Ethics in broadcasting: A case study of the NBC television and One Africa television station

Abstract

Abstract This study focuses on ethics m Commercial and Public service broadcasting and uses the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation and One Africa Television station as a case study. The aim of the study was to compare ethical standards of a Commercial and Public service broadcaster and to see which of the two strictly adheres to the journalism ethical standards. A case study approach was used for this research. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires that were distributed among NBC and One Africa's manageme.nt team and employees. The second method used was an interview with the media ombudsfuan using electronic mail. For this research, purposive sampling was be used. The One Africa and NBC employee sample was divided into male and female, management team and journalists in the news and current affairs department. The data was analysed using content analysis in terms of key words and sentences in tabular form and chats. Findings revealed that both media institutions use the Namibian Code of ethics as their ethical II guideline which was incorporated in their style guide. In comparison of how both media institutions follow or adhere to ethical guidelines, the findings revealed that both media institutions seem to strictly adhere to all the ethical guidelines. Access to information was highlighted as a problem in government institutions. The researcher recommended revisiting of laws that restrict media freedom like the Criminal Procedure Act No. 51 of 197, Protection oflnformation Act of South Africa No. 84 of 1982 and Elections Act No 24 of 1992 (As amended by Act No 23 of 1994) and the training of more journalists at both media institutions.The researcher recommended revisiting of laws that restrict media freedom like the Criminal Procedure Act No. 51 of 197, Protection oflnformation Act of South Africa No. 84 of 1982 and Elections Act No 24 of 1992 (As amended by Act No 23 of 1994) and the training of more journalists at both media institutions.