THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT ON MEDIA ETHICS AMONGST JOURNALIST

ABSTRACT

This study sought to find out the influence of social environment on media ethics amongst journalist in Uyo metropolis. The objectives of the study were to: ascertain whether social environment influences news coverage; find out ways the social environment influence media ethics amongst journalists in Uyo metropolis; ascertain the factors that make up the social environment; and to identify the various ethics of media practice that governs journalists in their reportage. The population of the study is 418, with a sample of 204 respondents, derived from the multi-staged sampling procedure in line with Taro Yamane’s formula. The study used the survey method as the research technique, while the measuring instrument is the questionnaire which contained 12 items. With social responsibility and social learning theories of communication as theoretical framework, it was found out from the study that journalists, in the discharge of their duties, are affected by the environment in which they operate and this in turn, rubs off on every process of news gathering, processing and dissemination of information to the public. The data for the study were analysed through the use of tables and simple percentages. The findings of the study showed that journalist in Uyo metropolis are influence greatly by social environment in their reportage. The study concluded that journalism, like other profession has direct impact on the citizenry and the society at large, practitioners are expected to be guided by a code of conduct which members are expected to comply strictly. The study recommends that Journalist should be conscious of their role in the society as far as the dissemination of information is concerned.