Keyhole journalism, also known as tabloid journalism, is a type of reporting that focuses on sensationalized and scandalous stories, often at the expense of accuracy and fairness. The phonetic transcription of this word is ['kiːhəʊl ˈdʒɜːnəlɪzəm]. The stress is on the first syllable of "keyhole" and the second syllable of "journalism." The "key" sound in "keyhole" is pronounced like the letter "K." The "h" is silent, and the "e" in "hole" makes the long "o" sound.
Keyhole journalism is a term used to describe a particular type of journalism that focuses on invading privacy and exposing sensational or scandalous information about people, often without their consent. It refers to the practice of using unethical and controversial methods to gather information, such as eavesdropping, wiretapping, intrusive surveillance, or any other means that involve intruding into private spaces or conversations without proper authorization.
This type of journalism disregards ethical boundaries and prioritizes the pursuit of sensationalist stories over the privacy and dignity of individuals involved. It typically thrives on exposing personal, embarrassing, or compromising details about public figures or private citizens, often with little regard for the adverse consequences it may have on their lives or reputations.
The term "keyhole" in keyhole journalism metaphorically represents the act of peering through a keyhole into someone's private life without their knowledge or permission. It implies sneaky and invasive methods akin to spying on others in order to obtain information that would typically be considered private.
Keyhole journalism is often criticized for its deontological breaches and for sensationalizing personal matters for commercial gain. It is deemed unethical and detrimental to journalistic integrity, as it compromises the trust between reporters and the public. Consequently, keyhole journalism stands in stark contrast to the principles of balanced reporting and respect for personal privacy that are crucial for the credibility and reliability of journalism.
The term "keyhole journalism" is a metaphorical phrase that originated in the 19th century in reference to a specific form of sensationalistic and intrusive reporting.
The term "keyhole" refers to the small opening or peephole found in doors that allows one to observe the inside of a room or dwelling without being noticed. The use of this term in journalism reflects the idea of prying into private or intimate matters, much like peering through a keyhole.
In the context of journalism, "keyhole journalism" describes a reporting style that focuses on sensational or scandalous content, often obtained through invasion of personal privacy. It involves gathering information by eavesdropping, spying, or otherwise intruding into the private lives of individuals. This kind of journalism typically prioritizes sensational details rather than objective and ethical reporting.