NAVIGATING ETHICAL DILEMMA: The Cornerstone Of Trustworthy Journalism

By Oguocha Chukwuebuka C.

The strict adherence to principles that forms the standard of a profession and determine the conduct of members therein is a proof of true integrity. Also, acting based on regulations as part of what defines a body against any external influence is a true show of steadfastness to codes.

Therefore, operating based on universally recognised principles is key to maintaining trust and reliability. This piece is to reawaken and call back journalistic minds that may have strayed out of the main course of the ethics of true journalism to serve contrary purposes as they satisfy the needs of external influences, consequences of the dilemma that pose potential jeopardy to ethical journalism.

As the watchdog of the nation, it is indeed pertinent that journalists maintain their worth in the discharge of their duties by acting according to standard as going contrary to this by disseminating inaccurate and unreliable information would amount to losing public trust and lost of integrity.

Chinua Achebe, one of Africa’s renowned writers, once said: “True test of Integrity is blunt refusal to compromise to corruption.” No doubt, a good number of journalist has lost their integrity which is the proof of ethical journalism by subjecting themselves to external influences, hence ignoring the core principles that guides the existence of journalism.

It is an indisputable fact that in a democratic society where the freedom of speech and of the press are meant to thrive, where part of the populace rights is to be aware of the activities of their leaders; some journalists resort to reporting in favour of government officials whose activities prove undemocratic, anti-people and of course against the interest of the people. This could be found in media houses controlled by government officials where censorship is imposed and journalists restricted from having access to sensitive information, thereby amounting to journalists generating biased reports.

The aforementioned government influence on journalism could be seen as an ethical dilemma, where a journalist is faced with the need to satisfy his interest and the demands of his profession especially in lack. This could surface in diverse forms, namely: Commercial Pressure, conflict of interest, lack of resources, Political and Social harassment, etc.

However, journalists should not forget the words of, C.S. Lewis; “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” after all, journalists are known to act with integrity, which is the foundation of ethical journalism. For those who may have wandered away; The time is always right to do what is right, and to do what is right in this context, embrace the core principles of ethical journalism to navigate ethical dilemmas posing undesirable threats.

Conclusively, having being acquainted with the importance and need to uphold ethical journalism, it is crucial for journalists to embrace the code of ethics, Report Accurately, Transparent with their resources, Involve in rigorous Fact-checking, Networking with trusted colleagues, Advocate and Support freedom of press, community engagement… These can serve as a remedy to the potential challenges faced in the cause of journalists discharging their duties relevant to the profession for a better practice.