Opportunities, challenges and prospects of space journalism in Nigeria

Research Paper (undergraduate) from the year 2015 in the subject Communications - Journalism, Journalism Professions, , language: English, abstract: This research paper explores the concepts of space journalism at an in-depth degree to give a complete understanding of the phenomenon. The findings are comprehensive, practical and relevant to the real world. The study focuses on some particular aspects such as the opportunities and challenges of space journalism. The study seeks to explore views from media practitioners, institutions of higher learning,developing nations as well as students. The approach of the paper is to cover the objectives illuminating of Nigeria as the case study. Nigeria is refered to as the giant of Africa, therefore in regard to the topic there is extensive research on the roles that space journalism could take so as to make the country a real giant of Africa. Furthermore, there is a critical analysis of space journalism highlighting the economic benefits in the technological arena of developing nations like Nigeria. For quality and reliable information, the primary source data has been scholarly materials, peer-reviewed journals, government articles and online sources. The research is based on qualitative approach since it provides a depth of unique understanding of events. On the basis of the purpose of this study, secondary data has been resourceful and relevant to the findings.

Felix Ale,a household name in the field of Journalism,Corporate Communications as well as Space Science and Technology development in Nigeria, is indeed an excellent professional with inspiring records of robust and broad based experience. An exemplary focus of discipline,dedication,selfless services,humility and loyalty,Felix Ale has defined himself as a strong,indifatigable and committed communication strategist and indeed a worthy ambassador of Nigeria Union of Journalists,a professional association he proudly belongs. He holds a Ph.D in Journalism(WITH DISTINCTION) from the prestigious ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY in the United States with a broad based research interest on SPACE JOURNALISM.This research work represents the first in the academic history of Nigeria. Felix Ale is currently Head,Media and Corporate Communications of the National Space Research and Development Agency(Nigeria Space Agency)in Abuja. He is also the Editor in Chief of NIGERIA SPACE DIGEST, a monthly publication of the Space Agency. In addition, he is a member of the Editorial Board of DISCOVERIES MAGAZINE, a monthly publication of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ale, a very distinguished media practitioner has equally attended the INTERNATIONAL SPACE UNIVERSITY in France for a Post graduate course on Space Science and technology.He was also at the prestigious HARVARD KENNEDY SCHOOL in the United States and UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD where he successfully completed different short term post-graduate courses respectively.He has previously worked as Staff Reporter,Government House Correspondent,News Editor,Press Attache to Military Governors and Chief Press Secretary to a democratically elected government in Ondo State, Nigeria. He has also attended a good number of foreign courses,workshops and conferences on media as well as Space Science and Technology across the globe. Felix Ale, a one time JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR IN ONDO STATE-NIGERIA has also delivered papers at different national and international fora and has received several national and international merit awards.Today,he is one of the leading Space Affairs Analysts/Journalists in Africa and belongs to various local and international professional associations,bodies and groups.Among these are the World's largest organization for Public Relations-Public Relations Society of America(PRSA),World Federation of Science Writers Association and Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ).