What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to evaluate how well journalists in Abuja understand and apply the journalism code of ethics, as well as the challenges they face.

June 18, 2026

Assessment of the application of the journalism code of ethics among journalists in Abuja, Nigeria

Key Points

The study aims to evaluate how well journalists in Abuja understand and apply the journalism code of ethics, as well as the challenges they face.
Survey conducted among members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja.
Questionnaire used for data collection and statistical tables applied for analysis.
Adopted deontological theory as the theoretical framework.
Most journalists in Abuja have good knowledge of the code of ethics, but demonstrate poor attitudes towards its application.
Corruption and lack of regard for rules in Nigeria hinder the application of the code.
Reward and gratification are reported as the most violated provisions of the Nigerian code of ethics.

Abstract

Abstract It is observed that despite the journalism code of ethics, journalists in Nigeria still struggle with applying the code. Therefore, this study assessed the application of the code of ethics among members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The objectives were to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude, practice, and challenges faced by members of NUJ in applying the code of ethics in Abuja. The work adopted deontological theory as the theoretical framework. Accordingly, a survey was used for data collection through a questionnaire administered to the respondents. Data collected was analysed using statistical tables and simple percentages. Findings from the study indicate that most of the journalists in Abuja have a good knowledge of the code of ethics but lackadaisical attitudes towards applying the code. The poor attitude of practitioners towards the applying the code is due to the nature of the Nigerian state where corruption and lack of regard for rules and regulations thrive. Findings also reveal that reward and gratification are the most violated provision in the Nigerian code of ethics by journalists. Key Words: Code of Ethics, Journalism Ethics, Journalists, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice. About the Authors Iliya Jeremiah Ovey is a doctoral student in the Department of Mass Communication, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria. His research interests include media and society, international and intercultural communication, broadcast journalism, media ethics, and conflict, peace and safety journalism. ** Adebukola Oluwatoyin Adeleke is a researcher with an M.Sc. degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. Her research interests include Broadcasting, Public Relations, and Health Communication. *** Terwanger Daniel Aliough is a doctoral student in the Department of Mass Communication, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria. His research interest is in Broadcasting and New Media communication. JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 16, No. 2, October 2024, pp. 161-171 © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). Article Citation Ovey, I. J., Adeleke, A. O., & Aliough, T. D. (2024). Assessment of the application of the journalism code of ethics among journalists in Abuja, Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 16 (2): 161-171. Full Article Words: 7,469 Pages: 11 To access full article, click on download.

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Cite This Study

OVEY et al. (Mon,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a338e14630953a74978ec4e https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.67107/jcmr.2024.592

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