Abstract
Using the three dominant frameworks of normative ethics, namely; deontology, utilitarianism, and situational ethics, this paper explores the functions of newspaper editorials in Nigeria’s anticorruption crusade. It is premised on the notion that endemic corruption is a manifestation of ingrained unethical principles that subordinate public good to private enrichment. Newspaper editorials being hallmark of ethical communication, and epitome of the moral messages of media, contribute to attenuating corrupt practices by scrutinising power and espousing norms of accountability, probity, and transparency. The paper highlights the links between ethics and rhetoric. It explores how deontology, utilitarianism, and situational ethics converge with forensic rhetoric, epideictic rhetoric, and deliberative rhetoric in editorial. It also considers the challenges militating against editorials as stimulus of ethical renewal. It ends with conclusion, and recommendations. Keywords : Editorial, Ethics, Anticorruption, Transparency, Editorial Independence, Rhetoric, Public Discourse. DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/100-05 Publication date: February 28 th 2022
Highlights
Newspaper editorials play seminal roles in strengthening the ethical foundation of democratic societies
This paper highlights the fact that newspaper editorials in Nigeria perform various socio-ethical functions, and are veritable instruments of extirpating corruption from the national psyche
Editorials employ forensic rhetoric, epideictic rhetoric, and deliberative rhetoric to espouse deontological; situational, and teleological ethical ideals that could lead to the attenuation of corruption
Summary
Newspaper editorials play seminal roles in strengthening the ethical foundation of democratic societies. Editorials by reflecting the conscience of society function as moral compass, and ethical guideposts They urge and nudge trustees of peoples’ power to discharge their responsibilities while adhering to norms of accountability. These socio-ethical functions are germane in view of the fact that corruption is endemic in Nigeria. Editorial expresses well-considered opinions of a newspaper on specific subject matters (Bhatia,1993) They represent institutional viewpoints, ethical leanings, and are epitome of persuasive writing. It helps editorials to remain relevant in the present media ecology, which is characterized by multiplicity of voices and dissonant ideologies Some of these changes have made the newspaper editorials more explanatory, analytical, punchy, concise, and well oriented towards serving the interests of divergent readers (Hynds and Martin, 1979)
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