Brown envelope journalism

In media ethics, brown envelope journalism (BEJ), or simply envelope journalism, is the practice of journalists accepting monetary or other incentives in exchange for favourable news coverage or the suppression of negative information. The name is derived from cash inducements hidden in brown envelopes and given to journalists during press briefings.

The phenomenon undermines journalistic integrity and media independence, and leads to biased reporting influenced by external interests. The practice has been observed in Tanzania, Nigeria, and in Ghana where it is called soli and in Cameroon where it is known as gombo, and is also reported in Gulf countries including Kuwait.

BEJ is often justified by journalists due to low salaries and inadequate compensation for work-related expenses.

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