Bertilda Rwegasira*
This paper presents parts of the findings of the research titled: Exploring sensationalism in media coverage of parliament sessions in Tanzania: A comparative study of Habari Leo and Mwananchi newspapers. The main goal was to examine how and to what extent the two serious newspapers fall in sensational reporting. The paper is guided by the framing theory to examine sensational elements in the coverage of news in HabariLeo and Mwananchi newspapers during parliament sessions in June 2022. The purposive sampling technique was used to sample 60 copies (30 copies each) from HabariLeo and Mwananchi newspapers from 1st to 30th June 2022. Unit of analysis were photos, graphics, font size, and the use of colours. Content analysis was used to collect and analyse data and the findings were presented in words, tables, charts, and graphs based on the aforementioned goal of examining how the two serious newspapers can accommodate sensational elements. The study found that sensational elements were mainly on front-page headlines, the use of colours, and language style. On the extent of sensational elements accommodated in HabariLeo and Mwananchi, the study found high levels and low levels of sensationalism in both newspapers. The study recommends that the application of sensationalism should not be entertained in serious news for credible and responsible journalism.
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Journal of Mass Communication & Journalism received 205 citations as per Google Scholar report
