Professional Demand of Objectivity and Its Effect on Media Objectivity in Conflict Management in Journalism
Affiliation(s)
1 The Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria. 2 The Department of Communication Art, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
1 The Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria. 2 The Department of Communication Art, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
The mass media or the press occupies a central position in the society. It is basically involved in the information, education, and entertainment as well as cultural transmission. The enormity of the functions of the press makes it imperative for a guiding principles or code of ethics which includes objectivity. However, current practices in the media especially as pertains to conflict management negate this ethical standard or code, hence the imperative of this study which seeks to investigate how the media can engage in conflict management without breaching this cherished and longstanding principle. This study is based on the framing analysis theory and the agenda setting theory of communication. Using the documentary or historical survey method in the collection of data, it is observed that the media are naturally attracted to conflict and some journalists or media organisation use their position to fight individual or group battle while others blow some seemingly innocuous issues out of proportion thereby generating conflict in the society. It is also noted that the media sometimes play down, frame or slant some facts to avoid escalation of conflict. All these negate the principle of objectivity. It is therefore recommended that the media should at all times value, uphold and apply objectivity in all its reportage, by separating facts from comments, for effective conflict management. The media should also embrace proactive conflict management approach, peace journalism, investigative journalism and agenda setting for peaceful resolution of conflicts.
The mass media or the press occupies a central position in the society. It is basically involved in the information, education, and entertainment as well as cultural transmission. The enormity of the functions of the press makes it imperative for a guiding principles or code of ethics which includes objectivity. However, current practices in the media especially as pertains to conflict management negate this ethical standard or code, hence the imperative of this study which seeks to investigate how the media can engage in conflict management without breaching this cherished and longstanding principle. This study is based on the framing analysis theory and the agenda setting theory of communication. Using the documentary or historical survey method in the collection of data, it is observed that the media are naturally attracted to conflict and some journalists or media organisation use their position to fight individual or group battle while others blow some seemingly innocuous issues out of proportion thereby generating conflict in the society. It is also noted that the media sometimes play down, frame or slant some facts to avoid escalation of conflict. All these negate the principle of objectivity. It is therefore recommended that the media should at all times value, uphold and apply objectivity in all its reportage, by separating facts from comments, for effective conflict management. The media should also embrace proactive conflict management approach, peace journalism, investigative journalism and agenda setting for peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Cite this paper
Udomisor, I. and Udoh, A. (2015) Professional Demand of Objectivity and Its Effect on Media Objectivity in Conflict Management in Journalism. Advances in Journalism and Communication, 3, 1-9. doi: 10.4236/ajc.2015.31001.
Udomisor, I. and Udoh, A. (2015) Professional Demand of Objectivity and Its Effect on Media Objectivity in Conflict Management in Journalism. Advances in Journalism and Communication, 3, 1-9. doi: 10.4236/ajc.2015.31001.
References
[1] Akpan, N. (2005). Conflicts in Nigeria’s Niger Delta: Issues on Response and Management. International Journal of Social Sciences, 4, 161-175. [2] Baran, S. J. (2004). Introduction to Mass Communication; Media Literacy and Culture. New York, NY: McGraw-Hillin. [3] Baran, S., & Davis, D. (2009). Mass Communication Theory: Foundation, Ferment, and Future (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. [4] Dominick, J. (2011). The Dynamics of Mass Communication. Media in Transition (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill. [5] Elliot, A., Timothy, W., & Robin, A. (2004). Media & Research Update: Social Psychology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc. [6] Hasan, S. (2013). Mass Communication: Principles and Concepts (2nd ed.). New Delhi, Delhi: CBS Publishers & Distributors Pvt Ltd. [7] Ibrahim, G. (2002). Conflict in Democracies. In U. A. Pate (Ed.), Introduction to Conflict Reporting in Nigeria (pp. 18-29). Lagos: Frankad Publishers. [8] McQuail, D. (2005). Mass Communication Theory. London: Sage Publications. [9] Ofor, C. (2004). Nigerian Press: Review, Trends and Prospects. Port-Harcourt, Rivers State: Penpower Communications. [10] Owens-Ibie, N. (2002). Socio-Cultural Considerations in Conflict Reporting in Nigeria. In U. A. Pate (Ed.), Introduction to Conflict Reporting in Nnigeria (pp. 30-44). Lagos: Frankad Publishers. [11] Udomisor, I. (2002). Problems and Prospects of Reporting Conflict in a Democracy: The Editors Challenge. In U. A. Pate (Ed.), Introduction to Conflict Reporting in Nnigeria (pp. 84-98). Lagos: Frankad Publishers. [12] Udomisor, I. (2013). Media as a Party in Conflict, Conflict Management and Resolution: The Case of South Africa. International Journal of Management Sciences, 1, 245-253. [13] YII, B., & Parajon, C. (2007). The Role of the Media in Conflict. Washington DC.
http://www.youtube.com/user/usinstituteofpeace
[1] Akpan, N. (2005). Conflicts in Nigeria’s Niger Delta: Issues on Response and Management. International Journal of Social Sciences, 4, 161-175. [2] Baran, S. J. (2004). Introduction to Mass Communication; Media Literacy and Culture. New York, NY: McGraw-Hillin. [3] Baran, S., & Davis, D. (2009). Mass Communication Theory: Foundation, Ferment, and Future (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. [4] Dominick, J. (2011). The Dynamics of Mass Communication. Media in Transition (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill. [5] Elliot, A., Timothy, W., & Robin, A. (2004). Media & Research Update: Social Psychology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc. [6] Hasan, S. (2013). Mass Communication: Principles and Concepts (2nd ed.). New Delhi, Delhi: CBS Publishers & Distributors Pvt Ltd. [7] Ibrahim, G. (2002). Conflict in Democracies. In U. A. Pate (Ed.), Introduction to Conflict Reporting in Nigeria (pp. 18-29). Lagos: Frankad Publishers. [8] McQuail, D. (2005). Mass Communication Theory. London: Sage Publications. [9] Ofor, C. (2004). Nigerian Press: Review, Trends and Prospects. Port-Harcourt, Rivers State: Penpower Communications. [10] Owens-Ibie, N. (2002). Socio-Cultural Considerations in Conflict Reporting in Nigeria. In U. A. Pate (Ed.), Introduction to Conflict Reporting in Nnigeria (pp. 30-44). Lagos: Frankad Publishers. [11] Udomisor, I. (2002). Problems and Prospects of Reporting Conflict in a Democracy: The Editors Challenge. In U. A. Pate (Ed.), Introduction to Conflict Reporting in Nnigeria (pp. 84-98). Lagos: Frankad Publishers. [12] Udomisor, I. (2013). Media as a Party in Conflict, Conflict Management and Resolution: The Case of South Africa. International Journal of Management Sciences, 1, 245-253. [13] YII, B., & Parajon, C. (2007). The Role of the Media in Conflict. Washington DC.
http://www.youtube.com/user/usinstituteofpeace