Thesis (M. Tech. degree in Journalism) -- Tshwane University of Technology 2009. / Provides a better understanding of the factors contributing to the overall success of the newspaper. A revised version of Machado's marketing mix model was used. The results showed how the elements of the marketing mix model had been successfully implemented.

Tabloid journalism has and continues to spark controversy. Scholarly considerations of tabloid journalism often question its contribution to democratic causes. However, little academic attention has been given to the question of how tabloids are understood and evaluated by their audiences. This study considered a range of audience responses to the Daily Sun by analysing the way some of its readers understand and evaluate it. The study examined the appeal of this popular tabloid to some Grahamstown readers. Reception analysis was employed to determine why these people read the Daily Sun. In particular, the active audience theory was used as a framework to conduct the research. To achieve the objectives of the study, qualitative research methods such as focus group interviews and individual in-depth interviews were employed. Looking at the findings, many of the respondents acknowledged they read the tabloid for interpersonal communication, diversion and entertainment. The results also revealed that their lived context plays a major role in their reading of stories. In a wider context, the research contributes to an understanding of the popularity of tabloid newspapers.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 1999. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The general decline in newspaper circulation indicates that the newspaper industry is under threat from other media such as television and radio (Swift, 1995: 1 00). However, closer inspection of individual newspaper titles reveals that highly targeted newspapers like Sowetan, Business Day, Beeld, etc. manage to maintain or increase circulation (Audit Bureau of Circulation, 1986-1998). On the other hand, newspapers that caters for disparate market segments, experienced circulation declines between 1986 and 1998 (Audit Bureau of Circulation, 1986-1998). Newspaper's share of total advertising revenue is also in decline (Adindex, 1986-1998). However, advertising revenue for the newspaper industry as a whole increased in line with total advertising revenue between 1986 and 1998. Although newspapers enjoy a smaller piece of the total advertising pie, the steady growth in revenue indicates substantial support and confidence from the advertising market for newspapers as a whole. Swift (Marketing Mix, 1995: 100) argues that newspapers must change their way of doing "news" in order to compete effectively against television, radio, the illtemet and other forms of popular media. "If newspapers are to survive, they must either become niche products by providing in-depth coverage and interpretation of specialists aspects of human endeavour or emulate the British tabloids and peddle entertainment for all they're worth" (Swift, 1995: 101). The latter aspect of Swift's assertion is the basis of the attached study. The study project examines the South African newspaper market in general and the greater Gauteng newspaper market specifically in the form of a business plan, with the aim of finding a viable niche for a daily, English-medium tabloid newspaper. The African Sun Business Plan concludes that the market for such a newspaper does exists amongst working class South Africans in and around selected urban centres. The plan examines the target market and the economics ofthe newspaper business. The marketing plan examines the best options to reach the target market. The product development plan and the operations plan describe the product and the operations ofthe proposed business and the financial plan examines the feasibility ofthe venture. The data suggests that national circulation and advertising trends favour newspapers that are highly targeted and driven by the information needs of their selected target markets (Audit Bureau of Circulation, 1986-1998, Adindex, 1986-1998). The business plan concludes that there is a lucrative market in South Africa for a daily, English-medium, mass circulation tabloid newspaper. The plan also proposes an operating structure including the financing requirements of the business, required staff, location product specifications and a market entry strategy. "It's time to emulate the Sun and the Mirror (of England) because if the liberal consensus is correct and all men are equal, why shouldn't the British tabloid approach work for our whinging masses as effectively as it does for the whining Poms?" (Swift, 1995: 102). / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: OPSOMMING Die algemene afname in koerantsirkulasies dui daarop dat die koerantbedryf deur ander media soos televisie en radio bedreig word (Swift, 1995: 100). By nadere ondersoek van individuele koeranttitels het dit egter aan die lig gekom dat hoeteikenkoerante soos Sowetan, Business Day, Beeld, ensovoorts, daarin slaag om sirkulasie te behou en selfs te verbeter (Audit Bureau of Circulation, 1986-1998). In teenstelling het koerante wat vir ongelyksoortige marksegmente voorsiening maak 'n sirkulasie afname ondervind tussen 1986 en 1998 (Audit Bureau of Circulation, 1986-1998). Koerante se aandeel in die totale reklame-inkomste is ook besig om te daal (Adindex, 1986- 1998). Die reklame-inkomste vir die koerantbedryf in sy geheel het egter op een lyn met die totale reklame-inkomste toegeneem tussen 1986 en 1998 (Adindex, 1986-1998). Alhoewel koerante 'n kleiner deel van die totale reklamebesteding geniet as voorheen, dui die geleidelike toename in koerant reklame inkomste groei, aansienlike ondersteuning en vertroue deur die reklamemark in koerante oor die algemeen. Swift (Marketing Mix, 1995: 100) voer aan dat koerante hulle metode van "nuusaanbieding" moet verander ten einde doeltreffend teen televisie, radio, die Internet en ander vorme van populere media te kompeteer. "If newspapers are to survive, they must either become niche products by providing in-depth coverage and interpretation of specialists aspects of human endeavour or emulate the British tabloids and peddle entertainment for all they're worth" (Swift, 1995: 101). Laasgenoemde aspek van Swift se bewering vorm die grondslag van die megaande studie. Die African Sun Business Plan stel voor dat 'n daaglikse, kompakte, Engelsmediumkoerant van stapel gestuur word wat op Suid-Afrikaners in die werkersklas in en om aangewese stedelike sentra gerig is. In navolging van Swift se redenasie ondersoek die meegaande sakeplan die koerantbedryf in sy geheel en die groter Gauteng mark in besonder. Die plan ondersoek besonderhede van die teikenmark en die ekonomie van die koerantbedryf. 'n Volledige bemarkingsplan ondersoek die beste opsies waardeur die teikenmark bereik kan word. Die produkontwikke1ingsplan en die bedryfsplan beskryf die produk en die werksaamhede van die voorgestelde sake-ondememing, en die finansiele plan ondersoek die uitvoerbaarheid van die ondememing. Die data suggereer dat nasionale koerant sirkulasie en reklame-tendense meer gunstig teenoor koerante wat markgerig is en gedryf word deur die inligtingsbehoeftes van geselekteerde teikenmarkte (Audit Bureau of Circulation, 1986-1998). Die sakeplan kom tot die gevolgtrekking dat daar 'n winsgewende mark in Suid-Afrika bestaan vir In daaglikse, Engels-medium, massasirkulasie kompakte koerant. Die plan stel ook 'n bedryf struktuur voor, met inbegrip van die finansieringsvereistes, personeelbehoeftes, ligging, produkspesifikasies en 'n marktoetrede strategie. "It's time to emulate the Sun and the Mirror (of England) because if the liberal consensus is correct and all men are equal, why shouldn't the British tabloid approach work for our whinging masses as effectively as it does for the whining Poms?" (Swift, 1995: 102).

Thesis ((M. A. (Media Studies)) --University of Limpopo, 2018 / This is a comparative study on the coverage of the consumption of nyaope in two South African tabloid newspapers, namely the Sowetan and the Daily Sun. The study examines how the tabloids understudy reported on the consumption of the street drug; nyaope, by determining the frequency and nature of news reports, assessing the quality of the news reports and comparing the news reporting styles adopted by both newspapers. The research report draws from media effects theoretical propositions, namely the agenda setting and framing theories. Detailed literature review on tabloids and coverage of illicit drugs particularly nyaope is discussed in this study. The study adopted quantitative-qualitative as the research approach through the use of descriptive design. In addition, data were collected through quantitative-qualitative content analysis. The study used the check list as a method of collecting data. Subsequently, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was adopted for the data analysis process. The study noted that the quality of any tabloid newspaper is centred on the manner in which it reports on societal issues like drug use and abuse, crime, health issues, politics, et cetera. The study results revealed that both tabloids’ frequency on the coverage of the consumption of nyaope was minimal as part of the requisite contribution towards combating drug use among young people. Furthermore, the study noted that the quality of news reports in both newspapers was truthful, accurate, fair, and balanced. The styles of news reporting indicated that the two newspapers made conscious efforts to avoid deliberate derogatory or discriminating references discriminatory towards nyaope users. In conclusion, the study examined the employment of mechanisms by the South African print media (tabloids) to ensure frequent, non-sensational, informed and detailed reporting, regarding issues on the consumption of illicit drugs particularly nyaope.

Thesis (MPhil (Journalism))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study examines how positively or negatively as well as how subjectively or objectively the South African tabloid newspapers represent black celebrities. This examination was primarily conducted by using the content analysis research technique. The researcher selected a total of 85 newspapers spread across four different South African daily and weekend tabloid newspapers that were published during the period February to September 2008. The results from the data collected reveal that tabloid newspapers tend to overemphasize negativity when reporting about black celebrities. The findings also reveal a clear differential in the representation of black female celebrities vis-à-vis male celebrities. Unlike male celebrities whose roles were mainly defined in terms of political activities and personal disputes, female celebrities’ roles were largely confined to relationships and sex. The language used by the four newspapers in their representation of celebrities appears to be humiliating and, in some instances, downright disparaging. There is little doubt that media representations of celebrities, whether positive or negative, serve as mirrors to how some members of society behave. To this end, there needs to be a shift from the current preoccupation with sensationalizing negative news when South African tabloid newspapers report on black celebrities. Tabloid newspapers should judiciously use their greater focus on celebrities’ private lives to report on more positive personal stories that focus on the achievements of celebrities, including how some celebrities are living positively with HIV/AIDS. Since this study only focused on South African tabloid newspapers’ representations of black celebrities, and only employed the content analysis method, further research is recommended on the impact of celebrities’ representations on the South African society. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek hoe positief of negatief, asmede subjektief of objektief, daar oor swart beroemdes in Suid-Afrikaanse ponie- of skinderkoerante verslag gedoen word. Die ondersoek is primêr met behulp van die inhoudsanaliseondersoekmetode uitgevoer. Die navorser het 85 koerante uit vier verskillende Suid-Afrikaanse dagblaaie en naweekponiekoerante gekies uit die tydperk Februarie tot September 2008. Die resultate toon ‘n tendens in die poniekoerante dat oorwegend negatiewe verslagdoening oor swart beroemdes vooropgestel word. Die bevindinge toon ook ’n duidelike verskil tussen die verslagdoening oor beroemde swart vroue teenoor dié oor swart mans. In teenstelling met die mans wie se rolle hoofsaaklik ingevolge hulle politieke aktiwiteite en persoonlike dispute gedefinieer word, word beroemde swart vroue se rolle hoofsaaklik beperk tot verhoudings en seks. Die taalgebruik in die verslaggewing oor beroemdes in die vier poniekoerante blyk uiters vernederend, en in sommige gevalle, selfs degraderend en wrang te wees. Daar bestaan min twyfel dat verslaggewing oor beroemdes in die media, hetsy positief of negatief, weerspieël hoe sommige lede van die samelewing lewe. Om hierdie rede is ’n verskuiwing in die huidige beheptheid met die sensasionalisering van negatiewe nuus in die verslaggewing oor swart beroemdes nodig. Poniekoerante wat op die persoonlike lewens van beroemdes fokus behoort na meer positiewe verslagdoening oor hul prestasies te strewe, insluitend, hoe sommige beroemdes positief met MIV/Vigs lewe. Aangesien hierdie navorsing net op verslagdoening oor swart beroemdes in Suid-Afrikaanse poniekoerante kragtens die inhoudsanalisemetorde gefokus het, word verdere navorsing aanbeveel oor die impak van verslagdoening oor beroemdes op die Suid-Afrikaanse samelewing.

Thesis (MPhil) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The advancement of news technology in the last few decades has lead to an information explosion of an unprecedented scope. Twenty-four hour a day news channels, electronic publications, the Internet, and a proliferation of print publications feed this media explosion. Coupled with this has been the growth of a celebrity culture, where the lives of the rich and famous have been placed under intense scrutiny. Commercial interests also have to be taken into account. It is conventional wisdom that sensational news sells newspapers. This news is not limited to celebrity news, but encompasses crime reporting as well as high profile scandals affecting ordinary people. As the news becomes more ubiquitous, the competition becomes tougher and the pressure to print what sells grows. The other commercial pressure is that of the marketers of the entertainment industry who have a vested interest in having the stars of their movies, music and television shows enjoy a high media profile. This study aims to determine whether the South Africa media has shown a trend towards reporting a more sensational and celebrity based form of news. It seeks to discover whether the South African news has become tabloidised. This will be done by analysing the content and presentation of the front page of The Cape Times, a Cape Town based broadsheet, over the period of several years. This will be used as a measure to determine whether or not the content and form of the South African media is following a trend to tabloidisation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die vooruitgang in mediategnologie aan die einde van die twintigste eeu het tot 'n oorvloed van inligting gelei. Nuuskanale wat vier-en-twintig uur per dag uitsaai, elektroniese publikasies, asook die Internet en die groei van die drukmedia het hierdie verskynselondersteun. Tegelykertyd het die media in die jongste dekades meer begin fokus op die lewens van beroemdes. Kommersiële faktore moet ook in ag geneem word. Met die groei van die media is meer druk geplaas op individuele nuusorganisasies om winste te maak. Dit is alombekend dat sensasionele nuus verkoop. Hierdie soort nuus is nie net gefokus op beroemdes nie, maar ook op misdaad en skandale deur gewone mense. Bemarkingsamptenare van die vermaaklikheidsbedryf moedig nuus oor beroemdes aan, want dit help om hul produkte te verkoop as hul sterre dekking kry. Hierdie studie wil vasstelof die media in Suid Afrika wel meer fokus op sensasionele nuus, ten koste van meer ernstige nuus. Dit wil vasstelof die Suid- Afrikaanse media die kenmerke van poniekoerante begin toon. The Cape Times, 'n Kaapse koerant, se voorblad is ontleed oor 'n tydperk van enkele jare. Die nuusinhoud asook voorkoms van die koerant is bestudeer om vas te stelof die koerant in 'n poniekoerant ontwikkel. Hierdie koerant is gebruik as 'n voorbeeld van die Suid-Afrikaanse media.