? Saak vir ? etiese populistiese media

Abstract

This article argues that a clear distinction should be made between populist journalism in general and unethical populist journalism as often practices by newspapers such as the Daily Sun, Son and Daily Voice. Although populist newspapers are often unethical (and thus called the yellow or sensational press), this was not by definition the case. Different forms of populist newspapers can be identified.
From a Christian perspective, a case is made by the author that ethical populist journalism could even be seen as a moral imperative as ethical journalism ought to strive to be, inter alia, accessible. In order to achieve this in an ethically acceptable manner, the pitfalls of the so-called yellow press have to be avoided. Notwithstanding, accessibility can be strived for by following these generally accepted guidelines for good journalism:
- Setting a broad, inclusive news-agenda which will orientate readers.
- Using lively lay-out and headings which will attract readers without slanting the news.
- Writing in a lively, readable way, using understandable words, short sentences and brief paragraphs.
The need for sober, more serious newspapers are by no means negated. Yet the importance of reaching the broad populace via an ethical, accessable journalism is stressed. It is argued that this can be done without sacrificing ethics and intellectual integrity.
This can rightly be interpreted as support for those critics who find much to treasure in the populist press. However, this article represents a principled view of a dimension of an ever changing media landscape. How Christians could be faithful in journalism at large, requires a much more comprehensive answer.