Imperatives of Ethics in Journalistic Practice in Nigeria

Abstract

Journalism is guarded by set of standards aimed at giving direction to the trade. Ethics chart a course and draw a road map for professionals with a view to abiding by these standards for the general goal of serving the public and their benefit. Thus, every profession has code of ethics. For journalism, there are a countless of them, which are usually in the kit of journalists. If they abide by it, the journalism profession will be the envy of all. However, on the contrary, journalism will never be craved for even by upcoming youths. So, for journalism to be seen as an enviable profession, standards in the form of ethics must be upheld. This paper, therefore, aims at laying bare the imperative of ethics, and to x-ray the importance of Ethics in Journalistic Practice in Nigeria. The study was descriptive in nature and based on the numerous empirical reviews conducted, the study concludes that; Journalism has challenges, especially ethical challenges. However, these challenges can be curtailed if journalists as professionals abide by and adhere to countless antidotes to precarious challenges. To do these, these professionals must strive to embrace the ethical recommendations, especially as prescribed by the various codes provided at different location for journalists.