Stage 3: Selection of time frame
4.3 QUALITY OF NEWS REPORTS ON THE CONSUMPTION OF NYAOPE
4.3.1 Objectivity of reportage
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Based on the above graphic presentation of news stories on nyaope consumption, the study noted that the Sowetan published 28 (25%) of news reports from the 114 sampled newspaper editions as compared to the 25 (22%) noted from the 112 editions published in the Daily Sun per sampled period. Furthermore, the study noted that a total of 53 (23%) news reports from the 226 sampled newspaper editions were recorded in both tabloid newspapers.
Subsequently, the study noted that prominence of coverage of news stories on the consumption of nyaope was low on the news agenda of both the Sowetan and Daily Sun newspapers. This contradicts the preliminary observations of this study, whereby numerous news reports were published and does not seem to confirm that prominent topics such as drug use and abuse are salient for the press to publicise their effects, as the press need comments on them to make stories to sell newspapers (Greer, 2008). Therefore, the inadequate frequency such news reports is clear indication that both tabloid newspapers treated the consumption of nyaope as an ineffective reality that required intense and frequent coverage. In addition, the nature of the news stories was balanced and objective, and focused on the ramifications of consuming nyaope.
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(n-53) news reports recorded in the Daily Sun and the Sowetan tabloid newspapers used evidence of reporting the events factually in their six months coverage. This was evident in the news reports’ precision of providing the full details of the events on nyaope consumption. The names and addresses of nyaope addicts, communities and families of the addicts were correctly indicated where possible, numbers were accurate, and reliable sources were used in the news reports. For example, the Sowetan’s 29th of July 2015 edition, a news report titled “Nyaope addiction killed my HIV nephew”, and 10th of February 2015 titled “Trade easy for addicts” as well as the Daily Sun’s 25th of May 2015 news report titled “Rage against thugs” and 14th of March 2015 “Nyaope a deadly cocktail”, provided the names of the crime victims and the types of crimes committed by nyaope addicts namely, stealing church bells, copper metals, steel pipes, cell-phones, plasma televisions, et cetera. The news reports also highlighted health, social and economic effects of using nyaope, such as HIV/AIDS, dementia, unemployment, et cetera. This agrees with Howard (2009)’s view that professional journalists do not set out to reduce conflict, but to seek the evidence, and describe it objectively supported by a balanced view. Therefore, the news reports were well crafted as they adhered to the code of practice by ensuring that the stories were accurately presented.
• Balance
The above sub-theme was also based on news reports on the consumption of nyaope. Data gathered show that twenty two (n-22) news reports in the Daily Sun as compared to twenty three (n-23) in the Sowetan were balanced. The journalists ensured that all sides of the stories were reported on truthfully without fear or favour.
A total of forty five (n-45) news reports were recorded in both tabloid newspapers.
Balanced reporting was evident in a news report from the Sowetan’s 16 May titled
“Nyaope junkies in the Vaal”. The journalists ensured that all sides of the respective views of the sources were given. The newspaper explained and also backed up the story with facts in order to preserve the reports’ authenticity. The journalists obtained facts from the spokesperson of the organisation, the hospital, and family members affected by nyaope consumption. Although in the Daily Sun’s 21st of July 2015 news report titled “Fire ate my bad boy", the journalist did not interview the addict because he was dead, the news report is somewhat balanced because residents of the area confirmed that the deceased nyaope addict consistently distressed his mother. The
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reporter indicated where the incident took place, and also interviewed neighbours and family members. Nonetheless, among the newspapers were eight (n-8) news reports which were negligent where journalists failed to subscribe to principles enshrined in the press code of ethics. Every code of ‘good’ journalism unambiguously emphasises the importance of objective and balanced news reports at all times (SAPC, 2007:10). Such a news report titled “Nyaope addict moered” was observed in the Daily Sun’s 12th February 2015 edition, where the journalist did not interview the crime victims but the eye witnesses. According to the South African Press Code “news shall be presented in context and in a balanced manner, without any intentional or negligent departure from the facts, whether by distortion, exaggeration or misrepresentation” (SAPC, 2007:10). Therefore, the majority of journalists from both tabloid newspapers gave equal opportunity for everyone reported on to express themselves, and such people were quoted accurately by the journalists in a majority of the sampled stories.
• Impartiality
Through the aspect of impartiality, the study sought to assess the quality of news reports on nyaope consumption in both tabloid newspapers. Data show that a majority of the news reports (n-47) in both papers were impartial in their reporting.
The Sowetan published twenty five (n-25) news reports, whereas the Daily Sun noted twenty two (n-22). An example is from a news report in the Daily Sun’s “Stop smoking this nyaope or else”. The story started with the following lead: “These nyaope addicts have been warned to kick their habit or risk death! Both the addicts and community members were given a fair chance to comment. Another example was noted in the edition of Sowetan’s 03rd of February 2015 entitled, “Nyaope blamed for increasing rapes in villages”. The news report highlighted the appeals of the resentful Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal community on the high rate of rapes committed by nyaope addicts in the area. The news reports were presented fairly and all content was contextualised so that readers could fully comprehend the content.
The results agree with the South African Press Code (SAPC 2007:11),which highlights that only what may reasonably be true, with regard to the sources of the news may be presented as fact, and such facts shall be published fairly with due
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regard to context and importance. The news reports did not take sides and confirmed that all sources were given fair chances to respond. As a result, there was no doubt created in the minds of the Sowetan and Daily Sun readers, because the journalists ensured that the news reports were as impartial as possible.