The Extent of Commitment of Palestinian Journalists Working in News Websites to the Code of Professional Conduct Issued by the Journalists' Syndicate: A Field Study

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the extent to which Palestinian journalists working in news websites adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct issued by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate. The research employed a descriptive methodology, utilizing a structured questionnaire as the primary tool for data collection from a simple random sample of 100 journalists working in Palestinian news websites. The theoretical framework of the study was based on the Social Responsibility Theory of the press. The findings revealed that the level of adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct among journalists remains in need of further enhancement, despite recording a mean score of 3.55. The results also indicated that the organizational environment and editorial policies within media institutions play a critical role in supporting such adherence. Conversely, the lack of training and professional development emerged as a major challenge hindering journalists’ commitment to the code, highlighting limitations in the role of the Syndicate in this regard. The study recommends the development of editorial policies and organizational regulations within Palestinian media institutions to reinforce journalists’ adherence to the code, in addition to the adoption of a sustainable training plan by the Syndicate that focuses on enhancing professional skills and promoting ethical commitment.