| Abstract: |
In an attempt to protect lives, properties and mobilize media practitioners to boost enabling environment for the discharge of their social responsibility roles among competing “rights” and interests in the society, mass media laws and ethics were introduced in Nigeria to promote unity and development. The study, “Ethical Issues in Journalism Practice: An Assessment of Journalists’ Adherence to Mass Media Laws and Ethics in Anambra State Nigeria”, was anchored on Social Responsibility
Theory. The study used survey research method and investigated the
respondents’ awareness, channel of exposure, knowledge and adherence to mass media laws and ethics. Data was collected through questionnaire from 234 respondents drawn from a population of 565 registered journalists under the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State chapter. Krejcie and Morgan table for sample size determination was used to arrive at sample size of 234. Proportionate sampling technique and Purposive sampling technique were used to select sample frames and
study respondents. Findings revealed low awareness level and indicated that respondents do not adhere to mass media laws and ethics. The researchers concluded that the above findings were the reasons for journalists’ low adherence to mass media laws and ethics in Anambra State. The researchers recommended that stakeholders should endeavour to employ only professionals who acquired needed knowledge on journalism and organize more training where journalism practitioners
will be exposed more to mass media laws and ethics, providing necessary
explanations to improve their knowledge and adherence to mass media laws and ethics. |
