Abstract

Ownership plays a pivotal role in the regulation of mass media, often presenting media managers with the delicate
task of balancing the interests of media owners and the public, while adhering to legal and ethical standards.
Journalists, like professionals in other fields, adhere to a code of ethics that outlines moral principles, guidelines,
and rules governing their conduct and interactions with the public. Ethical challenges are pervasive in journalism,
both globally and in Nigeria, requiring journalists to navigate complex decisions regarding their behavior and
their interactions with various stakeholders. This study examines ethical issues in journalism practice and the
challenges faced by journalists. It suggests that addressing the challenges stemming from media ownership
requires greater press freedom. This would empower reporters and editors in government-owned media
organizations to work without fear of reprisal from owners, while also enabling private media owners to operate
without the fear of government interference.
Keywords: Ethical challenges, Journalism practice, media ownership, Press freedom, public responsibility