According to PRLOG (press Release of January 27, 2011) “Women’s News” received about $3,000 fund as a grant to investigate the causes of maternal mortality among black women in New York City. There is also a forum of African Investigative Reporters (FAIR), a professional association of investigative journalists in African countries established in May 2003.

Conclusion:

Many more women are required in this field, because women can easily penetrate anywhere without suspicion. As Deboral Chambers puts it investigative journalism can contribute more to the development of the society if women can participate on equal terms with men.

Reference :

http:ll rosebellkagumire.com/

Rose bell’s Blog- Mozilla Firefox

TEENS AND THEIR DEVELOPMENTAL CRISIS

The teens ages range from thirteen years (13) to nineteen (19). Going by the name, it means those who fall under the teen-age. Sometimes the teens are grouped among the  adolescents. This places them from the age of puberty to the early adulthood age. Puberty is the stage of life when a person becomes able to produce. The name “adolescence” or “teenager” can be used interchangeably for those that fall under these ages. Based on the individual variations in when adolescence begins and ends, it is advisable to address and treat all those under these ages the same way. They all have peculiar characteristic problems.

The problems of adolescence (the teenagers) stem from changes in the type of and pattern of hormones present in their body. These changes normally begin soon after 10 -11 years in girls, 12 – 13 years in boys. The challenges vary from growth towards physical maturity and give rise to some mental and emotional changes.

The accompanying challenges tend to level off between the ages of 17 and 20, depending on the environment under which the teen boy or girl is brought up. Any physical problem on or around the teen at this stage may affect his or her psychological development.

The environment and the people that make up their environment can help to mould or mar their lives at this stage. If the people are loving, friendly and understanding, the teen will get over those challenges (problems) without any adverse effect. If the people (parents, peers, friends, neighbours are harsh, unfriendly, and do not understand their problems, the teens resort into smoking, drinking, truancy, sexual experimentation, occultism, stealing or armed robbery. “The key to a healthy teenage adolescence life is usually an open and honest communication between them and their parents.

As parents, learn to love them more and give fewer corrections. Be their friend or they find just “anyone” for themselves. Pray often for them and show good examples.

MARKS AND SCARS

Birth marks, scars, moles, spots, shapes, complexion, deformity, height, hair texture, teeth and other features they were born with,

do post problem on them.

They should see these marks as things that make them look unique, not as defects.

Childhood marks: Mainly scars such as caused by accidents, hard swellings on the forehead, shines and lips, immunization scars, injection scars, bad shape of the head, wrong eye position, polio deformity, burns from fire, hot water, soup, oil or iron (caused by accidents when they are young). Emotional Problems of Adolescence during growth and development: These are attitudes such as anger when provoked, even when not provoked, sadness over little things or over nothing at all. Sometimes they are troubled concerning reaching decisions, feeling helpless and hopeless, laziness, sleeplessness and bad dreams, unusual recklessness, fears, worries, and anxiety.

Social Challenges: Such challenges as sex misuse, experimentation, and smoking. Others include Alcohol and Drug abuse, Sexual abuse by father, brothers, aunts, uncles and other family members and dated rapes. Some other challenges are teenage pregnancy, broken and dysfunctioning families, verbal and emotional abuse from parents and siblings. Suicide attempts, occultism, examination malpractices, school riots, teenage trafficking, prostitution, abortion, poison or acid on fellow teen, fight and brutal killing, and spiritism are some other social challenges.

Health Challenges: Cases under health challenges are; Effects of congenital diseases, effects of childhood accidents, effects of adolescence problems, hernia, appendicitis, mental disorder or sudden rise in blood pressure teenage deaths.

Tooth decay, painful menstruation (in girls), lost of virginity, fibroid caused by abortions are other health challenges. If you are facing any of these challenges as a teenager, do not hide it. Tell your parents who may help you to see the doctor or advise you on what to do.

ENO UMOREN PGD/10/01/2076