A Review of Some Ethical Issues in Nigerian Journalism Practice: Afghanistanism, Character Assassination and Junk Journalism

Abstract

This study reviews some ethical issues in media practice in Nigeria: character assassination, junk journalism and Aghanistanism. The study made use of qualitative research method with the consultation of secondary sources such as books, journal articles and magazines. The study reveals among other things that Afghanistanism is the practice of concentrating on problems in distant parts of the world while ignoring controversial local issues, character assassination is damaging the reputation of an individual, while junk journalism otherwise known as sensationalism is the tendency to publish information that causes any interest or emotional reaction. Base on the study, these ethical issues are affecting journalism practice in Nigeria. The study recommends that sanctioning the defaulters of Aghanistanism, character assassination and junk journalism by NBC, NUJ, NPC will go a long way in curbing the menace of these practice among journalists. Keywords : Aghanistanism, character assassination, junk journalism, ethical issues, media practice