BROWN ENVELOP PRACTICES AND ETHICAL JOURNALISM: AN ASSESSMENT OF JOURNALISTS PERCEPTIONS IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

Brown envelop syndrome (BES) has become a persistent ethical concern in Nigerian journalism, raising questionsabout media credibility, professional integrity and public trust. This study examines how journalists in Ekiti Stateperceive the practice of accepting unofficial financial inducements, popularly called “brown envelopes” andinvestigate its effects on ethical journalism. The study explored journalistic views on brown envelopes, the factorsassociated with its continued existence, and its effects on professional journalistic standards. A survey research designwas employed for the study. The population consisted two hundred and fifty (250) registered journalists in Ekiti State,from which one hundred and fifty (150) respondents were selected through random sampling. Data were gatheredusing a structural questionnaire and analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The findingsdiscovered that many journalists are aware of brown envelope syndrome, while in some cases, sees it as a normaltradition within the system. While some factors responsible for the practice include economic pressure, poor incentive,weak enforcement ethical standards, and media owners influence. Findings revealed further that BES negativelyaffects the accuracy, objectivity and independence journalism. The study therefore recommends an improvedremuneration for journalists, regular ethic-based training, an establishment of an independent ethic monitoring bodyto promote professionalism that will restore public confidence in the Nigerian media.Professionalism, Ekiti State.