People’s Journal is a Philippine tabloid newspaper that focuses on celebrity gossip, sensationalized news, and human interest stories. While it does contain some legitimate news reporting, People’s Journal is considered a tabloid due to its emphasis on entertainment over serious journalism.
What defines a tabloid newspaper?
Tabloid newspapers are publications that prioritize provocative, attention-grabbing headlines and stories over factual, in-depth reporting. Characteristics of tabloids include:
- Sensationalized headlines and text
- Coverage of celebrities, gossip, scandal
- Lurid crime stories and police blotter reports
- Human interest stories focused on the emotional
- Bold, eye-catching graphics and photos
- Brief articles lacking depth or context
- Questionable journalistic standards and fact-checking
While tabloids may cover major headlines, their treatment of hard news is superficial. The focus is on entertaining and shocking readers rather than substantive reporting.
History and background of People’s Journal
People’s Journal was founded in 1967 by businessman Raul S. Roco under the company People’s Independent Media Inc. It was conceived as a tabloid-style alternative to the more highbrow broadsheets of the era.
Some key historical facts about People’s Journal:
- Launched in 1967 as an afternoon daily tabloid in Manila
- Motto is “Balanced News, Fearless Views”
- Political leaning is populist/leftist
- Originally modeled after sensationalist U.S. tabloids
- Top stories featured grisly crimes, celebrity gossip, sex scandals
- Used provocative headlines and photos to attract readers
- Had working class target audience
People’s Journal became known for its provocative front pages and headlines designed to shock and tantalize readers browsing newsstands. It covered major headlines in briefs but focused on crime, showbiz, and human interest angles.
How People’s Journal fits the tabloid mold
In both its history and current format, People’s Journal clearly fits the mold of a tabloid newspaper. Some of its typical tabloid characteristics include:
- Big, bold, sensational headlines on the front page and interior pages
- Heavily features celebrity news, entertainment gossip, lifestyle pieces
- Covers lurid crimes in graphic detail; often leads with grisly murder stories
- Uses slang and casual language in articles
- Includes police blotter reports and community briefs for local color
- Human interest stories emphasize emotional drama and tragedy
- Uses plenty of large, attention-grabbing photos
- Graphics and text are visually engaging and energetic
As opposed to broadsheets like the Philippine Daily Inquirer which use restrained headlines and focus on serious news, People’s Journal screams for attention both visually and textually. The priority is on stirring up emotions rather than informing.
Examples of People’s Journal’s tabloid style
To further illustrate People’s Journal’s trademark tabloid style, here are some representative examples:
Front page headlines
People’s Journal front pages regularly feature giant banner headlines in massive font sizes, often focused on violent tragedies, celebrity gossip, or controversial issues. For example:
- “Bloodbath!”
- “Ate Vi’s Shocking Scandal”
- “Massacre!”
- “Celeb Baby Born with Two Heads”
Crime reporting
The crime beat is a tabloid newspaper staple. People’s Journal revels in reporting grisly killings, emphasizing blood and guts in articles like:
- “Crazed Killer Guts Three Victims”
- “Jealous Wife Cooks Hubby’s Heart”
- “Mutilated Bodies Found in Car Trunk”
Macabre crime scene photos often accompany these articles.
Celebrity gossip
Tabloids feast on celebrity news and rumors. People’s Journal runs breathless stories like:
- “Ruffa Gutierrez Love Child Scandal”
- “Kris Aquino Steamy Affair Exposed”
- “Heart Evangelista Not a Real Woman?”
Unsubstantiated gossip and innuendo drive these “exclusive” celeb pieces.
Human interest
Stories focused on everyday people are tabloid staples, playing up tragedy and triumph. People’s Journal spotlights tear-jerking tales like:
- “Baby Born with Devil’s Face”
- “Homeless Man Finds Long Lost Family”
- “Woman Falls in Love With Dog”
Such articles aim straight for the heartstrings over any journalistic merit.
Comparison to broadsheet standards
To further demonstrate how People’s Journal diverges from serious journalism, it is illustrative to contrast it with major Philippine broadsheets like the Philippine Daily Inquirer:
| People’s Journal | Philippine Daily Inquirer |
|---|---|
| Banner headlines in massive font sizes | Restrained headline fonts and sizes |
| Covers crime, celebrity, human interest | Prioritizes national affairs, politics, business |
| Graphic photos of violence and tragedy | News photos aim to inform over shock |
| Casual, slang-filled writing style | Formal, professional writing style |
| Minimal fact-checking and sourcing | Stories extensively fact-checked and sourced |
| Short articles under 500 words | In-depth articles regularly over 1,000 words |
| Goal is entertaining readers | Goal is informing readers |
This comparison makes it clear how People’s Journal emphasizes entertainment and visceral reactions over journalism ethics and standards held by respected broadsheets. From language to sourcing to article length and topics covered, the contrast is stark.
Conclusion
In light of its history, writing style, graphic choices, story selection, and journalistic standards, People’s Journal unambiguously qualifies as a tabloid newspaper. While it may cover some legitimate headlines, its emphasis on crimes, celebrities, and human interest rather than serious investigative reporting defines People’s Journal as a tabloid. Its provocative front pages and gossip articles differentiate it from broadsheets like the Philippine Daily Inquirer which adhere to traditional journalistic standards. Tabloids like People’s Journal have their place in providing sensationalized, emotionally-driven content to entertain the masses. But such publications should not be mistaken as equivalents for true journalism.