Abstract

This study aims at identifying and analyzing the professional values of journalists working in the Gulf newspapers. The research methodology was the survey methodology and included a questionnaire, which was used to collect data from a representative sample of the target group of the study that account for 111 journalists in the GCC. The research concluded that the journalists in the Gulf States are professionally committed to their local audiences and communities.
The findings showed no statistically significant differences in the journalistic professional values according to the variable of the country to which the journalists belong. This may be attributed to the fact that the Gulf Arab countries share similar economic, social, cultural, political and communication systems. The results showed fluctuating commitment to the values associated with dealing with breaking news on sudden events of public interest, information leaks and accepting gifts or rewards from corporations that they cover.
There were no statistically significant differences between male and female journalists when it comes to their commitment to the professional values. Apart from the variable of the relationship with the corporation, the study found no statistically significant differences regarding the impact of other demographic and independent variables on the professional values regarding the Gulf journalists.
Accordingly, the study recommends that Gulf media corporations should review their editorial policies to enhance the professional values of their journalists, establish clear regulations regarding utilizing leaked information and accepting gifts. Gulf journalists’ associations should commit to their responsibilities in establishing and following up executing professional charters that ensure the basic values of the journalism profession; besides issuing private professional charters by Gulf journalism corporations, to govern journalists working in newspapers and magazines they issue.

Keywords

Journalists- Gulf newspapers- Professional values- Professional practices- Journalism ethics

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