03/01/2024
How Did We Get Here?
Journalism, often referred to as the fourth estate, plays a pivotal role in a democratic society by providing citizens with accurate and unbiased information. However, in recent years, there has been growing concern about the infiltration and erosion of journalistic integrity and ethics due to the pursuit of commercial gain. This has brought manifestations of corruption in journalism driven by financial incentives and the detrimental impact on the profession and society at large.
When I read in the sixth edition of the NBC code, SECTION 5.3.5 that “While a broadcaster may interact with politicians, in the course of professional duties, this shall not lead a reasonable person to believe that the Broadcaster is either a member; or sympathizer of any political party”.
I asked so many questions regarding the TSUNAMI OF BATIFIED, OBEDIENT AND ATIKULATE that flooded away professionalism and neutrality in Journalism; especially in the just concluded 2023 General Elections, supposed_journos’ publicly campaigned and canvassed for politicians whilst retaining their roles as journalist, thereby using their earned trust of the public to influence and misinform the decision of the general public to achieve personal and selfish vendetta.
Social Media went Agog with the recent news of Oyo State Governor gifting cars to Osupa Saheed, Mayor Isaac Brown, Demola Babalola, Dare Adekanmbi has sparked curiosity and raised questions about the use of taxpayer money.
News of the luxurious cars gift to Leading journalists in Oyo state as fulfilment of campaign promises; the loud noise surrounding it, has left people with questions, worry, concern and dismay. Different headlines such as “Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has fulfilled promised by gifting Toyota Jeeps to the Chairman, Oyo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalist” flooded the social media and questioned the credibility, neutrality and professionalism of a leader of such revered union who is supposed to set sterling examples.
Fatteh Hamid wrote “Seyi Makinde ‘gifting’ cars to journalists is nothing but bribery to me and a show of shame for these journalists to take this ‘gift’ by the Governor.… and these ‘gift’-collecting journalists have refused to do anything about it but rather laud the little good that he does —PR.
Another concerned journalist wrote, “These people are making mockery of our sacred profession and it is nothing but sad, pathetic and shameful! I pray that this will change”.
Whilst I am happy for the recipient of the gift, we need to consider the following questions. Does this action of the NUJ chairman who get compensated for working for the governor and his cohorts reveal the position of the NUJ or it is just a personal relationship and gig?
Will this affect his credibility?
Will he be able to lead and criticize the governor after the huge gift for hard work?
How will the opposition party see him henceforth and the union he leads?
These aforementioned questions and more are the questions that needs answers.
Questioning the Governor's Generosity is wrong, Afterall who doesn’t want a good gift?
Blessed is the one who gives without remembering; Favored is the one who receives without forgetting and for the good book says, “God loves a cheerful giver” and God use different ways to answer the pleas of his subjects. However, another keen and closer look at recent gifts of this expensive cars at this perilous time so difficult for the taxpayers might seem insensitive.
One of the most visible forms of corruption in journalism is the proliferation of clickbait articles and headlines. Media outlets, driven by the need for higher online traffic and ad revenue, often resort to sensationalism and exaggeration to attract readers. This sensationalist approach can distort facts, misrepresent stories, and prioritize entertainment over responsible reporting. In the quest for commercial gain, clickbait journalism undermines the public's trust in the media and weakens the watchdog role of journalism.
The Newspaper Review programs on radio has been minimized to daily comedy show, trivializing, embellishing, distorting is now the order of the day, the news presenter have resorted to comedy skits all in name of getting more traffic. This bastardization has impeded and has make difficult for this content to outlive the purpose for which it was designed.
Also, as traditional advertising revenues decline, many news organizations turn to native advertising and sponsored content as alternative income sources. These practices blur the line between editorial content and advertisements, compromising the impartiality and independence of journalism. When news outlets prioritize commercial interests over journalistic ethics, it becomes challenging for readers to discern between news and paid promotions, eroding the credibility of the profession.
A lot has changed since the much realistic and feasible deregulation materialized in 1992 when the Babangida-led regime promulgated decree 38 which deregulated the industry and also established effectively the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC. This decree (38) of August 24, 1992, empowered the NBC to regulate the entire broadcast industry in Nigeria, both public and private. This singular act by the administration of the then military President Gen. Babangida eclipsed the over 50 years of sole government domination of the sector in Nigeria. In economic terms the action by that government heralded proliferation of private electronic media as entrepreneurs and investors for profit maximization in the larger interest of the citizenry.
In some instances, media organizations are owned or influenced by powerful corporations or individuals with vested interests. This ownership can lead to self-censorship, the suppression of unfavourable stories, and biased reporting that aligns with the owner's agenda. Journalists who dare to expose corruption or misconduct within these powerful entities may face backlash, including job loss, making it difficult to maintain ethical standards. Ever since Politicians started investing in starting Radio, TV and Print Media, it has become extremely difficult for journalist to stay Neutral.
Furthermore, in pursuit of breaking news, Exclusive news and outdoing competitors, journalists may engage in fabrication of stories. These unethical practices not only compromise the accuracy of information but also undermine the public's faith in journalism. The race for commercial gain can push reporters to take shortcuts that tarnish the profession's reputation.
Advertiser influence can also manifest through the selective reporting or suppression of stories that might harm the interests of major advertisers. When media outlets prioritize revenue from advertising over objective reporting, critical issues may be underreported, and investigative journalism may be stifled, leaving the public uninformed about important matters. No wonder many media houses are now labelled or tagged after political parties or brands which represent their personal interests.
Corruption in journalism driven by commercial gain poses a significant threat to the profession's credibility and its role as a watchdog in society. When the pursuit of profit takes precedence over journalistic ethics, the public is left with compromised information, sensationalized news, and a diminished capacity to make informed decisions. To combat this issue, media organizations must prioritize journalistic integrity, transparency, and the public interest above commercial interests. Furthermore, consumers must be discerning in their news consumption, supporting outlets that adhere to ethical standards and holding those that prioritize profit over truth accountable. Only through these measures can journalism regain its crucial role as a pillar of democracy.
_ CONCERNED FRIEND OF JOURNALIST
ADELEGAN JULIUS..
Oyo State Government Seyi Makinde
