5 forms of journalism: Which one is right for you?

Form and style are of utmost importance in journalism. The same news can be reported in different ways through various media platforms

Journalism and mass communication is important for the economic, social, political and cultural progress of the world at large. Broadly speaking, journalism and mass communication educate the masses about life, politics, culture and economy. Newspapers and magazines bring the news of the world to the doorstep. Radio programs update the listener at the workplace, in the car, in their home and everywhere. Television links video with audio during the regularly scheduled news broadcasts or at any time in the event of breaking news. Just one click on a website takes the browser across the world to download a story, a radio program, a song, or a video snippet of the latest motion picture. 

Form and style are of utmost importance in journalism. The same news can be reported in different ways through various media platforms. For instance, print media relies more on words and pictures, whereas the television news requires visuals or videos, the radio news is delivered in the form of sound and online news can present the news using everything – words, video, audio and photographs. The difference in reporting is because of the demand of the medium and the target audience. Every journalist uses different techniques and style for different purposes and audiences. Mentioned below are the five principal types of journalism.

What form of journalism are you interested in?

Investigative: Investigative journalism exposes the truth about a particular subject, person or event. It is based on the principle of verification and accurate presentation of facts. Due to the long procedure, a single case may take months, even years, to finish. In order to become an investigative journalist, one requires knowledge, persistence and patience.

News: News journalism is relatively simple. A typical news story constitutes a headline with a short explanation to inform the reader. News stories lack the depth of a feature story or the questioning approach of an investigative story. Rather, they rely on facts, events and information and present it to the society in a straightforward, accurate and unbiased manner.

Reviews: Reviews are partly opinion based and partly fact-based. Review stories should accurately describe or identify the subject being reviewed and provide an intelligent and informed opinion of the subject, based on research and experience.

Columns: Columns primarily reflect the personality of the author, allowing him or her to write about different subjects in a personal style. Column writers have the liberty to take a humorous approach or specialise in a particular subject area or topic. Columnists need to have their expression that is recognisable by the audience. They interpret events or issues or write about their own experiences and thoughts. Columns are usually published weekly.

Feature writing. Feature writing provides a proper understanding and analysis of trends, events, topics or people. Features extensively explore a topic by conducting interviews with numerous experts or the people involved. Feature writing also provides an insight into an unseen perspective on an event, issue, or person. Features usually have the highest word count of all journalism types and involves drawings, photographs or other forms of art.

UPES School of Modern Media for Journalism and Mass Communication

UPES School of Modern Media ensures students are ready for the dynamic media industry after graduation. The university extends a sturdy platform for the students to make a mark on the global media environment. UPES through its specialised programs such as BA and MA in Journalism and Mass Communication. The programs are designed to impart journalistic skills applicable in various mass media such as TV, Radio, Films, Digital Media and Advertising. It combines in-class theory with rigorous practical training through state-of-the-art equipment and labs supplemented with industry experience to encourage the best exposure a student can get.