While
scanning newspapers for my OJT in OPA, I picked up a Sun Star Baguio Print, and
I immediately noticed the title “Darkness Looms in Abra” in big, bold letters
sprawled across the front page. The way the title was presented quickly took a
grip to my story writer self and I read the article, wondering what such an
interesting title would say only to be disappointed with an article about Abra
possibly having its power supply terminated.
Following
the Potter Box Model, I assume that the headline writer defined the situation
as a news item that has a potential publicity, considering that it is regarding
a power supply of a whole province. The values that he may have followed is
that of professional values, aiming to maximize profit and that of aesthetic
values, deciding to title the article creatively since a news item of a power
supply termination may not be enough to pull readers as a headline. The
principles used by the author might be that of a utilitarian, maximizing the
happiness for his company. In the end, the author chose his loyalty towards his
firm.
For
me, even if the sensationalism was only applied to the title, this action may
still have negative effects. The most important factor was that the title was a
headline in the front page, and it is very prominent and clear. Newspapers are
usually distributed through shops, displaying its front page. This
sensationalized headline may mislead passers-by and this misleading information
may spread through verbal means and may start a rumor that there is something
huge happening in Abra that “Darkness Looms” over it. Of course this is only
one of the worst case scenarios. A more subtle harm that this sensationalism
may bring is just the simple fact that it still suggests a misleading concept
to those that only read the prominent title.
2012-36978 (1)
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