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HIV/Aids reporting in three South African newspapers

Thalyta Swanepoel
Northwest University
Lynette M Fourie
Northwest University
Johannes D Froneman
Northwest University
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HIV/Aids reporting in three South African newspapers. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 26(1), 74-91. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v26i1.1715
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  • Submited: October 17, 2022
  • Published: October 20, 2022

Abstract

The nature of HIV/Aids media coverage has been widely criticised, mainly by interest groups. This
has resulted in constructive, though somewhat fragmented, guidelines on ethically acceptable,
accountable HIV/Aids reporting. In this article the analysed and systematically summarised
guidelines (Swanepoel, 2005:77-137) are used to evaluate HIV/Aids reporting in three South
African Sunday papers. It was found that these newspapers partially meet the interest group
criteria. They raise awareness satisfactorily, but agenda setting could be improved. Although there
is comprehensive coverage of HIV/Aids issues, critical, in-depth reporting is lacking. Furthermore,
there is an exaggerated focus on HIV/Aids politics, and too little on relevant scientific and social
issues. A lack of alternative angles and a tendency towards sensationalism are noticeable. The
three papers often emphasise the “victim image”, and fail to use HIV/Aids-sensitive language
consistently. In respect of accuracy, there are deficiencies in the use of news source

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How to Cite
HIV/Aids reporting in three South African newspapers. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 26(1), 74-91. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v26i1.1715

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