To what extent is it correct to claim that the quality newspapers largely separate fact from opinion?A presentation by Zehraa Patel, Laura Stack, Jake Johnson, George Robinson and Veronica Sprizzi

How will the question be resolved?

The Independent – Zehraa Patel

The Guardian – Laura Stack

To what extent does the Guardian separate fact from opinion?

Conclusion

“Fear of ‘witch-hunt’ will stop doctors

training for abortions” The Guardian, 2 April

2012

“Burmese spring Hopes of fresh start as

Suu Kyi’s party declares victory” The

Guardian, 2 April 2012

“Virgin Atlantic investigates ‘secret tip-offs’ to paparazzi” The Guardian, 6 April 2012

“‘A good man’: tributes to Athens

pensioner who killed himself in protest at

austerity” The Guardian, 6 April 2012

Does the Guardian give balanced accounts on its debates?

Abortion training

Pro-choice views

• “witch-hunt”• “under siege”• “deeply

concerned”

Burmese spring

Suu Kyi support

• cheers• young and old• sang along• victory

Do the Guardian’s sources provide appropriate evidence for objectivity?

Virgin Atlantic – suggestive phrasing• the exchange suggests a longstanding and friendly

relationship…• BUT checks by the Guardian confirm that…

Burmese spring – depiction of country• brutal military junta• dusty roadside villages• unpaved, bumpy roads• reintroduction of Burma to the rest of the world

What else suggests the Guardian attempts to maintain objectivity?

• Virgin Atlantic spokesperson• Employee involved• Big Picture founder• Private lawyer

Virgin Atlantic - sources

• “…he was a gentleman, a good man.”• decent, dignified man• “He was clearly very educated…”• “He was an exceptional person…”

Greece suicide -

victim profile

To what extent does the Guardian separate fact from opinion?

Balanced account

Range of sources

Minimised subjectivity

Objective reporting

Fact

Opinion

The Times – Jake Johnson

The Telegraph – George Robinson

What are two prevalent news values within the quality newspapers?

Conclusion – Veronica Sprizzi