Abstract

It is observed that despite the journalism code of ethics, journalists in Nigeria still struggle with applying the code. Therefore, this study assessed the application of the code of ethics among members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The objectives were to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude, practice, and challenges faced by members of NUJ in applying the code of ethics in Abuja. The work adopted deontological theory as the theoretical framework. Accordingly, a survey was used for data collection through a questionnaire administered to the respondents. Data collected was analysed using statistical tables and simple percentages. Findings from the study indicate that most of the journalists in Abuja have a good knowledge of the code of ethics but lackadaisical attitudes towards applying the code. The poor attitude of practitioners towards the applying the code is due to the nature of the Nigerian state where corruption and lack of regard for rules and regulations thrive. Findings also reveal that reward and gratification are the most violated provision in the Nigerian code of ethics by journalists.

Key Words: Code of Ethics, Journalism Ethics, Journalists, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice.

About the Authors

• Iliya Jeremiah Ovey is a doctoral student in the Department of Mass Communication, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria. His research interests include media and society, international and intercultural communication, broadcast journalism, media ethics, and conflict, peace and safety journalism.

**  Adebukola Oluwatoyin Adeleke is a researcher with an M.Sc. degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. Her research interests include Broadcasting, Public Relations, and Health Communication.

*** Terwanger Daniel Aliough is a doctoral student in the Department of Mass Communication, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria. His research interest is in Broadcasting and New Media communication.

^JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 16, No. 2, October 2024, pp. 161-171

© Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON).

Article Citation

Ovey, I. J., Adeleke, A. O., & Aliough, T. D. (2024). Assessment of the application of the journalism code of ethics among journalists in Abuja, Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 16 (2): 161-171.

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