Masters Degrees (Journalism)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Journalism) by Author "Beard, Layton G."

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    The Star newspaper and the “state capture” debate: A critical discourse analysis on editorial positioning 2015-2018
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-03) Beard, Layton G.; Botma, Gabriël J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Journalism.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study uses Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to analyse specific texts, in this case editorials published by The Star newspaper, over a specific period of time, in order to determine the role of this newspaper in relation to its positioning of then President Jacob Zuma in the state capture debate. While it is accepted that no single method exists for conducting CDA, the research is mainly guided by the CDA model of Van Dijk (1992:245) that recommends examining the data collected for argumentative structures, tacit assumptions, norms, and values, and by analysing the style and rhetoric used in discourse, in this case newspaper editorials. The review of the data is done to answer the specific research question: How did The Star newspaper position itself through its editorials in relation to the state capture debate from 2015 to February 2018? The CDA is conducted within three theoretical frameworks namely, public sphere theory, normative journalistic theory, and critical theory. Through these theories, the influence of the newspaper’s owner, Dr Iqbal Survé is gauged to determine if he exercised any control of the editorials. This CDA is conducted specifically on the newspaper’s editorials as it is through these opinions that newspapers position themselves in relation to specific issues. It was found that limited, if any, academic research has been done in South Africa on the role of editorials in the South African political context. The research concludes that while the newspaper initially did not take a strong stance against Jacob Zuma and his involvement in state capture, this position developed over time to the extent that it was highly critical of his leadership and presidency, and that it eventually called for his resignation. The research recommends future studies, specifically research related to news reporting at The Star, and not a focus on the positioning of the newspaper through its editorials only as this study does.