The values and ethics of journalism are fundamentally grounded in principles such as truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness, and public accountability. These principles aim to ensure that the information disseminated to the public is reliable and trustworthy, thereby enabling citizens to make informed decisions. Ethical journalism serves as a watchdog, holding power to account and providing a platform for a diversity of voices, ultimately strengthening the fabric of democratic society.
In stark contrast, “cash and carry” journalism, which is prevalent in most if not all Nigerian federal and state government media circles, operates on a different set of motivations. Here, the primary goal is not to inform or enlighten the public but rather to serve the interests of those who pay for favorable coverage. This form of journalism undermines the core values of the profession and can have several detrimental effects on society.
One of the most significant consequences of “cash and carry” journalism is the erosion of public trust. When media outlets engage in such practices, the public’s trust in the media erodes. People become skeptical of the information presented to them, doubting its veracity and the motives behind its dissemination. This skepticism can extend to a general mistrust of institutions, weakening the social contract and the cohesion necessary for a functioning society.
Government, state and federal representatives, often employ talented writers and communicators to help shape public opinion and promote their mostly non existent policies and achievements. Ideally, these writers should use their skills to provide clear, accurate, and compelling information that helps the public understand and engage with government or the representatives stated initiatives. However, in most cased, representatives and government on both the federal and state levels misuse these talents, directing them to produce content that highlights mostly non-existent achievements and paint an overly positive picture of the administration or the representative as the case may be. This practice not only wastes the talents of these writers but also has broader negative implications.
When governments employ prolific writers to serve their propaganda needs, they transform skilled communicators into mere instruments of misinformation. Instead of using their talents to inform, educate, and engage the public in meaningful ways, these writers are tasked with crafting narratives that distort reality. They may be asked to write glowing articles, speeches, and social media posts that exaggerate the successes of the government or downplay its failures. In doing so, they are often required to sideline their professional ethics and personal integrity.
One of the most immediate consequences of this misuse is the erosion of the writer’s credibility. Prolific writers, whose works are widely read and respected, risk their reputations by becoming mouthpieces for the government’s agenda. When the public perceives that these writers are producing content that is clearly biased or factually questionable, their trust in the writer diminishes. This loss of credibility can be particularly damaging for writers who have built their careers on a foundation of honesty and skillful storytelling.
Moreover, the public becomes increasingly skeptical of the information they consume. When readers recognize that talented writers are being used to spin narratives in favor of the government, they may begin to question the veracity of other news and information sources. This skepticism contributes to a broader climate of distrust, where people are unsure of what to believe and may become cynical about all forms of media and communication. This erosion of trust is detrimental to the functioning of a healthy democracy, which relies on an informed and engaged citizenry.
The misuse of talented writers also has implications for the writers themselves. Many writers are drawn to their profession by a passion for truth-telling and a desire to make a positive impact through their words. Being compelled to write propaganda can be demoralizing and frustrating. It can create a sense of disillusionment and professional dissatisfaction, as writers feel their talents are being wasted on tasks that undermine the very principles they hold dear. Over time, this can lead to burnout and a loss of motivation, as the disconnect between their personal values and professional responsibilities becomes too great to bear.
Furthermore, the content produced under these circumstances often lacks depth and authenticity. Talented writers are skilled at crafting narratives that resonate with readers because they are grounded in reality and genuine emotion. When forced to write about non-existent achievements or to embellish the truth, their work can come across as hollow and unconvincing. This lack of authenticity is usually detectable by readers, who may feel patronized or manipulated by the government’s messaging.
There is also a broader cultural impact to consider. When governments prioritize propaganda over genuine communication, they contribute to a culture where misinformation and manipulation are normalized. This can have a corrosive effect on public discourse, as the line between truth and falsehood becomes increasingly blurred. In such an environment, it becomes more challenging for citizens to engage in meaningful debates and make informed decisions about their leaders and policies.
Moreover, “cash and carry” journalism facilitates the spread of propaganda and misinformation. In this system, truth is often sacrificed. Media handlers may exaggerate, distort, or fabricate achievements of representatives, government officials, and politicians. This turns truth on its head, creating a false narrative that misleads the public about the realities of governance and societal progress. Such misinformation can have long-lasting impacts, shaping public perception and policy in ways that do not reflect actual conditions or needs. Ultimately, the misuse of talented writers to produce propaganda is a short-sighted and damaging practice. It undermines the credibility of the writers, erodes public trust, and contributes to a culture of misinformation.
The promotion of incompetence is another severe consequence. By continually praising failed or underperforming politicians, these media practices perpetuate a cycle of mediocrity and incompetence. This praise can shield officials from accountability and encourage a lack of transparency and responsibility. When the media fails to critically evaluate and report on the performance of public officials, it fails in its duty to hold power to account, allowing ineffectiveness and corruption to flourish unchecked.
Deception and public manipulation are also central features of “cash and carry” journalism. The deliberate spread of misinformation deceives the public, leading to an ill-informed populace that is unable to make sound judgments or hold their leaders accountable. This manipulation can influence elections, policy decisions, and public opinion in ways that do not reflect the true state of affairs. The result is a distorted democratic process where decisions are based on falsehoods rather than facts.
Undermining democracy is perhaps the most profound impact of “cash and carry” journalism. Ethical journalism is crucial for a functioning democracy, providing checks and balances on those in power. “Cash and carry” journalism, however, undermines democratic processes by skewing information in favor of those who pay, rather than reflecting the true will and interests of the people. It creates an environment where power can be maintained through manipulation rather than merit, eroding the foundations of democratic governance.
To illustrate, consider how media handlers might portray a politician who has failed in their duties. Instead of reporting on their failures, the media might focus on minor or even non-existent achievements, painting a picture of success. Social media amplifies this effect, where orchestrated campaigns can flood timelines with positive but misleading messages about these politicians. Consequently, the public may be swayed by a manufactured image rather than an honest assessment of the politician’s performance. This creates a false sense of achievement and progress, masking the true state of affairs and hindering genuine development and accountability.
The solution to combating “cash and carry” journalism lies in reinforcing journalistic ethics, enhancing media literacy among the public, and establishing strong regulatory frameworks to ensure accountability. Reinforcing journalistic ethics involves recommitting to the principles of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, and fairness. Journalists and media organizations must prioritize these values over financial gain or political influence.
Enhancing media literacy among the public is also crucial. An informed and discerning audience is better equipped to identify biased or misleading information and to seek out reliable sources. Media literacy programs can help citizens understand how media works, recognize biases, and critically evaluate the information they consume.
Establishing strong regulatory frameworks to ensure accountability is another essential step. Regulatory bodies must have the authority and independence to hold media organizations accountable for unethical practices. This includes enforcing standards, investigating complaints, and imposing penalties for violations. Such measures can help deter “cash and carry” journalism and promote a culture of ethical reporting.
Encouraging independent journalism and supporting media outlets that adhere to ethical standards are also crucial steps. Independent media organizations, free from political or financial pressures, can provide unbiased and accurate reporting. Supporting these outlets through public funding, grants, or other means can help ensure a diverse and vibrant media landscape.
Only by addressing the root causes of “cash and carry” journalism and reinforcing the principles of ethical journalism can the media fulfill its role as a pillar of democracy and a guardian of truth. This involves a collective effort from journalists, media organizations, regulatory bodies, and the public. In doing so, we can work towards a media environment that is transparent, accountable, and dedicated to serving the public interest, thereby strengthening the foundations of democratic society and ensuring that truth and integrity prevail.
“Duruebube Uzii na Abosi”
Chima Nnadi-Oforgu
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
Leave a comment