ABSTRACT:

Variousobstacles exist in thepath of theNigerian journalist that militate against effective performance of his duties. Our democracy is still a fledgling one and has to beproperly nurtured to maturity. Here lies the role of thepress. Thispaper takes alook at what constitutes a democracy and the role the press is expected to play. It highlights the criticisms against the press and examines critically the problems encountered by Nigerian journalists in the execution of their day to day responsibilities and proffers solution that would promote media effectiveness.