Analysis Of Tone and Perspective Review Of The Standard Newspaper
TONE
The tone of The Standard newspaper is predominantly critical and investigative, particularly in its coverage of corruption and governance issues. It adopts a somber and urgent tone when reporting on systemic failures, such as graft in county governments, while shifting to a more neutral and informative tone for education and sports stories. The paper’s tone reflects a mix of frustration with leadership and optimism in areas like youth empowerment and national achievements.
TRACK
The newspaper tracks a range of issues, with a strong focus on accountability in devolution, public finance mismanagement, and human rights abuses. It also covers social and developmental topics, such as education reforms, infrastructure projects, and health crises, balancing hard news with cultural and sports updates. The consistent emphasis on corruption suggests a commitment to holding power to account while keeping readers informed on broader national interests.
FRAMING
The Standard frames corruption as a central threat to Kenya’s development, portraying county governments as failing citizens despite devolution’s promises. Stories like the abandoned expressway and power restoration are framed as examples of systemic inefficiency, while sports and cultural events are framed as sources of national pride. The editorial framing often positions the government as either negligent or reactive, contrasting with civil society and international actors like Doctors Without Borders.
EDITORIAL AGENDA
The editorial agenda prioritizes exposing corruption, advocating for transparency, and demanding accountability from leaders, as seen in the repeated coverage of graft cases. It also promotes education, youth empowerment, and national unity through stories on teacher promotions and sports victories. The agenda reflects a push for systemic reform while celebrating Kenya’s cultural and athletic achievements.
CONCLUSION
The Standard serves as a watchdog, relentlessly highlighting governance failures and their impact on ordinary citizens. While its critical tone dominates political and economic reporting, it balances this with uplifting stories on education, sports, and culture. Ultimately, the paper’s agenda underscores the need for accountability while fostering a sense of national identity and progress.