An Evaluation of Journalists' Adherence to the Journalistic Code on Reward and Gratification: A Study of Journalists in Jos Metropolis

  • ABSTRACT

 This research study evaluates journalists’ level of adherence to the journalism ethics on reward and gratification in the metropolitan area of Jos, Plateau State Capital. After the survey research carried out within media houses in the metropolis of Jos, one hundred copies of questionnaires are distributed but only eighty-four were due filled and retrieved. Findings in this study reveal clearly that there is a high level of non-adherence to this code of ethics of the profession and by reason, it is due to the poor remuneration and lack of professionalism of journalists. As a possible way out of this, it has been suggested that media owners reconsider the welfare and pay package of journalists in their media houses, awareness workshops and programme on the dangers of gratification should be organised.

Table of Contents

Title Page - - - - - - - - - i

Declaration - - - - - - - - - ii

Certification - - - - - - - - - iii

Dedication - - - - - - - - - iv

Acknowledgements - - - - - - - - v

Table of Contents - - - - - - - - vi

List of Tables - - - - - - - - - ix

Abstract - - - - - - - - - x

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study - - - - - - 1

1.2 Statement of the Problem - - - - - - 8

1.3 Research Questions and Hypotheses - - - - 9

1.4 Research Objectives - - - - - - - 10

1.5 Significance of the Study - - - - - - 10

1.6 Scope of the Study - - - - - - - 11

1.7 Operational Definition of Key Terms - - - - 11

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction - - - - - - - - 15

2.1 An Overview of the Nigerian Journalism Code of Ethics - - 15

2.2 The Concept and Meaning of Brown Envelope (Gratification) - 19

2.3 Journalism and Brown Envelope in Nigeria - - - - 24

2.4 Brown Envelope and Associated Euphemisms - - - 28

2.5 Physical Forms of Brown Envelope (Reward and Gratification) 30

2.6 Why Brown Envelope? - - - - - - 34

2.7 Effects of Gratification (Brown Envelope) on Journalism Practice - 40

2.8 Possible and Practicable Solutions to the Menace of Gratification (Brown Envelope) - - - - - - - - 44

2.9 Theoretical Framework - - - - - - 49

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction - - - - - - - - 52

3.1 Research Design - - - - - - - 52

3.2 Sample Population - - - - - - - 53

3.3 Sample Size - - - - - - - - 53

3.4 Sample Technique - - - - - - - 53

3.5 Instrument of Data Collection - - - - - 54

3.6 Reliability and Validity - - - - - - 54

3.7 Method of Data Analysis - - - - - - 55

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4.0 Introduction - - - - - - - - 56

4.1 Response Rate of Respondents - - - - - 56

4.2 Presentation and Interpretation of Data - - - - 56

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary - - - - - - - - 73

5.2 Conclusion - - - - - - - - 73

5.3 Recommendations - - - - - - - 74

Reference - - - - - - - - - 76

Appendix - - - - - - - - - 78