Sarcouncil Journal of Education and Sociology

Abstract: The Paper examined entertainment given to journalists covering events in Nigeria, through the prism of ethical consideration. The study was predicated on Social Responsibility Theory (SRT), whilst, the objectives centered on determining whether or not entertainment given to journalists covering events constitute a breach and violation to the Nigerian journalism ethical code, as well as, to ascertain whether it (entertainment) contributes to slanting of news stories, and affects journalism in Nigeria, amongst others. Interview schedule was used to elicit information from 10 journalists, from different media establishments, (5 practising journalists and 5 former journalists, who are now lecturers). The respondents were purposively selected, based on reach, experience, knowledgeability of subject matter, and visibility. Findings indicates that journalists in Nigeria are evenly divided as to whether entertainment constitute or breaches the ethical code of the journalism profession, even though the Code (Article 7) states otherwise; and that entertainment contributes to slanting of the news stories in favour of the entertainer, amongst others. The study thus, recommends, among other things, that entertainment be stopped, at all cost, and a sensitisation campaign be carried-out so as to debrief and sensitise journalists on the effects; and an amendment to Article 7 of the Code, with a bid to, expressly, reflecting receipt of entertainment as a gross violation to the journalism code