Abstract

The role of the mass media in nation-building is well determined. This paper examined the reasons behind the 2014 Nigerian National Conference and presented some ethical principles from the Nigerian Union of Journalists’ Code of Conduct which the media should adhere to in order to give proper coverage to such national conferences. These include accuracy and fairness and upholding of national interest. The paper identified excessive reliance on Web material and reckless pursuit of profit as some of the factors leading to rampant inaccurate media reports. Lack of commitment to national unity and catering to owners' political affiliations were also identified as major causes of divisive and inflammatory reports in the media. The paper showed, however, that with proper ethical disposition (communitarianism as recommended), journalists can exercise their gatekeeping functions to ensure comprehensive, faithful and responsible coverage of national conferences.

Key Words: National Conference, Ethics, Communitarianism, Gatekeeping.

^JCMRJournal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 6, No. 2, October  2014, 129 – 141 

©Delmas Communications Ltd.

About the author

Edith U. Ohaja is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

†This paper was first presented under the title "Ethical considerations for journalists as gatekeepers of information on the Nigerian National Conference"at the Patriotism Roundtable for Journalists covering the National Conference held at the National Orientation Agency headquarters, Abuja in April 2014.

Full Article

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