By: Adémólá Òrúnbon

In the Nigerian media space, the term "brown envelope" has become synonymous with corruption and unethical practices. It refers to the practice of journalists accepting bribes or "envelopes" filled with money or other incentives in exchange for favourable coverage or silence on certain issues. This culture of corruption has long been a stain on the reputation of the Nigerian media and has contributed to the loss of trust in the institution.

The history of the "brown envelope" culture in Nigeria can be traced back to the 1980s, during a time of political turmoil and economic instability. With limited resources and low salaries, many journalists turned to accept bribes as a means of supplementing their income. Over time, the practice became normalized and even expected in certain circles.

Despite efforts by media organizations and watchdog groups to stamp out this unethical behaviour, the "brown envelope" culture continues to thrive in the Nigerian media landscape. The consequences of this are far-reaching, as it undermines the credibility of the media and undermines its ability to hold those in power accountable.

Indeed, in media ethics, Brown Envelope Journalism (BEJ) is a term used to describe the practice of journalists accepting monetary or other incentives in exchange for favourable news coverage or the suppression of negative information. The phenomenon undermines journalistic integrity and the independence of the media, leading to biased reporting influenced by external interests. The practice is not limited to one country, rather it is observed in other African countries, namely Nigeria, Tanzania, and in Ghana where it is called soli and in Cameroon where it is known as gombo. The practice is also reported in Gulf countries such as Kuwait.

BEJ is often justified by journalists due to low salaries and inadequate compensation for work-related expenses. Brown Envelope Syndrome (BES) has remained a controversial issue in any debate centred on the Nigerian press, media professionalism, and media ethics. It is one of the major setbacks of media growth in Nigeria. BES is a system whereby journalists collect money or other material gifts from news sources, company executives, or event organizers to cover such events and probably give it the wildest publicity as the case may be.

In fact, this symbolizes the rot that has plagued the Nigerian media industry since the early 1980s to date. This paper therefore builds from an empirical study by the same authors, as well as literature materials to argue that media professionalism and the enforcement of the various ethical codes that preach professionalism are the practical ways to ensure ethical conduct and behaviour amongst journalists and other categories of media practitioners, especially in Nigeria where these are missing. This, according to the paper, is the missing link in the quest to rid the media industry in Nigeria from the monster called BES.

Brown envelope journalism is an unethical practice where journalists accept bribes or financial incentives, often concealed in envelopes to publish favourable stories or manipulate the news in favour of specific individuals, organizations, or businesses. The term “brown envelope” is used to represent the secretive nature of these bribes, as the money is typically handed over discreetly in a sealed envelope.

honouring journalists and media organizations that uphold strong ethical standards reinforces the significance of truthful and unbiased reporting.

Through awards, accolades, and recognition, ethical journalism becomes a source of positive motivation for reporters and media outlets. Providing stable employment contracts and job security can reduce the vulnerability of journalists to bribery and unethical practices stemming from the fear of losing their jobs.

Òrúnbon, an opinion writer, poet, journalist, and public affairs analyst, writes in from Federal Housing Estate, Olomore, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

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