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Cronyism and the Brown Envelope Syndrome in Today’s Journalism: The Way Forward

Aruoriwo Inegbedion

Abstract

Journalism plays a very vital role in the society we live in. For any practicing journalist, it goes without saying that professionalism should be his or her watchword. This paper was aimed therefore at studying what cronyism and the brown envelope is all about and how these ills have taken the place of objectivity, balance, fairness and accuracy, which are the very essence of journalism. The survey research method was used to draw data and questionnaires were distributed to respondents for relevant data to be gathered. The researcher discovered that there was no way to ensure professionalism if these demons were not properly handled. As a result, the following recommendations were advised which included the following: that journalists need to be trained and retrained on the essence of their jobs, salaries and stipends should be paid as when due and that journalists should be rotated on their beats to avoid over familiarity which will eventually lead to cronyism and acceptance of bribes amongst others.

Keywords

cronyismbrown envelopejournalismregulatory bodiesprofessionalism.

References

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