Above, are today's news stories from "the Nation" on the Khaleej Times and Gulf News websites! It is easy to distinguish the difference in reporting values of both papers. Makes you wonder, where is reporting going? But then again, sensationalism sells newspapers! Khaleej Times seems to be sticking to regular reporting beats with stories that are relevant and important to expats and locals alike in the local news pages.
But, it is scary how reporters are able to give first hand accounts of crimes in such flowery and descriptive language.
"In a plan to lure and catch the thief red-handed, CID staff spent an entire night with the Egyptian family after putting out tempting women's underwear to dry. The suspect did not show up at that night and early in the morning the CID staff left the house of the Egyptian couple. The court official said the CID officer found that the man was wearing at least five sets of women's underwear. The officer detained the suspect and took him to the police department. The police then got permission from the Public Prosecution to search the suspect's room, which he shared with other compatriots. Police investigators recovered five big packages filled with women's underwear stored in his closet." ~Gulf News
It is not about Gulf News reporting standards nor is it about the other papers, rather it is on how unnecessary word space is given to details which could be used for far better articles of social importance and social action by almost all newspapers. However, the newest weekly in town, the Xpress seems to have got it right for now, by concentrating on local news that matter and have an impact on the local readership. But given an option, it is better to watch CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) on Dubai One on see how crimes are really solved.
“I am unable to understand how a man of honor could take a newspaper in his hands without a shudder of disgust.” ~ Charles Baudelaire (French Poet of Decadent & Parnassian movements.)
1 comment:
Dear OPEN MIND,
It is so true that sensationalism runs newspapers and i am glad that in your attempt in bringing forward this issue, you have pointed out the usage of language by reporters, which might not be quite comfortable for readers.
I too have experienced it , but, as reading newspapers (especially reports involving such language) have become a habit now, it really doesn't matter to me NOW, even if i come across the most offensive word.
I would also like to add that newspapers, in their attempt to sensational stories, include pictures of Violence, abuse, discrimination and so on. The issue just does not halt at this point; the readers are "bombarded" with these pictures and as a result are desensitised - they look through the report without any awkward feeling!!!
Post a Comment