Gift solicitation and acceptance in journalism practice: An assessment of Kuwaiti journalists’ perspective

Media ethics generally recommends that journalists should avoid accepting any form of gratification in order to maintain their objectivity and professional integrity. This study investigated the application of this ethical injunction in Kuwait. It surveyed and interviewed Kuwaiti journalists on their attitude toward gratification. Results indicate a breach of this ethical recommendation. Reasons for this include lack of media ethics education and training among journalists and the absence of ethical guidance by media owners. In addition, for a number of Kuwaiti reporters, journalism is a part-time job.