This study investigated the perceptual influence of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) on journalism practice in Nigeria using journalists in Anambra State as a case study. The objectives of the study centred on ascertaining the journalists’ level of awareness of the provisions of the Act and determining the journalists’ perception of the strength and weaknesses of the Act in journalism practice as well as the direction of influence of the Act on journalism practice (whether negative or positive). The study adopted survey method. A sample of 165 was drawn from a population of 289 registered journalists in Anambra State using the proportionate stratified random sampling technique. Questionnaire was used to obtain data. Findings revealed that the journalists studied had a high level of awareness of the provisions of FOIA. Also, the journalists perceived the Act as having a more positive influence on journalism practice. Conclusion was that the Act portends good for journalism practice in Nigeria. It was recommended that journalists should make maximum use of the Act, and aspects of the Act that contain nebulous and slimy concepts that are open to differing interpretations should be reviewed.

This study investigated the perceptual influence of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) on journalism practice in Nigeria using journalists in Anambra State as a case study. The objectives of the study centred on ascertaining the journalists’ level of awareness of the provisions of the Act and dete...