Nigerian journalists and ethical dilemmas: the ‘SAD’ imperative

Abstract

Ever since Philosophers developed and devoted themselves to the study of why
human beings behave the way they do, as well as the results of such behaviours, the concept of ethics has continued to grow not only in prominence, but in complexity and controversy. Being a public-spherical profession in which truth, fairness, sense of duty and consideration of possible consequences combine to determine the course of a given action; journalism will continue to remain at the centre of such complex and controvertible discourses for a long time. Basically, the objective of this paper is to research into the ethical dilemmas that hamstring the practice of journalism in Nigeria. Relying on secondary data, this paper radically explores the subject matter vis-à-vis the major reasons that orchestrate journalists’ vulnerability to such dilemmas. In conclusion, the paper submits that the application of the ‘SAD’ formula is a panacea to resolving the various ethical dilemmas encountered by Nigerian journalists in the day-to-day discharge of their responsibilities.

Keywords: Ethical Dilemmas, Journalism Practice, Media Laws, Nigerian Society, SAD Imperative