NJOMACS

This study explores the dynamics of citizen journalism on professional media practices in Rivers State, Nigeria. Embracing a qualitative stance, it uses Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis to interpret data drawn from 14 interviews with purposively selected members of the Rivers State branch of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). The study revealed six themes – the reconceptualisation of news values, disruptions to editorial functions, redefinition of professional identity and roles, enhanced audience engagement, technological adaptation and multi-platform distribution, and training and policy realignment. The findings indicate that while traditional journalism has historically been regarded as a professional space marked by set standards, citizen journalism redefines these boundaries by compelling a collaborative rather than a competitive environment where news producers work together. The practice of journalism in Rivers State is shaped by its broader socio-political and economic context as the oil and gas hub in Nigeria, with conversations primarily centred around politics, community struggles and environmental challenges. This study contributes to knowledge of the interplay of citizen and professional journalism by unveiling the distinctive patterns of credibility negotiation, stakeholder engagement and editorial decision-making that are not as pronounced or urgent in other states or contexts with less politically charged resource environments.