The Age VS The Herald Sun
Mrs. Clements’ post ‘Spineless’ has made apparent the commonly discussed competition between two of Australia’s biggest newspaper companies; the first being The Age, the second being The Herald Sun. Despite various political divergences between the two, some, including myself, believe that there is also a difference in the quality of content, appearance, appeal to the customer, and cost. However, in this article, I will focus mainly on the literary aspect.
I would also like to state that as I have an opinion already, this article will almost certainly be a biased account, so all those Herald Sun readers, please ignore this post.
It is increasingly obvious that the Age has a greater amount of content, as opposed to The Herald Sun whose pages are almost always filled with advertisements (this may seem like a hyperbole to some, but it’s true!). Most stories relate to either Big Brother scandals, the Biggest Loser, or some other worthless reality television show that takes up the majority of Channel Ten’s viewing time. Otherwise the journalists will have discovered some tragedy in the world, unveiled a perilous fraud or perhaps gotten a snap of someone in the worst possible circumstance. (For example, the ‘Cancer fraudster’ who was put into The Herald Sun eating some form of burger and a chocolate milkshake. Otherwise (in this same edition!), half of the newspaper will be filled with snapshots of judges surfing and skiing, as well as countless other hobbies. What The Herald Sun was trying to prove then, I am still unsure of…
Now is the perfect opportunity to juxtapose these scandalous acts with the noble writing of The Age journalists; Michelle Grattan with her evocative and inspirational political column, Michael Backman whose story opposed the Western media and its pro-Tibetan attitude, and accordingly was placed at the back of the BusinessDay. Okay, that’s one error, but in comparison to the foolish jabber produced by The Herald Sun, the fault of The Age is miniscule. And I haven’t even mentioned that marvellous little Odd Spot at the front page of The Age; What better way is there to jumpstart one’s morning than to have one extra bit of quirky information drifting through one thought to another? And whether its parody, satire or just plain good humour, the cartoonists (in particular Leunig) are unbeatable.
Sorry, I seem to be getting carried away. I know that there is so much more to write but I really must stop. I’d love to hear some opinions of other newspaper readers (of both sides of the argument!)…
By tyronec
April 25th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
I strongly believe that The Age is clearly a much more detailed newpaper than the Herald Sun. In my opinion, The Herald Sun is a newspaper which it’s articles only envisage the absolute ‘basics’ in everyday events. On the other hand, The Age gives intricate information and sufficient knowledge to educate people of the both harsh and pleasant realities of this world.
(As my comment is completely biased, supporters of the Herald Sun please do not feel sentimental in any particular way, and please show your absolute forgiveness in this matter. Thank you!)
April 27th, 2008 at 1:15 am
I am totally an exclusive supporter/reader of The Age, and have been since birth. Great article, and you didn’t even have to mention Andrew Bolt!
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I support your proposition to suppport the The Age and oppose the Herald Sun and its satirical slogan – (Australia’s No.1 Newspaper). Despite the fact that more readers read the Herald Sun, it is agreeable that The Age is for those with more literary and intellectual ability to comprehend traditional English. I agree that is preposterous and outrageous that such a newspaper would be accepted by the norm of Australian society. As you can see, I am a very enthusiastic The Age reader. A fantastic article, Tyrone!
May 5th, 2008 at 10:52 am
I find the Herald Sun provides an excellent comprehensive round up of daily entertainment news in its Confidential section.
Jonathan Cainer’s horoscopes are unmissable!
The Tuesday food section and Thursday’s HIT liftout are also must-reads.
I read the Herald Sun for lifestyle and recreational information and enjoy doing so.
May 8th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I think the Age is much better, while the Herald Sun is very colourful, the Age is more like a newspaper. I like the oddspot and other little things that make The Age much more like a newspaper.
But I do like reading the Sunday Herald comics.
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Yeah, I think Tyrone is right. And have you seen the different types of informative lift-outs in every edition of the Age. After I get my copy of the Age from Mr Prior’s office, I get people coming to me begging for the Green Guide (on Thursday’s). Others include Education, My Career etc. As you can see, The Age caters for people of all ages and types. As well as all these lift-outs, there is great content and… well, you know the rest!
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Ms Morris does have a point though, and the Herald Sun is better than many of the British tabloids I saw on the Literary-Debating Tour ‘05.
But what really annoys me is when it develops some sort of pretension to genuinely meaningful journalism. English media analysis (and the teachers) in higher year levels often sets you up to favour The Age’s editorials/articles, of course.
May 30th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I think the Age is much better and detailed newspaper eg on Thursdays you get a “green guide” where it has the tv from friday to Thursday and technolgy reviews in it as well.