So-called "envelopmental journalism" is often attributed to the low salaries journalists traditionally receive, making it easier to tempt them with cash gifts. This practice has started from way back and has been practiced continuously of the modern media practitioners specifically the journalist.
There are factors that affected the mindset of the journalist on entering the widespread corruption world of our country.
The glamour media
The media industry has this glamorous appeal to the aspiring media practitioners because of this, surplus of graduates of media studies are into applying on the jobs where their degree is best suited. Despite of the insane working schedules, overtimes and no holiday policies, more and more graduates intend to find a stable job on their chosen field.
The real picture
Journalism is not the place to accumulate wealth. Several journalists in our country have to tighten their belts because the salary they receive is not enough to provide for the needs of their families. Moreover writing is an occupation where you cannot expect to earn a regular income without careful planning. The economic condition of our country greatly affects the profession of the journalists who are supposed to be the vessels of truth.
Professional journalism is challenging and demanding. It takes away so much of one’s self, of one’s personal life.
The unseen reality
As a result of insufficient salary received by the journalists in spite of their dangerous profession as a result “envelopmental journalism” came in of the picture. “Envelopes” are there wherever the journalist moves it typically comes literally in envelopes or in blowouts, gifts, and various invitations and gatherings, it is not bad for a journalist to establish a good and harmonious relationship between the people they cover but sometimes this relationship goes beyond the limitation of the meaning of friendship.
Bribery is a human nature. They are thinking that they are not doing anything wrong while others even think that they are entitled to it, which is very bad. Journalist's pen wields a lot of power; it can make or break personalities.
There are still journalists here who believe that it is never justifiable to engage in any form of corruption just because of poor economic condition of journalists in contrary to this “Envelopmental journalism”, they say, is a fact of life for journalists and those who refuse to accept an "envelope" is often equated as a hypocrite.
An alternative
Despite of numerous numbers of envelopmental journalists, there are still more who are still loyal and true to their vocation. Yes, I agree to the fact that the journalists do not benefit much with regards to the weight of the work they are doing but still accepting payolas and bribe is not acceptable. A journalist is a man of his words, a man who does not break the standards they set themselves, a man who stood up not only for himself but also for the public where he owes a loyalty.
Transparency, accuracy and objectivity, these are just some of the characteristics of a good journalist. It may be difficult for one to be an ideal journalist but striving for it is as much commendable as succeeding on it.
Journalists themselves acknowledge that one of their serious problems is "envelopmental journalism" practiced by some of their colleagues. In lieu of this they have resorted on some alternatives like having a part-time job.
Is there such a price for integrity?
“Be the change you want to see” Mahatma Gandhi.
It is very common for those who are giving press conferences to also hand out envelopes of money. The journalists are supposed to return that envelope politely. If they can’t return it, then they bring it back and donate it to a foundation in the name of the person who gave it to them.
Let us remember it takes two to make corruption work: someone who offers money and another who accepts. If nobody will accept it therefore nobody will offer.
“Our role as journalists is simple but not always easy: confront our own personal fears, convince those who see and who are afraid to speak TO SPEAK PUBLICLY so that we can EXPOSE the abuse of power. By exposing, we can correct and demand justice.” quoted from Ms. Maria Ressa.
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