The Nigerian Media Space and the Cost of a Bribe

Abstract

Despite the existence of the Code of Conduct for Journalists, media practice in Nigeria is marred by the brown envelope syndrome – an unprofessional act which gives the profession a bad name. This conceptual study, The Nigerian Media Space and the Cost of a Bribe investigated the matter using two theoretical frameworks namely, the social responsibility theory and Aristotle’s golden mean theory. The findings revealed that sensationalism and news commercialisation are offshoots of the brown envelope syndrome. It noted love of money, lack of training and conflict as possible causes of the ugly trend. It observed that these unwholesome acts make the media lose capacity to facilitate good governance. Therefore, the study recommended maintenance of professionalism by reporters and remunerating media workers as ways of revamping media practice in Nigeria.  In conclusion, the study called on journalists to shun unethical practices and key into the dynamics of professionalism.

Keywords: Bribe, brown, envelope, chequebook, sensationalism