MEDIA PRACTICES AND PUBLIC TRUST: ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF JOURNALISM ETHICS IN DELTA STATE

Abstract

Trust is the foundation upon which the media’s legitimacy and influence rest. In Nigeria, journalism ethics remain at the heart of debates surrounding public confidence in media institutions. This study examines the relationship between journalism ethics and public trust in Delta State. Using a mixed-methods approach comprising surveys of media consumers and interviews with journalists and editors the research explores how ethical principles such as accuracy, fairness, independence, and accountability shape citizens’ trust in news media. Findings reveal that while many journalists are aware of ethical codes, poor remuneration, ownership influence, and political interference have contributed to ethical compromises, which in turn diminish public trust. The study concludes that restoring confidence in the media requires stricter ethical enforcement, improved working conditions, and greater newsroom transparency. Recommendations include continuous ethics training, sanctions for unethical behavior, and public feedback mechanisms to enhance accountability.