The Fall of Journalism in the Age of Anybody Can Open Online TV -By Aliyu Umar Yusuf

In today’s digital age, it has become normal for anyone with a smartphone and internet data to open what they call an “Online TV Station.” With just one click, a platform is created, a logo is designed, and broadcasting begins. But what is missing in all of this is the most important thing: knowledge, training, and responsibility.

No other profession is being disrespected and damaged like Journalism right now, especially ‘New Media Journalism Practice’. A job that once stood for truth, accountability, and service to the public is now being reduced to content farming and clout chasing. The problem is not just that people are entering the field without preparation. The problem is that mediocrity is being celebrated, and the public is paying the price.

Most of these so-called “TV stations” have no structure, no editorial policy, and no clear purpose. They are launched without any plan for what to present, how to verify information, or who they are serving. Many of the people behind them have zero education in journalism, zero technical skill, and zero understanding of broadcast ethics. Yet they expect to inform millions.

This lack of preparation shows clearly in the work they produce. The videos are poor in quality, with no sense of framing, lighting, or storytelling. The writing is worse. We see basic spelling mistakes, broken grammar, and headlines that make no sense. Names like _bauchi, allah, sulaiman_ appear carelessly written, even the word “allah” in small letters. Some cannot tell the difference between “now” and “Now.” This is not just a language problem. It is a sign of the total absence of professional care and respect for the audience.

Beyond language, the foundation of journalism itself has been abandoned. The 5Ws and 1H, the news angle, clarity, coherence, and truth these are no longer guiding principles. In their place we see sensational posts: ‘BREAKING NEWS’