EXAMINATION ON THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN PRECISION JOURNALISM AND SENSATIONALISM.

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the study The evolution of precision journalism stems from the increasing need for accuracy, objectivity, and empirical depth in modern news reporting. As originally advanced by Philip (2002), precision journalism integrates the techniques of social science—such as data analysis, sampling, and hypothesis testing—into journalistic inquiry to enhance the factual integrity and analytic rigor of news stories. More recently, scholars like Ogundimu and Akinwale (2021) assert that in the digital age, precision journalism plays a critical role in combating misinformation by offering data-driven insights into public issues. This form of journalism emphasizes transparency, evidence-based reporting, and interpretative depth, thereby advancing the democratic function of the press. Critically, scholars argue that the practice of precision journalism in Nigeria is often compromised by the increasing incidence of sensationalism in media content. According to Udobong (2020), sensationalism refers to the deliberate exaggeration of news stories to elicit emotional responses, boost readership, or achieve commercial gains. It often manifests as the over-dramatization of facts, biased representation, or the use of shocking headlines at the expense of substance. This raises concerns about the erosion of journalistic ethics and objectivity in the pursuit of market competitiveness. Media analysts like Nnama (2021, as cited in Uwakwe, 2022) maintain that sensationalism undermines the tenets of professionalism in journalism by prioritizing attention-grabbing narratives over factual reporting. The mass media, especially print and broadcast outlets, often gravitate toward stories with high emotional appeal such as crime, scandal, or controversy while downplaying socially relevant but less dramatic issues. This trend compromises the audience’s access to balanced and informative reporting and distorts public discourse. As Patnes-Smith (2020) observes, media organizations in a highly competitive environment often adopt sensational strategies to maximize viewership or readership. The pursuit of higher ratings and advertising revenue leads to a departure from core journalistic standards, resulting in stories that prioritize intrigue over accuracy. Stephens (2021) adds that this distortion is particularly evident in television journalism, where visual elements are manipulated to evoke drama rather than convey facts. In contrast, print journalism—while perceived as more credible—is not immune to similar sensational tactics. Consequently, this study examines the tension between precision journalism and sensationalism in Nigerian newspapers, with particular focus on Daily Sun and Daily Independent. These publications offer a critical platform for evaluating the extent to which sensationalism infiltrates precision journalism and the implications for public trust and media accountability. 1.3 Statement of the Problem It is no doubt that journalism is traditionally anchored on principles of accuracy, objectivity, and accountability. These values underpin the concept of precision journalism, which advocates for empirically grounded and socially responsible reporting. However, the intrusion of sensationalism poses a critical threat to the integrity of modern journalism. Sensationalism often prioritizes emotional appeal, dramatization, and bias over factual accuracy and balanced reporting. The increasing fusion of sensationalism into mainstream journalism raises pertinent questions about the credibility and social responsibility of the media. Despite the acknowledged value of precision journalism, it is uncertain whether its principles are upheld or undermined by sensational practices in Nigerian print media. This research, therefore, interrogates the interplay between precision journalism and sensationalism. Specifically, it seeks to understand whether sensationalism enhances readership at the expense of journalistic integrity, and what methodological features distinguish precision journalism in Nigeria today. 1.4 Objectives of the Study The aim of this study is focused on the interplay between precision journalism and sensationalism. Specifically This study aims to: 1. Examine the elements of sensationalism in the news reporting of Daily Sun and Daily Independent newspapers. 2. Investigate the role of sensationalism in the practice of modern journalism in the selected newspapers. 3. Identify the methods of precision journalism employed by the two newspapers. 4. Analyze the significance of precision in contemporary news reporting. 5. Evaluate whether sensational reporting influences newspaper readership in the two newspapers. 1.5 Research Questions The study seeks to answer the following research questions: 1. What are the key elements of sensationalism in the news content of Daily Sun and Daily Independent? 2. What role does sensationalism play in shaping modern journalism in the selected newspapers? 3. What precision journalism techniques are employed by Daily Sun and Daily Independent? 4. What is the relevance of precision journalism in modern media practice? 5. To what extent does sensational reporting affect readership of the two newspapers? 1.6 Significance of the Study This research holds significant value for journalism practice, media scholarship, and policy formulation. First, it contributes to the ongoing discourse on media ethics by exploring the conflict between sensationalism and journalistic professionalism. Second, the study provides empirical insight into how Nigerian newspapers balance commercial interests with the ethical demands of precision journalism. Third, the findings will inform media training curricula by emphasizing best practices in data-driven and socially responsible reporting. Furthermore, media practitioners, scholars, and students will benefit from the study’s identification of effective journalistic methods that enhance content credibility without resorting to sensationalism. Ultimately, the study could inspire further academic investigations into the dynamics of news reporting in the digital age and contribute to the strengthening of democratic accountability through responsible journalism. 1.7 Scope of the Study This study is confined to the analysis of precision journalism and sensationalism as practiced by two Nigerian newspapers—Daily Sun and Daily Independent. It focuses on the techniques used in news reporting, editorial strategies, and the underlying motivations for sensational content. While acknowledging the broader landscape of Nigerian journalism, the study restricts itself to print media, particularly examining how precision and sensationalism coexist, conflict, or complement one another within selected news reports and editorials.