The challenges of journalism ethics in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

This article pinpoints the various obstacles that prevent the emergence of genuine media pluralism in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and aims to clarify the sense and/or senselessness of journalistic practices across the Congolese media landscape. The contrast between norms and actual practices constitutes a ‘crisis’ of Congolese journalism. It is argued that these practices are essentially ‘transgressive’, in that that they violate conventional, professional ethical norms. ‘Transgressive’ journalism practices are seen as a more or less regulated means of contravening the profession's official canons. This article identifies the principles and values that intervene in the moral decision-making process of journalists.