Given the fact that we have returned to the days of party politics, the document provides that“The employer shall recognise the right of journalists to act, write, report and express themselves as dictated by their conscience and code of ethics without fear of dismissal or any other disciplinary measure. The employer shall also recognise the right of journalists to accept or reject any editorial contribution” We thought that professional ethics is core to the journalists, so we made provisions which include that “The employer shall not give journalists assignments that are incompatible with their professional ethics or degrade their dignity as human beings. The employer shall not compel a journalist to take on an assignment, publish false information, or express an opinion that is contrary to his deep professional conviction.” Another Article provides that,“Where a media establishment changes its editorial policy, a journalist who is deeply opposed to the new policy may deem his contract terminated by the employer by invoking the conscience clause. In such a case, the journalist shall be paid an amount equal at least to the entitlement payable to him, should his appointment have been terminated.” To tighten professionalism and shield the media worker from the possible politics of the employer, we added that“The journalist shall not write any script promoting a product or an enterprise in which he has direct or indirect interests. The employer shall not require a journalist to produce publicity material using his by-line. Where a journalist or any other member of the union refuses to produce such publicity material, that act shall not be taken as professional misconduct. Remuneration for such an activity shall be as fixed in a separate agreement.” There were provisions for expense refund, recruitment and promotion policies, and to check the naked exploitation of the journalist, casualisation and abuse of the“Attache” tradition. An Article provides that“The number of journalists on attachment or trainee journalists shall not exceed 25% of the total number of journalists in the Media Organisation.” In reporting and covering beats daily and following stories, the journalist over the years acquires enormous materials and a good knowledge or history of particular issues. We therefore felt that they should have time to produce books and better equip themselves, so there is a provision that“Journalists after
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Media Roundtable on The Working and Welfare Situation of Journalists in Nigeria : a report
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