Sensationalism in the Media

Putting Children

in the Right

Building Capacity for Belizean Journalists

Review of articles

Nov. 22, 2011

Holly Edgell

UNICEF Belize & The University of the West Indies Open Campus, Belize

“Putting Children inthe Right”

Guidelines for Journalists and Media Professionals (International Federation of Journalists)

IFJ Guidelines

(page 63, Putting Children in the Right)

IFJ Guidelines

IFJ Guidelines

IFJ Guidelines

Resources

In your folders:

Handbook for media professionals

Includes:

data and information on children’s issues

Includes storylines to explore in your coverage

Checklist for ensuring balanced coverage (p. 20)

Practicalities

• Interviewing, taking photos

Sensationalism

“Profit-driven news organizations are under great pressure to boost ratings by sensationalizing the news: focusing attention on lurid, highly emotional stories, often featuring a bizarre cast of characters and a gripping plot but devoid of significance to most people's lives.”

From “What’s Wrong with the News”

Sensationalism

Definition (dictionary)

subject matter, language or producing or designed to produce startling or thrilling impressions or to excite and please vulgar taste.

Sensationalism

From “What’s Wrong with the News”

“…editorial bias in mass media in which events and topics in news stories and pieces are over-hyped to increase viewership or readership numbers.”

“…may include reporting about generally insignificant matters and events that don't influence overall society and biased presentations of newsworthy topics in a trivial or sensationalist manner.”

Sensationalism around the globe

USA

“US Media Slammed Over Balloon Boy Coverage” (The Week UK)

Video here

Jamaica

“To Mom With Love, Your Son Dudus” (Jamaica Observer)

Sensationalism around the globe

Hong Kong

“Journalism or Sensationalism?” (Forbes.com)

Belize examples

Break into groups and critique articles

Identify the kind of story

Court or crime event (crime, violence, arrest, trial)

Group event (meeting, conference, rally/protest, cultural or entertainment)

Issue or theme

Feature

Belize examples

Checklist

Is there a child in the story and is he or she named or otherwise identified?

Does there appear to be a research component with accurate and proper attribution (data, statistics, other statements of fact)

Which authorities are quoted and what information to they provide?

Does the story help make sense of complicated issues?

Does the story tend to promote understanding and compassion?