Abstract:

The role of journalism is central to raising awareness and providing better understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the 2030 agenda. Considering the fact that media organizations and/or personnel are an important source of information in this part of the world, it is imperative that journalists disseminate useful information on this agenda if its objectives are to be met. This study, therefore, undertakes an assessment of knowledge and attitude of journalists in Osun state towards the SDGs. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 120 Journalists drawn from across Osun State. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to elicit vital information on the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of and attitude towards the SDGs. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS and presented using descriptive statistics. The mean age of the Journalists was 36.4 ± 6.21 years. Almost two-third (64.2%) had ever heard of SDG and only 1.3% had good knowledge. Less than half (43.3%) of respondents had a negative attitude towards learning about the SDGs. The knowledge of journalists in Osun State on the SDGs was very poor and may have adverse consequences for the entire population. Intervention is therefore required to improve their knowledge via education.

Key words: Journalists, Perception, Sustainable Development Goals.

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