Which Newspapers Inform Us Of Current Affairs Best?

Originally Posted by Chris T

I think 'tabloid' and 'broadsheet' are too imprecise as definitions of what type of paper is best, and not just because the Inde and the Times are now tabloid, and I still think your question is too imprecise. When you say 'best' or 'better than', do you mean 'contains most detail', 'gives the best analysis' or 'argues its editorial line most effectively'?

The big problem in this context is that our newspapers are partisan so it's hard to know whether you're getting a truly balanced view of any particular event.

There is a blurring of definition in the mid-market camp, but I personally would put the Mail and The Express in with The Sun, Mirror and Star. The Times, Guardian, Telegraph, Indie and FT in broadsheets.

Detail and analysis wouyld be my indicators, rather than successfully pushing an editorial line. I guess my point with the tabloids is the amount of current affairs information they don't publish which is as important as the stuff they do. In promoting an editrorial line, the broadsheets will tend to provide a much fuller picture rather than simplistically punting that line.

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by philip.j.fry

What was the headline on the sport?

Dunno, but knowing the Sport, it was probably something like "Juicy Lucy watched me have sex on moonbase"...

[ian@huth]

Originally Posted by Chris T

I think 'tabloid' and 'broadsheet' are too imprecise as definitions of what type of paper is best, and not just because the Inde and the Times are now tabloid, and I still think your question is too imprecise. When you say 'best' or 'better than', do you mean 'contains most detail', 'gives the best analysis' or 'argues its editorial line most effectively'?

The big problem in this context is that our newspapers are partisan so it's hard to know whether you're getting a truly balanced view of any particular event.

So very true.

When most people say that a particular newspaper is best at covering current affairs, particularly political, they are really saying that the newspaper has the same views as themselves.

Originally Posted by ian@huth

So very true.

When most people say that a particular newspaper is best at covering current affairs, particularly political, they are really saying that the newspaper has the same views as themselves.

But that's not the question I'm asking. I'm interested in whether people think broadsheets per se are better at keeping us informed than tabloids per se, not whether one particular paper is better than another.

[Stuart]

Actually, I personally buy that good old Tory tabloid the Evening Standard..

At weekends, usually the Mirror and the Times. Sometimes, the Guardian.

As for which keeps me informed of current affairs best. Well, I would have to say "The Times", and for local current affairs, the Evening Standard.

Originally Posted by scastle

Actually, I personally buy that good old Tory tabloid the Evening Standard..

At weekends, usually the Mirror and the Times. Sometimes, the Guardian.

As for which keeps me informed of current affairs best. Well, I would have to say "The Times", and for local current affairs, the Evening Standard.

Evening Standard = the Daily Mail, freed from the obligation to bother publishing news about the wretched provinces.

And I loathe the way the BBC refers to it so much in its own news coverage, as if the rest of us are meant to have seen a copy of it!

Originally Posted by Chris T

Evening Standard = the Daily Mail, freed from the obligation to bother publishing news about the wretched provinces.

A brilliant analysis although not strictly on topic?!

Originally Posted by andyl

A brilliant analysis although not strictly on topic?!

Sorry, just needed to get it off my chest. Now I'm living in Scotland it is more apparent to me than ever that BBC News has almost totally disappeared up its own metropolitan anus.

[TigaSefi]

The Evening Standard is a strange paper. It continually bashes Ken Livingstone on every single issue and never provides an alternative view. I like it though.

[Derek]

Originally Posted by andyl

But that's not the question I'm asking. I'm interested in whether people think broadsheets per se are better at keeping us informed than tabloids per se, not whether one particular paper is better than another.

I think the tabloids are better at covering a range of stories but the broadsheets are better for the more in-depth coverage. Overall I prefer the broadsheets but don't discount other papers for having a (IMO) populist outlook and catering for the lowest common denominator.

Personally I read the Herald as a paper and look at the Sun, Guardian and Times websites.

[ian@huth]

The only thing that really matters to a newspaper is circulation first with maybe political and personal agendas a secondary factor. Advertising is a major factor but is largely reliant on circulation. Provision of information is way down on the list of priorities unless it seriously affects the areas mentioned.

Originally Posted by andyl

But that's not the question I'm asking. I'm interested in whether people think broadsheets per se are better at keeping us informed than tabloids per se, not whether one particular paper is better than another.

The tabloids do a better job of informing people as they have a wider audience. But if you mean which papers best inform a reader then broadsheets usually have more facts, more in-depth reporting and less bias. Tabloids tend to spin there news and omit facts and do this as quickly and as concisly as possible. Although if someone simply gets there news from tabloids they can be very mis-informed

[punky]

Firstly, as someone mentioned, a headline isn't indicative of the paper as a whole. A headline is meant to grab attention, as it is something that is always read (as opposed to page 14), which is why papers like the Sun.

I'll read The Times quite happily, its a well-written paper, as is The Telegraph. No Littlejohn or Clarkson though, so I have to admit to be forced to buy The Sun on tuesdays, fridays and saturdays. I don't tend to rely on newspapers as my main source of information about current affairs, so I treat them more as entertainment, to give myself something interesting to read, so i'll read anything. Yes even the bloody Guardian if its free and I am bored enough.

For information about current affairs I mainly use the Internet and TV, with whatever paper I happen to be reading.

[orangebird]

Originally Posted by andyl

But that's not the question I'm asking. I'm interested in whether people think broadsheets per se are better at keeping us informed than tabloids per se, not whether one particular paper is better than another.

I still think it's not that easy, and it doesn't all boil down to an individuals intellect/education..(I think that (apart from the Daily Telegraphs cryptic crossword), the Sun has the most difficult crossword of all the dailies). Every one has a different style/preference on how they digest information. I have no time/patience to read the Telegraph during the week. So the tabloids (and TV news stations) keep me updated. However, on a sunday, I have the time to spread my broadsheet across my lounge floor, make a mess and read all the supplements. And I don't feel less informed, whichever paper I read.

[me283]

I read whatever paper takes catches my eye, or is nearby if I am out and about. I regularly read the Sun (Littlejohn is just excellent and Ally Ross is hilarious, Clarkson is... just Clarkson); I also read the News of the World. At the other extreme, I read the Times on Sunday and often the Independent; occasionally I will read the Mail (if somebody has it nearby) or the Telegraph (ditto).

I don't think any is "better" than the rest; all have strengths and weaknesses. Tabloids have poorer rugby coverage, but are always best for a quick read. The Times is great if you want a huge amount of in-depth info, but what if you don't? There is a difference between having "all" the facts, and "sufficient" facts.

But one thing does grate a little, and that is when people refer to "Sun readers" as if they are of a lower intelligence. My own IQ is (if I say so myself) extremely high, and I am quite capable of a thought process. The image of Sun readers as neanderthals with knuckles dragging on the ground is about as accurate as Times readers all wearing pin-stripe suits and bowler hats, or Guardian readers all wearing sandals!

We are what we are, not what we read. But back on-topic, I think a paper has to suit your needs. If you need a quick read with thinner coverage, then go tabloid; if you have more time and want bountiful information, go broadsheet.