Brown Envelope
Back then when I was on campus as a student of journalism, I was taught about the dangers of brown envelope. In fact, we were made to understand that brown envelope has a potential to ruin a journalistic career.
Though, I still hold on to this training and it has really helped me in my chosen field but I have learnt that there are more to the trainings on brown envelope in my dealings with the “High and Mighty” in the society.
Interestingly, I’ve realized that the training about the dangers of brown envelope and the reality on the field of journalism are clearly different.
I’ve discovered that a lot of journalists, though very brilliant, have failed to learn the diplomacy in the profession and this is as result of their dogmatism about the training on brown envelope.
Yes, a thorough-bred professional journalist is not expected to demand for a bribe or seek for a gift before or after writing a story but there is nothing bad in being rewarded for a professional excellence.
Thecasternews learnt that It is very important for a journalist to know the difference between an honorarium and inducement. Inability to distinguish between an honorarium and bribe has boxed a lot journalists to a corner financially and socially.
Most importantly, if you are dealing with the people in the position power, as a journalist, you are at the middle of the society and the rulers, nevertheless, you must embrace flexibility in your professional conducts.
As a well trained journalist, never seek for gifts, most especially from the “Powers that be” and it is equally dangerous for you to turn down offers from the rulers, this is where wisdom and diplomacy are needed.
Undoubtedly, gifts coming from the “High and Mighty” are meant to subdue the journalists but it requires tacts and wisdom to deal with such gifts.
The best thing is to accept such offers humbly but carry the public along because as a journalist, you’re meant to ensure transparency in your dealings with the people in power because you’re accountable to the people.
In a bid to be a watchdog in the activities of the “high and mighty”, apply wisdom by not being unnecessarily rigid and aggressive, because a proverb says “someone that is powerful than you can easily get you lost”.
The ultimate fact is that, a journalist can be rewarded by anyone in the society for his exceptional expertise but what matters most is never to let any gift comprise his professional integrity.
Prolific Writer and Editor – Tunji Oyeleye
