Original title: THE CURSES ON MERKEL FROM MACEDONIA ARE FULFILLED – SHE IS VERY ILL
On 19 June, 2019, the web portal Magazin, has published a text titled: “THE CURSES ON MERKEL FROM MACEDONIA ARE FULFILLED – SHE IS VERY ILL “.
On 18 June, 2019, Magazin has published a an article with incorporated video, where Merkel has been shaking. This one was only one day before the media concluded that the chancellor is ill, and the Macedonian curses have fulfilled.
A speculation on the illness of the German chancellor is within the text.
Link to the article: Магазин
This news contains several elements of disinformation:
Clickbait
Speculation
Hate speech
Biased reporting
The title itself is a combination of all the elements. According to the Journalists code, the media have to nurse the culture of speech and ethics. In this case, we have noted inappropriate communication. The curses are not allowed within the professional journalistic reporting.
The media may not, within their articles, publish biased opinion, that is position, aiming at emotional reaction, i.e., manipulation of the public. Especially in cases when the health condition is about.
The title of “Magazin”, does not correspond with the text that is part of the content of this news. Within the title, the journalist concludes that the curses from Macedonia on Merkel have been fulfilled, and therefore she is very ill, which is not true at all. The curses are a hate speech which is inappropriate for professional media reporting.
The chancellor Merkel, after the very event that caused different speculations about her health, on a press conference, has stated that she was dehydrated and has prevented further sharing of disinformation on her health.
The media have to report professionally in accordance with the Journalists code. The public has to know the truth and may not be manipulated.
