The Guardian Post’s Buea Bureau Chief bags Masters in Journalism.

The journalist bagged the degree after a successful defence of his Master’s thesis focusing on the use of social media as a source of information by pressmen and women.

The research piece titled: “Journalists’ use of social media as sources of information in Fako”, was supervised by ace journalism instructor, Prof Kingsley Ngange, who doubles as UB’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Corporation and Relations with the Business World.

The thesis defence last Saturday June 10, was chaired by Prof Emmanuel Yenshu Vubo, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at the University of Buea, UB. He was assisted by Journalism and Mass Communication varsity don, Prof Julius Che Tita. 

During the 15-minute presentation of the research findings, the researcher explained that the study aimed to evaluate the opportunities and threats associated with journalists’ use of social media for sourcing information especially in times of crises.

“Over the years, I have observed that more journalists are using social media to post updates about personal issues about themselves, but not using it as sources of information,” Shing told the jury.

He added that “this study sought to find out if journalists actually use social media as news sources. I discovered that some of them use it but they are not aware of the challenges presented on social media like fake news, misinformation and other ills associated with information on the social media”.

Using a quantitative research approach and survey as research method, the views of some 124 journalists practicing within Fako Division of the South West Region, were sampled.

He further explained that the scientific inquiry revealed that social media remains an opportunity for journalists to diversify their sources of information, cover hard-to-reach areas, get feedback from audiences and scoops from members of the public. 

However, he stressed that journalists may incur several risks for over-reliance on social media, given the negative effects of fake news and plagiarism. He insisted that such journalists may also risk promoting publication of unverified information and arm chair journalism.

In addition, the researcher recommended colleague journalists to harness and harmonise social media usage in order to exploit its full potential. 

“They should not only see social media as a threat, but as an opportunity that they can incorporate in their daily practice in order to become better journalists who can work in all platforms,” Shing crusaded. 

The candidate was then crossed-examined by the three-member jury.

The head of the jury equally recognised the candidate’s work mastery as he defended his study with confidence and ease.

Prof Kingsley Ngange lauded the candidate for taking interest in a study which adds relevance to the practice of the profession, especially at a time when social media is being flooded by citizen journalists who are scrambling to do the work of journalists. 

While pledging to accompany the young scholar in his academic drive, the varsity don stated: “This is just the beginning of better days for you. I knew you would be the best”.

At the ended of the over an hour session, the young journalist was recommended for the award of a Master’s Degree in Journalism, with an A grade.