“We don’t eat ethics!” journalists’ experiences with brown envelopes in Uganda

Abstract

This study investigated journalists’ experiences with brown envelopes and the implications for journalism practice in Uganda. Brown envelope, meaning the incentive given by a story source or subject to a journalist, in the Ugandan media is a common practice although like in some other parts of the developing world, it is barely documented in the mainstream media. Using in-depth interviews and media house policies from three mainstream media newsrooms, the study investigated the forms of brown envelope journalism and the factors that contribute to the persistence of this practice. The study found that brown envelope journalism in Uganda is mostly driven by factors such as poor/low pay, weak media associations, poverty and lack of training. It also found money to be the dominant form. In order to sanitize this practice, journalists have given it several coded names and synonyms that include handshake, facilitation and transport refund. The study also noted that this dishonorable practice influences journalism practice negatively as some important issues are downplayed or covered up, while unimportant ones are exaggerated in a bid to please the givers of the brown envelopes. The study concludes that giving and/or accepting of brown envelopes is a form of corruption and an unprofessional conduct that must be punished and stopped. The research found that while all the journalists interviewed were aware of the journalism code of ethics in Uganda, they did not practice it. Little or nothing is done by media managers to address this professional misconduct. In order to counteract this practice, the study has recommended a number of measures including sensitizing media managers to take on the practice more seriously and that media professional bodies should be serious in maintaining ethics in the media industry by giving deterrent punishments like dismissal of journalists who are caught in the act so that journalists can start observing ethics in all situations. Key words: Brown envelope journalism, Freebies, ethics and journalism.