Journalism vs. Sensationalism

Paper Summary:

The writer of this paper presents a critical analysis on the decline of newspaper readership. This paper details the statistics, the attempts by newspapers to attract readers by turning to sensationalism and the opinions of experts in the field about how to increase readership. The writer also proposes an ethical solution to the problem that avoids sensationalism, yet, still provides the readers with what they want. Newspaper readership has declined. It has a tremendous amount of competition to overcome. Maintaining strong ethics, targeting the young adult and providing more investigative, celebrity and health and fitness news are all ways that readership can be increased and maintained. This paper discusses the issue of ethics in journalism while comparing it to the recent popularity of sensationalistic reporting. This paper also delves into electronic newspapers on the internet and their impact on readership.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Readers' Needs and Wants
Solution
Conclusion
Works Cited

From the Paper:

"The ethical question of using sensationalism to attract readers continues to be asked. Are newspapers simply giving readers what they want to keep their attention, or are they stepping over an ethical line in a desperate attempt to maintain their readership? It is a question that is debated nationwide in the industry. A few years ago, rag news such as the National Enquirer and the Star were laughed at by "real" journalists. Today however, "real" journalists find themselves in a position of having to lean more toward celebrity gossip and sensationalized stories to attract readers to their work."

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