Abstract

Evolving media technologies and innovations have significantly expanded career opportunities in mass communication. However, issues of professionalism and dwindling ethical standards have been constant threats to the prestige of the profession. This study examines the factors motivating and threatening the discipline. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the social responsibility theories provided theoretical justification for the study. Using the systematic and purposive sampling techniques, 215 students participated in a field and opinion survey. Findings revealed that personal ambition, career opportunities, prestige, family influence are some of the factors motivating the choice of mass communication as a career. However, respondents’ choice of specialisation was moderated by the perceived threats within the areas of specialisation. The study thus concludes that there is the need for mass communication trainers to include journalism as an important aspect of mass communication discipline in order to bridge the gap observed in the specialisations offered in the selected institutions. Trainers need to engage in a reorientation exercise targeted at helping students appreciate the high professional standards guiding the journalism profession.

Key Words: Career Motivation, Mass Communication, Professionalism, Students, Nigerian Universities

*   Mofoluke Ibidunni Akoja, Ph.D. is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria                                                                                             

** Helen Odunola Adekoya Ph.D. is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria

^JCMR Journal  of  Communication and Media Research, Vol. 9, No. 2, October  2017, 142 – 148