Logan Hayes
The breakfast test is a term used in newspaper journalism to describe the avoidance of publishing disturbing content that might make readers feel nauseous while eating. This includes graphic images, such as photographs of dead bodies, and explicit language. Editors must decide whether their content passes the breakfast test to avoid upsetting readers. However, some journalists argue that this practice is outdated, as it assumes that all readers are easily offended and that children commonly read newspapers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | "The breakfast test" is a term used in newspaper journalism to describe the avoidance of publishing disturbing content that might upset readers. |
| Examples | Photographs of dead bodies, racy language, graphic descriptions. |
| Considerations | Whether the content is necessary to make an important point; potential for reader complaints; potential impact on children. |
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What You'll Learn
The 'breakfast test' is a term used in journalism
"The breakfast test" is a term used in journalism to describe the avoidance of publishing disturbing content that might make readers feel nauseous while eating, such as graphic images or explicit language. Editors must decide whether certain content passes the breakfast test to maintain reader comfort. This involves considering the sensitivity of the audience and potentially censoring or modifying content to make it more palatable.
The breakfast test reflects a cautious approach to publishing sensitive material, aiming to prevent negative reactions from readers, particularly those who may have a more conservative outlook. It involves finding a balance between conveying important information and maintaining a level of modesty in the presentation. This may include using euphemisms, circumlocutions, or censorship to soften the impact of graphic details.
For instance, journalists might use phrases like "made her perform a sex act on him" instead of more explicit language in a crime story. The breakfast test also applies to visual content, such as photographs, that might be disturbing to readers. In practice, the breakfast test can be challenging for journalists as they must navigate between providing newsworthy content and respecting the sensibilities of their audience.
While some readers appreciate the consideration for their sensitivities, others may view it as unnecessary censorship or prissiness. Critics of the breakfast test argue that it is unrealistic to assume that all readers are easily offended or that children are regularly exposed to newspaper content. Nevertheless, the breakfast test remains a standard practice in journalism, influencing the presentation of news stories to maintain a level of decorum and reader comfort.
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It refers to publishing images/language that may upset readers
In newspaper journalism, the term "the breakfast test" refers to the practice of avoiding publishing disturbing images or explicit language that may upset readers as they eat their morning meal and read the newspaper. Editors must decide whether certain content passes the breakfast test, such as photographs of dead bodies, racy language, or graphic descriptions. The test is meant to maintain a level of modesty and consideration for readers' sensitivities, particularly to avoid complaints from readers who believe such content is inappropriate for impressionable children.
However, some journalists have expressed frustration with the breakfast test, arguing that it leads to unnecessary coyness and circumlocution in writing. They question the assumption that all readers are easily offended and suggest that certain graphic details may be necessary to convey important information or make a meaningful point.
The breakfast test reflects a broader societal debate about the appropriate level of explicitness in media and the potential impact on different audiences, especially children. While some advocate for modesty and caution, others argue for more freedom of expression and trust in readers' ability to handle mature content.
Ultimately, the breakfast test is a self-imposed standard in journalism that aims to balance the need for informative and impactful reporting with sensitivity to readers' comfort and preferences, particularly during mealtimes when explicit content may be particularly unwelcome. It is a dynamic and context-dependent standard that continues to evolve as societal norms and expectations change over time.
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Editors must decide if content passes the test
The "breakfast test" is a term used in newspaper journalism to describe the process of deciding whether to publish sensitive or graphic content that could be considered disturbing to readers. Editors play a crucial role in determining if specific content passes the breakfast test and can be published without causing undue distress to their audience. This involves carefully evaluating the nature of the content and considering potential reader reactions.
When it comes to publishing images, editors must exercise discretion. For instance, a photograph of a dead body could be disturbing to some readers and might not pass the breakfast test. Editors may consider factors such as the context of the image, the sensitivity of the accompanying article, and the potential impact on the audience. In some cases, editors might choose to publish such images with a warning or disclaimer, allowing readers to make an informed choice about whether to view the content.
Similarly, explicit or graphic language can also be a challenge for editors. Certain words or phrases might be considered inappropriate or offensive by some readers. Editors may need to modify the language, use euphemisms, or provide context to ensure the content aligns with the breakfast test. This includes considering the target audience and their expectations, as well as the potential impact on younger readers.
Racy or sensitive topics can be particularly tricky for editors. While some publications may have more lenient standards, others maintain stricter guidelines to avoid offending their readers. Editors must weigh the value of the content against the potential backlash and decide if it passes the breakfast test for their specific publication. This involves a delicate balance between journalistic freedom and responsibility towards the audience.
Ultimately, the decision-making process for editors revolves around maintaining a standard of decency and respect for their readers while also conveying important information. By applying the breakfast test, editors strive to ensure that their publications provide valuable content without causing undue discomfort or distress to their audience during what is traditionally considered a peaceful time of day.
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Circumlocutions are used to avoid graphic descriptions
"The breakfast test" is a term used in newspaper journalism to describe the avoidance of publishing language or images that might disturb readers as they eat their morning meal. This includes photographs of dead bodies, racy language, and graphic descriptions. Circumlocution is a figure of speech that involves using more words than necessary to express an idea, often in an indirect or roundabout way. It is a way of talking around a topic without stating it directly.
In the context of "the breakfast test," circumlocutions are used to avoid graphic descriptions of dead bodies and other disturbing content. For example, instead of saying "he's dead," a journalist might use the phrase "he's passed on," which conveys the same information in a softer, less direct manner. Circumlocutions can also take the form of dashes and asterisks to disguise words that may be considered too explicit or upsetting for a general audience.
Journalists might also use circumlocution to avoid explicit descriptions of violent or sexual acts, especially in crime stories. For instance, instead of stating that "she was fired," a journalist might write that "she's no longer with the company." This type of phrasing softens the impact of the statement and allows readers to fill in the gaps without using graphic or explicit language.
Additionally, circumlocution can be used to avoid offensive or taboo language. For example, saying "Old Nick" instead of the devil or using the phrase "the Scottish Play" instead of "Macbeth." This type of circumlocution is common in journalism to maintain a level of professionalism and avoid causing offence to readers.
In some cases, circumlocution can be used for comedic effect or to add nuance to the language. It can also be used to express abstract concepts or fill in vocabulary gaps. However, excessive use of circumlocution can confuse and annoy readers, as it may delay the dissemination of information or obscure the truth.
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Newspapers receive complaints when they let graphic content through
"The breakfast test" is a term used in newspaper journalism to describe the reluctance of editors to publish graphic or disturbing content that might make readers feel nauseous while eating—for example, a photograph of a dead body, racy language, or explicit descriptions. When such content is published, newspapers often receive complaints from readers who worry that the coarseness will negatively impact children.
The breakfast test is a controversial topic among journalists. Some journalists are tired of having to enforce modesty and use coy circumlocutions in their writing, disguising words that are commonly known. They argue that graphic language or images are sometimes necessary to make an important point. Others defend the breakfast test, claiming that it is important to maintain a level of sensitivity and avoid causing unnecessary distress to readers.
The breakfast test is not a hard-and-fast rule, and there are exceptions made for certain content. For example, in the Baltimore Sun article referenced earlier, the editorial staff allowed for some graphic language in an op-ed essay about the Maryland State Fair to make a point about the births of livestock. The article described a sow expelling "something that looked like a string of sausages," which was explained by an animal sciences student as the placentas.
While the breakfast test is a consideration for editors, it is not the only factor they weigh when deciding whether to publish sensitive content. Other factors, such as the newsworthiness of the story, the public interest, and the potential impact on the newspaper's reputation, also come into play. Ultimately, editors have to strike a balance between presenting the news accurately and sensitively, being mindful of the potential reactions of their readers.
The breakfast test reflects a broader societal debate about the role of media and its impact on audiences. While some argue for unrestricted freedom of the press, others believe that the media has a responsibility to self-censor and consider the potential consequences of exposing audiences, especially children, to graphic content. This debate is ongoing and reflects the complex nature of balancing free expression with the potential harm it may cause.
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Frequently asked questions
The breakfast test is a term used in newspaper journalism to identify the hesitation to publish language or images that might disturb readers while they eat breakfast.
Graphic images, such as photographs of a dead body, or explicit language and descriptions are some examples of content that might not pass the breakfast test.
Editors are responsible for deciding if content passes the breakfast test. They consider whether the inclusion of certain material is necessary to make an important point or if it is gratuitous.
