Between Journalistic Style and Ethics: Sensationalism Without the Limits Cover Image

Med novinarskim stilom in etiko: senzacionalizem brez meja
Between Journalistic Style and Ethics: Sensationalism Without the Limits

Author(s): Melita Poler Kovačić, Monika Kalin Golob
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: Slovensko sociološko društvo (in FDV)
Keywords: yellow press; journalistic stylistics; journalistic ethics; investigative reporting; media scandal

Summary/Abstract: The authors discuss sensationalism of the Slovenian tabloids, especially the genre hybrid texts, which self-declare as the investigative stories. The elements of the tabloid press are demonstrated by the case study of the texts published in a Slovenian daily tabloid newspaper Slovenske novice, which encroached on the intimate life of a member of the Slovenian Parliament. The case is in many ways precedent for the Slovenian journalism since it raises many legal, ethical and linguistic questions. Therefore both the linguistic-stylistic and ethical analyses appeared to be necessary. The exaggerations, vulgarisms and offensive words show the image of the Slovenian journalism that creates media scandals. The sensationalism is an expected part of the tabloid press, yet such a style also has limits. Why couldn't we talk about a quality tabloid press? In Slovenia certainly not, because the sensationalism is deeply connected with violations of the ethical norms.

  • Issue Year: 21/2005
  • Issue No: 49-50
  • Page Range: 289-303
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: Slovenian