A Comparative Study of the Accuracy of Quotation-Embedded Headlines in Chosun Ilbo and The New York Times from 1989 to 2009

Abstract

Journalism scholars have argued that South Korean newspapers take advantage of quotation-embedded headlines to perpetuate their bias. However, the frequent use of direct quotations alone is not sufficient evidence for opinionated news. This study claims that it is more important to scrutinize the accuracy of direct quotations in headlines rather than their frequency. This study further argues that the accuracy of direct quotations should be analyzed with three foci: the exactness of the quotation, the validity of the attribution, and the legitimacy of the emphasis. Using these, this study attempts to compare headlines in South Korean and American newspapers (i.e., Chosun Ilbo and The New York Times). A content analysis revealed that Chosun Ilbo prevalently placed direct quotations in headlines, extensively revised them, frequently left out the verb of attribution, and put more direct quotations in the very beginning of headlines. These trends are becoming more pronounced over time. This study seeks to challenge the methodological limitations of current headline studies and expanding newspaper accuracy literature with a particular emphasis on headlines.