In studying development research, one may realize that while it is true that people have different standards or views on a certain subject, society still dictates a set of compelling criterion. This social criterion sets limits on which things or actions are considered tolerable.
This logic can serve as a launching pad to understanding the dynamics of the print news media. Though the idea to take into account different sides before arriving at a grounded decision is recognized, the Western media and other nations which duplicate its schemes still have the ability to identify concepts which are morally reprehensible, amidst the prevailing criticisms of the mainstream media.
Space and Pricing: Broadsheet versus Tabloid
Many economically disadvantaged households prefer to read a local tabloid because of its relatively low price compared to a broadsheet. But as a consequence, people may not get what they deserve.
There is a sharp differentiation between broadsheet and tabloid, in terms of story selection. The limited space enjoyed by tabloid magazines and newspapers is a reasonable factor that can affect the way they contextualize stories, to the point of setting aside national and political issues.
Considering the public’s economic condition, adding even just a little amount of money to access broadsheet news is already a sum to mull over. In general, the lower price of tabloids compared to broadsheets’ becomes a condition that seems to justify people’s inaccessibility to information needed in order for them to exercise their citizen-critic duties.
In a supposed democratic society which recognizes both the role of the media and power of the press, being able to exercise one’s citizen-critic duty is an essential element. Responsible journalism has an equally essential function to stand over the mainstream media’s flaw of providing pieces of information which fail to comprehensively address today’s pressing political and cultural issues.
News Treatment: Broadsheet versus Tabloid
Banner headlines or the ones which carry the main stories of a particular tabloid are always observed to focus on celebrity, fashion, gossips, police accounts including molestation, kidnapping, rape and other crimes.
Merriam-Webster defines tabloid in two ways, “compressed or condensed into small scope” and “featuring stories of violence, crime or scandal presented in a sensational manner (Merriam-webster.com, accessed September 2010).”
Tabloids aim at stories which can capture readers’ vulnerability as compared to the way broadsheets present their headlines. From the way news stories appear before the public eye up to the manner of using the language, the issue of morality is indefatigably considered.
Though people have subjective interpretations of the use of words, there is still a clear restriction as to which words are not appropriate to be addressed to the reading public. Print journalists are expected to practice their profession responsibly and within the ambit of laws and ethics of professional journalism. This extends from the technical aspect up to the consideration of human conscience.
Tabloid's Appalling Image and Reputation
As a result, celebrities, politicians and other political figures are always accusing tabloid newspapers of making scandalous if not defamatory allegations. It can be remembered that the mainstream media has been widely held as the main reason behind the fall of Pop King Michael Jackson’s legendary stardom.
Another example is the recent legal suit of David Beckham against a tabloid magazine. Beckham was accused last week by In Touch magazine of cheating on his wife, Victoria Beckham. Contra Costa Times’ Randy McMullen reports, “He angrily denied the report and then filed suit in Los Angeles accusing the magazine of libel, slander and intentionally causing emotional distress (mercurynews.com, published and accessed September 2010).”
Periscope reveals the tabloid which lies the most. According to the article, of the five tabloids including Us Weekly, Life & Style, In Touch, OK! and Star, “Gawker.com determined that Star is the least honest.” These tabloids are “venerable celebrity-stalking magazines” (periscopepost.com accessed and published September 2010).
The Role of Independent Media Institutions
Independent institutions which uphold their common principle of fighting for citizen’s right to information, alternative media outlets and other media regulators play an important role in saving the people from the brand of journalism exercised by mainstream tabloids up to this day.
If this kind of news treatment is not addressed, the general public will remain vulnerable to the culture of decadence, which is definitely far from achieving an "information-rich society" where information is provided to satisfy “the needs” and “not the wants” of the people.
Yfur Porsche Fernandez - Yfur writes diverse articles on political economy, media literacy, East Asian affairs, poverty & world development, trivial literature, ...
