ABSTRACT
This study on the “Adherence level of journalist to journalism codes of conducts” was embarked upon to unravel the abiding level of journalist to journalism ethics.
Survey technique was adopted to answer the research questions.
Questionnaires and structural interview schedules were used as instrument, to elicit relevant information. Since questionnaire goes with survey method of gathering data, questionnaire served as major apparatus to gather respondent’s views on the topic. 60 questionnaires were administered to 60 journalists. Meanwhile, only 55 out of the 50 were appropriately filled.
According to data received, it was found out that journalists, to a substantial extent adhere to journalism ethics that most of them (journalist) cannot objectively report scandalous event where their relative is a perpetrator.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The social responsibility theory of the press was an antidote to the colossal abuses of Libertarian theory of the press. The theory (social) gave birth to journalistic associations with codes of ethics.
Prior to the social responsibility theory of the press then, the libertarian theory was rocked with excessive negative practices. The inaugural social responsibility theory, however, put a stop to the negative practices and set up some standards of practical for journalist.
When disaster strikes, the media give readers and viewers something to hold onto facts, but also explanation and discussion that can help people deal with the unexpected. Whether in print or broadcast media, journalist enriches people by given them both useful participation in the wider world.
Journalism makes possible the cooperation among citizens that is critical to a civilized society. Citizens cannot function together as a community unless they share a common body of information about their weather. Journalist digs into it, and make the sense of it and make it accessible to everyone.
In view of this, it is therefore pertinent to ask this question: “Do journalist adhere disseminating information gathered to the publics? Due to this, we inclined to painstaking study of journalism environment to determine the extent at which modern journalist adhere to the code of ethics.
Based on the above, we are embarking on research work on the “Adherence level of journalist to journalism codes of conducts.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Journalist anticipate high level of public trust and for journalist to gain this trust, it is incontestable paramount for every journalist to maintain professional standards.
The publics however, to experience accountability and totality of public occurrence, they depend solemnly on journalist. But for the publics to achieve this trust seems unachievable.
Since the public cannot determine the degree of trust they can process upon journalists, how objectives are, effectiveness of journalists, the accountability and responsibility level of journalists among others. It is deem responsible to find out what point journalist stick to the professions believe and morality.
1.3 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
Ethics is the fundamental principle of morality which guides professional body or association.
Base on the above concept, it is necessary to dabble into under-covering the extent at which journalist need to journalism codes of conduct.
