Ethical Functions of Newspaper Editorials in Nigeria’s Anticorruption Campaign

Abstract

Using the three dominant frameworks of normative ethics, namely; deontology, utilitarianism, and situational ethics, this paper explores the functions of newspaper editorials in Nigeria’s anticorruption crusade. It is premised on the notion that endemic corruption is a manifestation of ingrained unethical principles that subordinate public good to private enrichment. Newspaper editorials being hallmark of ethical communication, and epitome of the moral messages of media, contribute to attenuating corrupt practices by scrutinising power and espousing norms of accountability, probity, and transparency.  The paper highlights the links between ethics and rhetoric. It explores how deontology, utilitarianism, and situational ethics converge with forensic rhetoric, epideictic rhetoric, and deliberative rhetoric in editorial. It also considers the challenges militating against editorials as stimulus of ethical renewal. It ends with conclusion, and recommendations.

Keywords: Editorial, Ethics, Anticorruption, Transparency, Editorial Independence, Rhetoric, Public Discourse.

DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/100-05

Publication date: February 28^th 2022