Abstract:
This study examines Nigerian journalists’ perception of the affor dances of recommendation algorithms in news production and
distribution on Opera News Hub. The study uses a triangulation
of methods involving content analysis, a semi-structured interview, and a focus group discussion (FGD) with content creators,
who have been trained in traditional media practices in Lagos,
Nigeria. The findings indicate news stories published on the Hub
contravene the platform’s publishing guidelines. The Hub’s recom mender system is underpinned by “metricisation” of gatekeeping,
which affords soft news over hard news. Hence, content creators
of hard news compromise their journalistic autonomy and take
on a new professional identity in which they engage in a con stant struggle to produce sensational content that will attract
audience engagement on Opera News Hub. However, there are
indications that Opera News Hub may enhance media sustainability and the welfare of journalists in Nigeria.
