ONLINE SOURCE CREDIBILITY AMONG JOURNALISTS IN EDO STATE NIGERIA

In an era dominated by digital communication, the credibility of online sources has become a crucial concern, particularly for journalists who rely heavily on the internet for news gathering and reporting. This study investigates how journalists in Edo State, Nigeria, evaluate and utilize online sources of information in their professional practice. The main objective of the study is to Assess how journalists in Edo State perceive the credibility of online news sources, Identify the factors influencing journalists' perceptions of online source credibility, Assertain the implications of these perceptions on news reporting in Edo State, Evaluate the role of traditional media outlets versus online sources in shaping journalists' news production processes, Investigate the strategies used by journalists in Edo State to verify the credibility of online sources and Examine the extent to which journalist rely on online news sources. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 298 journalists across various media organizations in the state. The findings reveal that while journalists frequently consult online sources due to their speed and accessibility, there is a significant level of skepticism regarding the credibility of such information. Factors such as the reputation of the source, cross- verification with traditional media, and institutional editorial guidelines play a critical role in determining the trustworthiness of online content. The study also highlights challenges such as misinformation, lack of digital literacy, and pressure to meet publication deadlines, which affect how journalists assess online credibility. Based on these findings, the researcher concluded that the research highlights the digital transformation in journalism in Edo State, Nigeria, where online platforms have become essential for news sourcing. While journalists acknowledge the benefits of online sources, they also exercise caution due to concerns about credibility, misinformation, and manipulation. To address these challenges, journalists employ strategic adaptation, combining traditional verification methods with digital tools. The study emphasizes the importance of credible sourcing for maintaining public trust and the need for ongoing training, infrastructure, and institutional support to ensure the integrity of digital journalism. The researcher study recommends continuous training on digital verification techniques, the development of newsroom policies on source evaluation, and increased collaboration with fact- checking organizations.