What Are The Different Characteristics and Functions Of Journalistic Writing?

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This article intends to provide what Journalistic Writing really is. It provides an understanding of its characteristics. Besides this, it highlights the major functions of Journalistic Writing too.

Writing is a tool that helps in communicating with people. The press media communicates with people through Journalistic Writing. Journalistic Writing aims to provide knowledge about society. It provides information about the country and the world at large. This writing comprises both short and long stories. It provides awareness of what has happened. It provides information on what is happening as well.

What is Journalistic Writing?

Journalistic Writing is the art of presenting both the latest and old news. This news is also published in the newspapers. They are presented on television. They're also presented on the internet and radio. It is easy to detect. For example, reading a book and a newspaper is different. The sentences in a book contain complex meanings. This is because they are longer. The paragraphs in the books are also very long. But they are subjective. Besides this, they're supported by the theories. Newspapers don’t contain any of these. Newspaper writing comprises short sentences. The paragraphs are also concise. The information is more on the objective side of things.

How Does Journalistic Writing Grab The Reader’s Attention?

Stories in the newspaper contain a structure. This structure is easy to pinpoint. The bold headlines depict something significant. These bold lines grab the attention of a reader. Details of the bold line are also under it. These details describe the actual case.

What Are the Different Forms of Journalistic Writing?

Journalistic Writing has various forms. The common forms are as follows;

  • Science Journalism.
  • Celebrity, or People Journalism.
  • Gonzo Journalism.
  • Opinion Journalism.
  • Investigative Journalism.
  • Ambush Journalism.
  • New Journalism.

What Makes Journalistic Writing Different From The Other Writing Types?

The basis of Journalistic Writing is fiction. The basis of other forms of writing is non-fiction. Other forms of writing include both subjective and objective aspects. But the prime importance is for subjective aspects. Journalists have to follow an objective stance while writing stories. They're based on research processes and recording events. They're also based on interviewing people. They may report the information in a meaningful manner. This aspect of "Objectivism" makes Journalistic Writing different from the other writing types.

What Are the Characteristics of Journalistic Writing?

Journalistic Writing possesses specific characteristics. Some of them are as follows;

  • Precision

Journalistic Writing must not use difficult words. It must not include abbreviations either. It’s written in a precise manner to provide knowledge on a topic.

  • Factual Data

The basis of information in Journalistic Writing is factual data. The use of facts and evidence provide meaning to the data reported.

  • Fairness and Balance.

The information used in Journalistic Writing should present true and fair facts. The information is not written against a particular person and group. It needs proper balancing and information additions.

  • Objectivity at all times

Journalistic Writing relies on the “Objectivism” aspect of reporting. Journalists have to follow the objective aspect while writing stories.

  • Brevity and Simplicity

According to a dissertation help firm, Journalistic Writing aims to provide awareness to the people in objective terms. For this, it is specific and to the point (brevity). It’s written in a simple language.

  • Inverted Pyramid.

Journalistic Writing’s written in descending order. It’s written according to the information’s worth.

What Are The Functions of Journalistic Writing?

Journalistic Writing has some major functions. These functions are as follows;

  • Advertising.
  • Interpretation of news.
  • Opinion for Motives.
  • Information.
  • Education.
  • News.
  • Guidance.
  • Awareness.
  • Entertainment

Which Statements Must Be Avoided in Journalistic Writing?

Journalists should avoid the inclusion of their personal beliefs. They should not write what they think or feel. They must use the opinions of others. Then they should interpret them in a meaningful way. Journalists must avoid the use of adverbs. Writing should not use adjectives either. They should add opinions on the Journalistic Writing aspect instead.

Which Common Mistakes Should Be Avoided During Journalistic Writing?

Journalists are also Humans. “To Err is to Human, to edit is Divine”. Journalists should avoid the following mistakes during Journalistic Writing;

  • Use of wrong spellings (name, place, and objects). Carefully write the spellings.
  • Bullet points are not used in the story.
  • Journalists should avoid the use of inappropriate images.
  • The use of vague concepts in the stories must be avoided. Before writing, clarify the concepts of the story.
  • Use of wrong idioms in the story.
  • Use of unclear pronouns in the story.
  • Submitting the stories before proofreading them.
  • Excessive grammatical mistakes.

Why Do Journalists Refer Journalistic Writing?

Journalists are often required to refer to their stories. Their reports and articles do not need a reference. The reason is that people want such news to entertain themselves. They want to know the exciting scenarios that are happening around them. They're considered boring storytellers if they fail to refer. For this reason, journalists refer to their stories.

What Is The Significance Of Journalistic Writing?

Through Journalistic Writing, people get information about the surrounding happenings. The information may be about local or national events too. The information is also based on international events. In the absence of Journalistic Writing, people will be unaware of the happenings. So journalists, through their writing skills, provide awareness to the people.

Conclusion

Journalistic Writing aims to provide knowledge about society. It provides information about the country and the world at large. The characteristics of Journalistic Writing are usually based on precision. They comprise fairness and balance. They value factual and objective data. Besides this, they value simplicity and brevity. They rely on an inverted pyramid. Their function is to provide information and its interpretation. They have to exhibit awareness and guidance. They should also provide entertainment to the people.

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