ABSTRACT

This is one in a group of cases the Case Consortium developed in conjunction with the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications, slated to open in Nairobi. The cases, which look at various aspects of journalism practice in East Africa and South Africa, are being distributed under an agreement with Columbia University. They will be available as well on the AKU website.

AKU-14-006.0 How should a news organization handle a bribe if refusing it could damage the news operation? What if giving and taking bribes, while illegal, is an accepted cost of doing business? In January 2012, Deodatus Balile—managing editor of the fledgling Tanzanian weekly newspaper, Jamhuri —obtained documents proving improprieties in a privatization deal. Balile had letters which showed that, instead of accepting the government’s decision on who would assume ownership of a commuter bus operation, the company Quality Group had illegally approached two parliamentary committees and the finance minister to ask for reconsideration. Before publishing a story, Balile had to confirm the authenticity of the letters and give Quality Group an opportunity to comment. Instead, he was offered a bribe to spike the story.

The case explores ethics in journalism and the potential costs to a news outlet should it accept or refuse a bribe. Students are asked to think about the fact that, while refusing bribes is the ethical ideal, doing so may harm the news organization both legally and financially. Practical concerns, such as the physical safety of Jamhuri staff, are also worth considering. Yet if journalists cave in to intimidation, corruption will continue to thrive. What are the dangers, particularly to a new venture, of setting a precedent of accepting bribes? Use this case to start discussions about corruption, specifically bribery, in the media; the role of journalism in combating corruption; and press freedom in young democracies.  Also raise whether journalistic training can help reporters resist bribes and other pressures. Is it fair to expect the media to expose malfeasance among the powerful if doing so may mean lengthy court battles and financial ruin for individual journalists and small media houses?

This case can be used in a class about journalism, business ethics or editorial management.

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