Yellow Newspapers in Indonesia: A Question about Ethics of Journalism

DOI: 10.5176/2301-3710_JMComm15.57

Authors: Iwan Awaluddin Yusuf

Abstract: This paper explores Indonesian popular print media tradition and the role which the yellow journalism played in freedom of press era. It focuses on critics of yellow newspapers operation which departing from the norms of serious journalism, particularly in its search for a sensationalized angle stories. It is clear that ethics, standards, and journalistic quality faced major challenges to the entire media profession. Economic-political interests have not always support the public education perspective in journalism activities. To fulfill this gap, the press should maintain its professionalism and its commitment to integrity that requires the alignment of ethics.

Keywords: yellow newspapers, sensationalism, journalistic
ethics