Influence of Mass Media Law and Ethics on Journalism Practice in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the influence of mass media laws and ethics on journalism practice in Nigeria. In other words, it set out to assess how media laws and ethics affect the standard of journalism practice in the country. The study was a survey. The population consisted of the 351 registered journalists in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. The study adopted the census method, thus the population remained the same as the sample. Out of the 351 copies of the questionnaire administered, 343 were properly filled and returned to the researchers. The data gathered were analysed using the simple percentages and based on the 5-point Likert scale. The study revealed that despite the importance of media laws and ethics to journalism practice, journalists' adherence to media laws and ethics was low. The study also revealed that journalists sometimes contravened media laws and ethics because of sycophancy, security reasons, desperation, greed, ethical dilemmas, ignorance of media laws and ethics, and laziness. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that media establishments should endeavour to employ only trained journalists to work as journalists. Again media organisations should establish legal departments so as to guide journalists in the establishment on how to practice within the bounds of applicable laws and ethics.  The Ethics Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists should regularly review the ethical conducts of journalists and encourage them to adhere to their code of practice.

Key Words: Mass media law, media ethics, journalism practice, professionalism, media accountability