MEDIA ETHICS AND RESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM IN NIGERIA

ASSESSING AWARENESS, ADHERENCE, AND REGULATORY CHALLENGES

Abstract

This study examined the role of media ethics in promoting responsible journalism in Nigeria. It explored journalists' awareness and adherence to ethical standards, as well as the effectiveness of regulatory bodies in ensuring compliance. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected through an online questionnaire administered to 400 journalists across print, broadcast, and digital platforms, yielding 297 valid responses. The study was anchored on the Social Responsibility Theory, which emphasizes the media's ethical obligation to serve the public interest while maintaining journalistic independence. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data, utilizing SPSS software for frequency distributions and graphical representations. Findings revealed that while most journalists are aware of ethical guidelines, adherence remains inconsistent due to editorial pressures, financial constraints, and political influence. The study further identified that ethical journalism significantly impacts public trust, with respondents acknowledging that media credibility improves when ethical principles are upheld. However, the effectiveness of regulatory bodies remains a challenge, as many journalists perceive enforcement mechanisms as weak. The study suggests that strengthening ethical training, enforcing stricter regulations, and improving financial independence for journalists could enhance ethical compliance and media credibility. These findings contribute to the growing discourse on media ethics in Nigeria and provide a framework for improving responsible journalism practices.