The four main categories of journalism are news journalism, investigative reporting, feature journalism and opinion/analysis. The four broad categories of journalism are: news journalism, investigative reporting, feature reporting, and opinion/analysis.
General news reporting is a deadline-driven and succinct form of journalism that aims to inform the public objectively and quickly about the news. Investigative journalism digs deep into a topic or story to reveal something that was previously unknown or purposefully hidden. Both categories have been covered in previous articles. We will skip them for the moment.
There are many forms of journalism that we haven’t explored yet in this series. They adopt a wide range of styles and some appeal to certain audiences. This includes opinion/analysis and features. Sports reporting is often overlooked and is called “soft news”.
Let’s take a look at the five types of journalism that we have been neglecting in the meantime!
The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism provides a comprehensive, well-researched, practical introduction to journalism, including tips, techniques and explanations. It also includes real-world examples and advice. This digital guide will teach writers how to write a good news article, the skills needed to be a successful journalist, where to publish journalism, associations for journalism, etc. The Writer’s Digest Guide to Journalism offers aspiring journalists a wealth of resources that are both inspirational and practical.
Opinion Journalism
Opinion journalism allows you to “say your piece”, throw off the constraints of objectivity and present a convincing argument. You can express your opinion (within reason) about any current topic or issue that interests you, whether it’s politics, a new trend or a new policy. You can earn money for “telling the truth” if you write an interesting, factual piece and make it appealing. It is important to pitch your ideas as soon as possible.
Many journalists have made their mark by sharing their opinions and commentary on current events and news. A column is a regular piece that appears in a newspaper or magazine, whether it’s published weekly, daily or monthly. Not all columns express an opinion. They can also be about gardening, technology, business or journalism.
A good opinion piece, or a column, on a controversial subject requires some research to support the writer’s arguments with statistics and facts. Opinion journalism allows writers to choose their own topics. Opinion pieces may be submitted by experts in the field, by those who have a unique point of view, by freelancers with a connection to an issue, or even by generalists. Some people earn a living by writing opinion pieces and columns.
Travel Journalism
Travel journalists produce content about travel, tourism, and the travel industry. They may work for magazines, websites, or broadcast outlets. The formats can be how-tos, roundups (Best Beaches of the U.S.), essay format and longform features. The topics can be anything from travel trends to tourist locations. Travel journalists often specialize in one type of travel such as ecotourism, adventure travel or RVing. Some work for trade publications that focus on the tourism industry, business aspects and the people who work there, like cruise ship workers or hotel employees.
Many travel journalists are independent writers who pitch their story ideas to publications. These can be travel-specific magazines, websites or sections of general magazines. Some are fortunate enough to get hired as staff writers by prestigious publications, and they can write about travel full-time.
Traveling is the biggest benefit of being a travel writer. Imagine the exotic and interesting places you will get to see. For a story, you could try a terrifying zip line or go spelunking. Some freelancers are required to pay for their own travel and may not receive any reimbursement.
Photojournalism
Photojournalism, as a popular form journalism, uses images to tell stories and inform audiences. Often without any explanation text. As with all forms of journalism, a photojournalist is expected to adhere to basic standards such as truth, accuracy and objectivity. Photojournalists can be employed by a magazine or sell their work as a freelancer to many outlets.
A photojournalist’s goal is to not only capture a great photograph, but also to tell the truth. This is often horrifying. One image can tell the entire story. They are there, on the ground reporting through a camera. Some of the best-known photos are those that depict war. For example, the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of a 9-year old Vietnamese girl who is fleeing from a napalm attack. Officially titled, “The Terror of War”, but better known as “Napalm Girl.”
A powerful photograph can make an impression, capture history, win awards and even lead to tragedy. Photographers may be forced to witness traumatic or horrific scenes and then criticised for capturing them. The image “The Vulture with the Little Girl” (also known as “The Struggling Girl”) is one of the most harrowing images revealing the famine that has ravaged Sudan. The image shows a child starving in the foreground and a vulture hiding behind. The child, who turned out to have been a boy but did survive, was trying to get to a United Nations food center that was half a mile away.
Sports Journalism
Sports reporters are journalists. The subject matter may be soft, but journalistic principles and rules of truth and accuracy apply. Sports journalists must be trained in the same methods as us and possess excellent writing, research and interviewing skills if they are to succeed. This job requires excellent people skills, as they will be attending many sporting events.
Knowing the rules of the sports you are reporting on is also a plus. It was just two of us auditioning for a role as a sports reporter/presenter covering European soccer. When I was cold-commentating a match, I made a mistake and called a free kick as a penalty. I did not get the job. Maybe it’s for the best that I don’t understand offside rules.
Features Journalism
Also known as soft news, this type of journalism is centered on stories that are human interest, with a focus on entertaining, informing, and engaging audiences. Some features are serious and expose social issues. Others focus on human suffering. Features do not have a time limit, so can be about anything, including an individual or group of people. A story that is evergreen will remain relevant for years to come.
A feature is more in-depth than a typical news article, has a longer length and a different style and format. The focus of a feature is showing, rather than telling the story. The writer can use their creativity and practice storytelling skills by using techniques such as the extensive use of description.
If you are conducting a personal interview in someone’s house, you could describe the decor, the artwork on the wall, and the environment. These colorful details will draw the reader in, make the story come alive, and help to make the “main character” more relatable. Tom Wolfe, a journalist and author, once said that “the newspaper is bad for your prose style.” It’s because of this that I gravitated to feature stories, where there is more freedom in writing style.
Newspapers, magazines, and websites publish features on a wide range of subjects, from television veterinarians and flea market pickers to whiskey makers and psychics (these are only a few of the fascinating individuals I have had the privilege of interviewing for magazine and newspaper features).
