checkbook journalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, journalistic, critical
Quick answer
What does “checkbook journalism” mean?
The practice of paying sources, especially celebrities or key figures, for exclusive interviews or information.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice of paying sources, especially celebrities or key figures, for exclusive interviews or information.
Journalism where payment is the primary means of acquiring stories, often criticized for compromising objectivity and creating a marketplace for sensational or exclusive information, potentially undermining journalistic ethics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily used in AmE due to the term 'checkbook.' In BrE, 'chequebook journalism' is the standard spelling.
Connotations
Equally negative and critical in both varieties.
Frequency
More common in AmE media discourse; BrE uses the term but may also employ related phrases like 'payment for stories.'
Grammar
How to Use “checkbook journalism” in a Sentence
N + of + N (the checkbook journalism of the tabloids)Adj + N (unethical checkbook journalism)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “checkbook journalism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The publication was accused of chequebook journalising.
American English
- They have been known to checkbook-journalize for a big scoop.
adverb
British English
- The story was acquired chequebook-journalistically.
American English
- They operated checkbook-journalistically.
adjective
British English
- It was a chequebook-journalism scandal.
American English
- He faced checkbook-journalism allegations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in media business contexts regarding the cost of acquiring exclusive content.
Academic
Analyzed in media ethics, journalism studies, and communication courses.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; used in discussions about media scandals or tabloid news.
Technical
A specific term within journalistic ethics and media criticism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “checkbook journalism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “checkbook journalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “checkbook journalism”
- Using it to describe any expensive journalism (it's specifically about paying sources).
- Spelling 'chequebook' in AmE contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not typically illegal, but it is widely considered unethical as it can lead to biased, sensationalized, or even fabricated reporting.
Checkbook journalism refers to paying the *source* of the information (e.g., a celebrity or insider). Paying a freelance journalist for their reporting work is standard practice and is not considered checkbook journalism.
Mainstream broadsheet newspapers generally have strict policies against paying sources for news, viewing it as an ethical breach. The practice is more associated with tabloids and certain entertainment outlets.
Yes, 'chequebook journalism' is the standard British English spelling, following the BrE spelling of 'cheque'.
The practice of paying sources, especially celebrities or key figures, for exclusive interviews or information.
Checkbook journalism is usually formal, journalistic, critical in register.
Checkbook journalism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃek.bʊk ˈdʒɜː.nə.lɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃek.bʊk ˈdʒɝː.nə.lɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Opened the checkbook”
- “checkbook war”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a journalist writing a CHECK from their CHECKbook to buy a story instead of finding it through hard work.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNALISM IS A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION (where news is a commodity to be purchased).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary criticism of checkbook journalism?