The Differences between Malaysia's Leading Newspapers
Differences between the Star newspaper and the New Straits Times
The Star and The New Straits Times are two of Malaysia’s most read English-language daily and Sunday newspapers.
Having given the task to observe and analyze both newspapers for a week; from the 15th of March till the 21st of March 2010, many similarities as well as differences were spotted.
From the aspect of the content and objective of the papers, ownership plays a major role in determining what materials are included in the publications. The Star newspaper acts as a medium to spread political opinions and ideologies of the MCA (its owner) besides highlighting issues in relation to the said party. For example, ‘MCA plans SME one stop centre’ that was printed on the 16th of March 2010 highlights issues concerning the party. Often, The Star portrays the MCA in a positive light with pictures visualising them giving aid to victims of theft and abuse thus, prioritizing the image of the political party over other relevant newsworthy articles.
The New Straits Times on the other hand acts as the mouthpiece of the government due to its UMNO ownership hence articles are written from a perspective that glorifies the said party. ‘Middle Malaysia is mere rhetoric and sloganeering’ (Prime News, News Straits Times, 17thMarch 2010) is a clear example on how the paper undermine other political parties to highlight their own cause. In this context, the report emphasized the Prime Minister’s (who happens to be the UMNO president) opinion that he disagrees with the concept calling it as a new take on the failed ‘Malaysian Malaysia’ concept. This shows that the paper acts as a medium to spread government opinions.
The similarities observed were in terms of both papers being pro-government as both are owned by parties under the government coalition party; Barisan Nasional (BN). Thus, both The Star and New Straits Times practices hegemony in reporting news to persuade and maintain the government’s rule and power
The Star and The New Straits Times are two of Malaysia’s most read English-language daily and Sunday newspapers.
Having given the task to observe and analyze both newspapers for a week; from the 15th of March till the 21st of March 2010, many similarities as well as differences were spotted.
From the aspect of the content and objective of the papers, ownership plays a major role in determining what materials are included in the publications. The Star newspaper acts as a medium to spread political opinions and ideologies of the MCA (its owner) besides highlighting issues in relation to the said party. For example, ‘MCA plans SME one stop centre’ that was printed on the 16th of March 2010 highlights issues concerning the party. Often, The Star portrays the MCA in a positive light with pictures visualising them giving aid to victims of theft and abuse thus, prioritizing the image of the political party over other relevant newsworthy articles.
The New Straits Times on the other hand acts as the mouthpiece of the government due to its UMNO ownership hence articles are written from a perspective that glorifies the said party. ‘Middle Malaysia is mere rhetoric and sloganeering’ (Prime News, News Straits Times, 17thMarch 2010) is a clear example on how the paper undermine other political parties to highlight their own cause. In this context, the report emphasized the Prime Minister’s (who happens to be the UMNO president) opinion that he disagrees with the concept calling it as a new take on the failed ‘Malaysian Malaysia’ concept. This shows that the paper acts as a medium to spread government opinions.
The similarities observed were in terms of both papers being pro-government as both are owned by parties under the government coalition party; Barisan Nasional (BN). Thus, both The Star and New Straits Times practices hegemony in reporting news to persuade and maintain the government’s rule and power
References: 1. New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad, 2010, New Straits Times, online, retrieved on the 30th of March 2010 from http://www.nstp.com.my/Corporate/nstp/products/productSub.htm 2