Mass Media: Journalistic Genres and Structures

Mass Media

Journalistic Genres

The journalistic genre is divided into two main categories:

• News: Includes reporting, features, interviews, and reviews.
• Opinion: Includes columns, letters to the editor, editorials, and critiques.

News

News should be a factual account that generates public interest. It must be accurate, timely, and concise, meeting specific criteria to be considered news. It has a three-part structure:

• Headline: (Includes the main heading, title, and subtitle)
• Lead: Answers the six key questions: What happened? Who was involved? When did it happen? Where did it happen? How did it happen? Why did it happen?
• Body: (Uses an inverted pyramid structure)

Feature

Combines elements of news and interviews. Its structure is extended to cover a relevant event in detail. Feature writing involves extensive research by the journalist and discusses the chosen issue at length.

Interview

The objective is to gather information. Interviews can be categorized as informational, opinion-based, or profile-focused. It is structured in a question-and-answer format.

Editorial

This is the genre through which a publication (newspaper, magazine) expresses its views on specific current events. It usually appears in a fixed section and is typically unsigned, as the company is responsible for the publication.

Column

A fixed space in a publication, usually written by a journalist, but sometimes by a specialist like a doctor or an athlete. A column is typically intended to present viewpoints on a story and may express an opinion different from the editorial.

Types of Columns

• Author Column: Usually identified by the journalist's name (sometimes with a photo). These columns aim to create a sense of connection between the author and reader through familiarity and the frequency of their commentary.
• Topic Column: In this case, multiple columnists contribute their opinions on a specific subject. The topic can be sports, international news, health, or even cooking.

Letters to the Editor

This section presents public opinion on specific events. It is the space that the newspaper provides for citizens to express their views.

Review

An expert in a particular field provides reviews on topics that require specialized knowledge.