Abstract

The normative theory seeks to locate media structure and performance within the milieu in which it operates i.e press always take on the form and colouration of the social and political structure within which it operates. In short, the political structure of a country determines the form and colouration of the press. The research, however, aims at examining the challenges and prospects of media practices under the democratic system (A case study of Jonathan and Sambo Administration). It is very obvious that mass media, especially during a democratic administration, enjoy more freedom than during the military era. The freedom becomes effective especially when the New freedom of information law was assented by the present administration of Jonathan and Sambo which is an added plus to media practice in Nigeria. The researcher adopted a survey research method coupled with a questionnaire to elicit data from 100 journalists who were purposively selected. The data collected were analysed and interpreted using frequency and simple percentage method. Findings show that media organizations are playing a significant role during the democratic era while it is also observed that press enjoy more freedom democratic era than in those days of the military. Also, access to government information is more visible than during military which prohibits the press from accessing government information. Media houses and media associations should as well educate, organize workshops and seminars for their staff on how to make use of law in shaping the practice of journalism in this democratic era.