ROLE OF MEDIA ETHICS ON NEWS REPORTING
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ROLE OF MEDIA ETHICS ON NEWS REPORTING
Chapter Three
Research Methodology
3.0 Introduction.
The study recommends using discourse analysis as a research approach to examine the meaning and violations of journalism ethics in Nigeria. Discourse analysis, as defined by Teun van Dijk, is analytical research that “primarily studies the way social power abuse, dominance, and inequality are enacted, reproduced, and resisted by text and talk in the social and political context” (Van Dijik, 2001).
As such, the primary goal of discourse analysis is to comprehend, expose, and eventually combat social inequity.The term discourse analysis has become ambiguous, meaning almost nothing or being employed with more precise
but rather distinct, connotations in different situations. The term “discourse” refers to the form of language used in many social contexts, such as medical and political discourse.
Discourse analysis examines these patterns (Jorgensen and Phillips, 2002: 2-16).
Chapter Five
Conclusion and Recommendation.
5.1 Conclusion.
This study aimed to investigate journalism ethics in Nigerian news media. Discourse analysis was utilised as a benchmark. The major outcome of this research found that Nigerian journalists do not follow the codes; journalists assume to be moral crusaders, yet they sometimes act otherwise. According to the research, the explanation for this is the complexity of the Nigerian state.
Nigeria has about two hundred and fifty ethnic groups and religions. Journalists from different parts of the country published opposing viewpoints.
According to Oso, the following reasons can contribute to unethical behaviours in Nigeria: a lack of technical understanding, a conflict of interest, an ownership pattern and control, market pressure, low compensation, insufficient professional regulation, and loose organisational policies and control.
These circumstances that lead to unethical behaviour in the journalism sector are not exclusive to Nigeria; the problem is common in many third-world countries. Media ethics is fundamentally concerned with obligation. It includes themes of freedom and responsibility.
It is a collection of principles and norms established by members of the profession, preferably in collaboration with public opinion, to enable the majority, if not all, of the media to provide a better service.
Unethical behaviour, immorality, or bad ideals are lacking of ethical standards. They are pernicious social ills. They have the potential to be extremely harmful to society, even leading to a breakdown.
And, as with all forms of wrongdoing, the threats are complex, with some being concrete enough (Pate, 2013). In light of this, any society that wishes to build an ethical code must apply it; the media plays an important role in this regard.
Researchers should investigate Nigerian codes in broadcast media outlets, as they are a primary source of information for Nigerians. They should also propose remedies to address the issue.
5.2 Recommendations
Ethics are in existence for a reason, and after reviewing the data, it is evident that they are not applied equitably, and not all of them are followed. After carefully considering the findings, here are the recommendations that can be implemented.
Disciplinary measures–there are certainly insufficient punitive steps being taken against violators. That is why many journalists find it so simple to disregard certain laws and regulations and work on their own schedules.
When journalists were asked about the consequences of broadcasting against specified ethics, the majority said they would have their licences withdrawn, be sued, or face a disciplinary hearing. This is obviously inadequate.
Despite the fact that several broadcast radio stations have been hauled to court, many of them continue to conduct the same activities for which they were punished. Media ethics should be enforced categorically; no one should be named and shamed before being proven guilty.
Defaming someone should be a major criminal crime. When a person’s name is publicly dragged through the mud, it becomes extremely difficult for society to trust that person and accept them back into the community, and the family may suffer as a result. There must be a provision that protects anyone who has yet to be proved guilty.
This manner, people’s reputations would be preserved.
The findings of this study demonstrate that the majority of the broadcasted stories are based on a specific categorization level; nevertheless, based on the data, it appears that there is little comprehension of the consequences that crime news can have on the general audience.
The portrayal of violent crime frequently attracts the younger generation, who often find enjoyment in what they see. The media professionals should be trained on current ethical issues.
Even though media ethics condemning violence have been preached numerous times through the NBC, the BCCSN, and even the Nigerian Constitution, the country continues to see many instances of violence, including violent protests. The media must nevertheless be made aware of the potential psychological damage.
This can be accomplished by designing various instructional initiatives. These programmes can highlight genuine people who have been affected, as well as the problems and hardships they are currently facing.
Given the foregoing, implementing these recommendations will reduce the problems produced by failure to comply to media ethics.
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