Media ethics or media law: the enforcement of responsible journalism in Africa

Abstract

Africa has seen a proliferation of media laws many of which are supposedly passed to check irresponsible journalism. An impression has been created that unless laws are put in place, society stands to lose. African journalists are largely seen as a professional body who cannot be trusted with the responsibility of carrying out journalistic chores competently and honorably. This article explores whether ethics in Africa can be successfully enforced by law or by journalists themselves.