Acta Universitatis Danubius. Communicatio, Vol 12, No 2 (2018)

Abstract

Scholars of African origin have lamented the negative development of globalization as opposed to campaigns in support of globalization and liberalism in developing countries. However, both groups agree that foreign aid is antithetical to sustainable development in the continent. Apart from a domination of western model in media education and practice with its success stories and associated challenges, in the last three decades, foreign aid to independent media outlets has shaped the practice of investigative journalism in Nigeria. Recent evidences show a direct positive relationship between support from foreign donors and improved reportage of critical national socio-political issues by media houses and journalists in Nigeria. However, empirical evidence on the validation of the degree to which investigative journalism practice induced by western model and aid determine Nigeria’s global ratings on crime, corruption, economy, education and government remains scanty. This study investigates this observation using cross-sectional and panel data, and reveals the positive and negative economic and political gains. Recommendations are suggested to the concerned stakeholders based on the conclusion.