ADHERENCE TO JOURNALISM ETHICS AMONG JOURNALISTS

ABSTRACT

The researcher examined the adherence to journalism ethics among the journalists in Edo State. Journalism like every other profession has ethical codes that guide its daily activities. The extent to which journalist’s neglects this ethical code is alarming. The study was anchored on Absolutist and Social Responsibility theories, survey research design was adopted. The population comprised of 358 registered journalists in Edo State and the NUJ members Fact Sheet Edo State was adopted. Questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection. Findings of the study showed that 54.5% of respondents have high level of awareness of the code of ethics of journalism in Edo State. It was also revealed that the degree at which journalists in Edo State adhere to the code of ethics of journalism is high.   The researcher therefore concluded that, the fact that 54.5% of journalists have good knowledge on ethics of journalism, there is still need for constant awaken of the journalists’ consciousness towards these ethical codes and encourage them to adhere strictly to it. Despite the fact that the level of adherence to journalistic ethics is high by journalists in Edo State, there is still room for improvement towards excellence through frequent encouragement to maintain the credibility of the profession towards the general publics.