Chicha press
The chicha press is a popular style of largely sensationalist journalism that first emerged in the Wechua Nation around the founding of the first Wechua Kingdom in 1657 AN. The name comes from a popular drink called chicha, similar in taste to kombucha, but closer to beer in alcohol by volume. This word also came to be used by some in the Wechua Nation to describe the culture of poor and working class Wechua that were migrating to the cities of Parap and Rimarima after the end of the Wechua Sorrow and the Great Restoration. The chicha press is characterized for excessive use of gore, vulgar or derogatory language, partial nudity, gossip, and Wechua slang.
Since its beginnings in 1657 AN, the chicha press has grown into a large and significant media market around Micras. After the Wechua Nation and Alduria formed a Federation (now Nouvelle Alexandrie) in 1685 AN with the word now widely used around Micras to refer to tabloid journalism. Some notable tabloid publications include the National Inquisitor, El Vocero, the National Daily Express; among many others. With internet use growing in Nouvelle Alexandrie and beyond, the chicha press has found its way to online and blogging platforms, seeking to target youth and higher-income consumers with news, fashion, art, and entertainment.
History
The start of tabloid journalism in Micras cannot be pinpointed to a specific moment or place, but sensationalist journalism has formed a part of propaganda efforts, nation-building, and publishing since time immemorial. The chicha press, in particular, is significantly influenced by the Alexandrian, Hammish, and Caputian media landscapes and traditions, which were rife with significant tabloid journalism markets with outlets then known as "scandal sheets". Scandal sheets first appeared in Geneva, Alexandria around 1498 AN, with the first one and most prominent being Le Carnet Noir. Le Carnet Noir rose to prominence as a muckraker publications, often publishing stories of corruption, fraud, and moral failure of many public servants and nobles that would go on to be reported and confirmed in larger outlets. Other scandal sheets in Alexandria came to specialize in printing malicious society gossip, selling positive mentions in its pages, and collecting suppression fees to keep stories unpublished. Hamland began developing its own version, influenced by its ally Alexandria, around 1542 AN, when new publications started rising in New Kirrie to report on politics, sports, and entertainment. In both Hamland and Alexandria, many scandal sheets would rise quickly as short-lived attempts to blackmail and terrorize public figures, celebrities, and political leaders, often funded by individual rivals or rival interest groups. In Hamland, the National Crime Gazette and the No True Hammish scandal sheets became the top two, dominating the country's tabloid market.
It was through its neighbor Hamland, which later became Caputia after the Hammish Civil War, that the first Wechua encounter with the "scandal sheets" was made. When the Wechua Nation was founded, subscriptions of both the National Crime Gazette and No True Hammish were quite high among many Wechua households. These popular scandal sheets soon inspired Wechua publications to rise for the first time in 1657 AN, when Ajá! (a Martino expression akin to saying "Got ya!" or "Caught ya!") first rose to prominence. The Wechua tabloid journals that followed started forming around many different subjects such as crime, corruption, entertainment, gossip, and fashion. These were usually 4- or 8-page cheap papers specializing in the lurid and profane, sometimes used to grind political, ideological, or personal axes, sometimes to make money (because "scandal sells"), and sometimes for extortion. An example of one was the short-lived Con Las Bolas Al Aire (Martino for "With Your Balls In The Air", a common expression among the Wechua noting that someone has exposed themselves publicly in a particularly shameless way[1]), written by a puritanical and devout Intian journalist named Ezequiel Chancha, who was outraged by the vice and corruption he observed in Rimarima. Con Las Bolas Al Aire regularly published accusations of drunkenness, debauchery, and corruption against prominent citizens and public officials. Chancha was convicted of criminal libel in one instance, but his scandal sheet may have contributed to several politicians losing their posts or being arrested by Wechua authorities. After Chancha claimed in 1674 AN that the Inkap Rantin Kayara Mayhuasca Soncco had arranged for assassins to kill him, a law was promptly promulgated by the Sapa Wechua Manco Capac establishing that any judge could order a publication to stop publishing and cease operations. The law was never applied on any publication, but it did help spark the Wechua Spring in 1661 AN.
Following the collapse of the first Wechua kingdom, the collapse of the nation into the anarchy of the Green initiated the Wechua Sorrow. Many of these publications ceased operations or were taken over by regional and local warlords, serving propaganda to the masses to ensure their regional controls. After the return of the Sapa Wechua and Great Restoration, the constitutional reforms that were enacted eliminated the 1674 AN publication suppression law and instituted strong protections around speech, assembly, the written word, and the arts; leading to a cultural renaissance in the Wechua Nation. This led to the proliferation of different publications ranging from dailies to monthlies that were targeted at the large influx of poor and working class rural Wechua that moved to Parap and Rimarima seeking opportunity and a better life, known as "the chicha migrants". Many of these publications began to embrace the sensationalism and vindictiveness that characterized some of the more prominent first Wechua kingdom publications as a way to quickly build a readership and be profitable advertising platforms in the second Wechua kingdom.
Under the second Wechua Kingdom, the chicha press earned its nickname, growing into a defining and significant media market that had reached almost every single urban Wechua household and at least 75% of rural and remote Wechua households. This made them particularly effective and lucrative marketing and advertising platforms, developing significant influence because of its wide reach. After the Republic of Alduria and the Wechua Nation decided to form the Federation of Alduria-Wechua in 1685 AN, the chicha press expanded dramatically as the federation grew. By the time Alduria-Wechua became Nouvelle Alexandrie in 1693 AN, the large multi-continental federation had given the chicha press significant fuel for growth and reach, making it one of the largest media markets of the country. With internet use growing in Nouvelle Alexandrie since 1693 AN, the chicha press has found its way to online and blogging platforms, seeking to target youth and higher-income consumers with news, fashion, art, and entertainment. This has also further expanded the reach of the chicha press to international markets, especially the markets of allied Raspur Pact nations.
In 1698 AN, the chicha press landscape was disrupted with the rise in popularity of gossip magazines and magazines aimed at teenagers, sold through supermarkets and across the National Tampu System. These became prominent because of their prominent placement along supermarket checkout lines, reaching the growing New Alexandrian middle class. The early 1700s were also characterized by the rise of celebrity-centered magazines, starting with the short-lived and chaotic XTina Magazine by Christina Aguilar, which suspiciously folded after four especially controversial issues that were widely suppressed in Constancia and many other nations.
Throughout its history, the chicha press has often brought down the ire of many different political pressure groups and other activists to implement stronger libel, slander, and journalistic protections in Nouvelle Alexandrie. The chicha press is characterized as often inaccurate at best, or at worst, flat out lie about people or situations.
List of tabloid newspapers in Nouvelle Alexandrie
- National Inquisitor - A leading tabloid known for its aggressive investigative journalism, often blurring the lines between truth and sensationalism. It thrives on uncovering political scandals, celebrity indiscretions, and controversial government activities, earning both acclaim and criticism for its bold reporting style.
- El Vocero – Gains notoriety for its graphic coverage of crime scenes and detailed reports on violent crimes, offering an unflinching look into the darker aspects of society. Its focus on "crónica roja" has made it a controversial yet indispensable read for those wanting to stay informed about public safety issues.
- National Daily Express – This tabloid grabs attention with its provocative covers, often featuring celebrities in compromising situations or scandalous attire. Its blend of entertainment news, gossip, and sensationalist reporting makes it a staple among readers looking for escapism, despite frequent backlash from conservative groups.
- Federal News Service - Styled as a more traditional news outlet but with a penchant for tabloid sensationalism, the FNS covers a wide range of topics, including national politics, economy, and international affairs, all with a dramatic flair that caters to its readers' appetite for the extraordinary.
- Farándula - Dedicated to the world of showbiz and celebrity culture, Farándula offers an insider's view into the glitz and glamour, as well as the scandals and secrets, of Nouvelle Alexandrie's entertainment industry, making it a favorite among fans of cinema, music, and television.
- Bella - Focuses on celebrity fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, offering readers exclusive tips, interviews, and photo spreads. Bella is celebrated for its high-quality content that not only covers the latest trends but also delves into personal stories of style and success.
- Escándalo! - Lives up to its name by delivering the most shocking and sensational celebrity news. Its pages are filled with tales of secret affairs, betrayals, and dramatic breakdowns, making it a guilty pleasure for those who love to dive into the tumultuous lives of the stars.
- Primer Impacto – Specializes in the unexplained and the mysterious, from UFO sightings and alien encounters to deep dives into conspiracy theories shaking the foundations of people's beliefs (or not!). Its investigative pieces often tread the line between reality and speculation, captivating a wide audience interested in the paranormal.
- Ajá! - Known for its witty commentary and sharp critiques, Ajá! focuses on political satire, poking fun at Nouvelle Alexandrie's political figures and policies with an irreverent tone that resonates with a politically savvy readership.
- El Matadero - Offers a gritty look into the underbelly of urban life, covering stories of gang violence, drug trafficking, and urban decay. Its raw, unfiltered approach to journalism sheds light on the issues often overlooked by mainstream media, though not without controversy.
- Muchachita - Targets young women with content that spans fashion, beauty, entertainment, and real-life advice. Its empowering message and focus on self-confidence have made it a beloved publication among its readership, influencing young women's perceptions of beauty and success.
- Exposé - Stands as a beacon for those fascinated by the darker side of society, blending true crime exposés with high-profile scandals and cultural commentary. It peels back the layers on notorious crimes, offers in-depth analysis of unfolding scandals, and provides a platform for stories that challenge, shock, and intrigue its readers.
- XTina Magazine - Created by pop icon Christina Aguilar, XTina Magazine offered a mix of music, fashion, and lifestyle content, tailored to the interests of her fans. Though its publication was brief, its impact was significant, leaving a lasting impression on pop culture journalism.
- Le Carnet Noir – Offers a voyeuristic glance into the opulent and secluded world of Nouvelle Alexandrie's aristocracy and high society. Its pages are filled with elegant soirées, clandestine affairs, and the subtle power plays of the elite, wrapped in a veneer of sophistication and allure.
- Golazo Weekly – Stands as the premier source for all things football in Nouvelle Alexandrie, from thrilling match analysis to scandalous off-pitch dramas involving the country's most beloved athletes. Its comprehensive coverage and exclusive stories make it a must-read for sports enthusiasts.
- Celestial Secrets – Delves into the mystical, providing Nouvelle Alexandrie's star-obsessed audience with astrological forecasts for celebrities, alongside features on spiritual practices and how the cosmos purportedly influences the fate of the rich and famous. It's where astrology meets celebrity culture in a unique blend of insight and speculation.
- Paparazzi Patrol – Earns its reputation through relentless pursuit of celebrity scoops, employing an army of photographers and insiders to capture stars in their most vulnerable moments. Its sensational, often controversial, content keeps readers hooked on the latest gossip and scandals.
- The Mysteries Left To Solve... – Captivates the imagination with investigations into Nouvelle Alexandrie's enduring enigmas, from unsolved crimes to historical mysteries that have puzzled experts for decades. Each issue promises a journey into the unknown, thrilling readers with tales of mystery and adventure.
- The Political Enquirer – Revels in the shadowy corners of Nouvelle Alexandrie's political landscape, where rumors, conspiracies, and secret dealings intersect. With a flair for the dramatic, it offers speculative takes on political maneuvers, potential scandals, and the personal lives of politicians, often blurring the line between fact and fiction.
- Gourmet Gossip – Marries the world of haute cuisine with the scandalous undertones of the food industry, reporting on the latest trends, controversies, and gossip surrounding celebrity chefs, exclusive eateries, and culinary events. It's where fine dining meets sensational stories, served with a side of intrigue.
