This study focuses on the role of the media and the hurdles of Journalism practice in Nigeria in the period 1984-1999. The paper shows that in the period of study the Nigerian media was rocked by problems of interference in the discharge of its duties. The media in any society is charged with the decorum to inform, educate, entertain, publicize and most importantly, correct the excesses of society. The Nigerian mass media since 1984 has faced the greatest challenge of how to fulfill these relevant roles to the Nigerian society. First, publishers in Nigeria remain in business collaborating with the political class and by revenue generated from cover price of their titles and advertisement. Second, reporters faces a dual problem of either objectivity or allegiance to his employer Third, Nigerian Journalist suffered insecurity of arbitrary arrest and detention in the years of military rule. Several decrees promulgated ousted press freedom. Journalist fought tenaciously against such constitutional edicts by its publications. Fourth, the media has over the years been colored, shaped or influenced by emotions, sentiments and other extraneous forces at work. This has made it difficult for the media to truly float its own programme and agenda. Fifth, the media is expected to play the watchdog role of the five ‘W’s’ and ‘H’ i.e. what, who, where, when and how. Sadly, the level of coverage given to a particular event by Nigerian media practitioners is determined by the amount of money channeled to a particular media by a sponsor. These issues would be discussed in this study. The paper appraises and assesses the media since 1984, through the ‘dark days’ of military rule to the new democracy in 1999. It recommends that; the press ought to take precaution in exercising its discretion if it is to preserve its freedom. The paper recommends that the right to freedom of expression through the press be treated with utmost care by the government more-so that Nigeria is a multi-ethnic state. The study adopts historical method of research which involves the use of both primary and secondary sources

This study focuses on the role of the media and the hurdles of Journalism practice in Nigeria in the period 1984-1999. The paper shows that in the period of study the Nigerian media was rocked by problems of interference in the discharge of its duties. The media in any society is charged with the...