Editorial journalism and the JBS scandal in Brazil: a comparative study of Folha de S. Paulo and O Estado de S. Paulo editorials

ABSTRACT:

This article examines the editorial positions held by two mainstream Brazilian newspapers -Folha de S. PauloandO Estado de S. Paulo- regarding the scandal involving the former president, Michel Temer and the businessman, Joesley Batista. We examine 103 editorials published between May and September 2017. The period begins the day after the scandal arose to the end of the term of the then Attorney General, Rodrigo Janot. Quantitative and qualitative content analysis indicates differences in how the two newspapers addressed the scandal: while FSP insisted on distrusting Temer’s behavior, OESP criticized the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office. Both news outlets, however, agreed that the economic agenda had to be protected. This conclusion demonstrates the relevance of editorials for characterizing newspaper companies as players in the political game.

Keywords:
Editorial journalism; Political journalism; Editorials; Political scandals; Michel Temer; JBS