Journalistic practice and professionalism across the globe are characterized by certain universals as well as unique particularities. In most post-colonial societies, the ethical philosophies and professional ethos of journalists reflect the tension between the commitment to integrity and social responsibility, shared by journalists worldwide, and the contextual interpretation and application of these principles. This article examines the ethics and ethos of development journalism as a philosophically, culturally, and historically evolving professional ideology. It surveys the ethical landscape of development journalists and (...) shows how development journalists balance the dialectic of a universalist ethical philosophy and a relativistic professional ethos. (shrink)

ABSTRACTThis was a national survey conducted in 2012–2013 that examined the prevalence of corruption in journalism practice in Kenya. Findings show that a majority of respondents believe that corruption is rife in Kenyan media. Nearly 46% of Kenyan journalists learned the art of corruption through the source–journalist relationship, followed by the legacy inherited from older generations. Cash money is the most common form of corruption—and politicians are the top bribe-givers to local journalists, followed by businesspeople. More than 77% of Kenyan (...) journalists say corruption in the local media compromises objective journalism. (shrink)

This study attempts to find out Bangladeshi journalists' attitudes, perceptions, and practices about ethical dilemmas, particularly those involving conflicts of interest. Based on a survey of 333 Dhaka-based journalists, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, the study found that journalists' ethical standards are poor and that many indulge in corrupt practices. Their acceptance of corruption may be related to the country's general culture of corruption and ignorance of ethical issues. Professional behavior may be improved by introducing codes of ethics and (...) professional ethics education. (shrink)