Journalism Types and Genres

Journalism is a multifaceted profession dedicated to the collection, verification, and distribution of information. Depending on the subject matter, the method of delivery, or the philosophical approach of the reporter, journalism can be categorized into various branches and genres. From the high-stakes world of political reporting to the niche focus of agricultural news, these distinctions help define how information is consumed by the public.

Key Facts

Coverage Areas define what is being reported (e.g., sports, science, or business).
Genres define how the story is told or the intent behind the reporting (e.g., investigative or advocacy).
Modern Technology has introduced new forms like drone, sensor, and database journalism.
Objectivity varies across genres, with some styles (like Gonzo or Opinion journalism) explicitly rejecting it.

Branches of Journalism by Area of Coverage

The branches of journalism are primarily categorized by the specific field or industry they cover. This specialization allows journalists to develop deep expertise in their respective domains.

Industry and Economy

Business Journalism: Tracks and analyzes economic changes within a society.
Trade Journalism: Focuses on specific movements and developments within the business world.
Agricultural Journalism: Reports on farming and the food industry.
Food Journalism: Covers current events and trends related to food consumption.

Science, Health, and Environment

Science Journalism: Translates complex, jargon-heavy scientific data into a format accessible to the general public.
Medical Journalism: Disseminates health information through mainstream media and scientific journals.
Environmental Journalism: Reports on the non-human world and the ways humans interact with it.
Weather Forecasting: Uses meteorological science to predict and report atmospheric conditions.

Culture and Lifestyle

Arts Journalism: Provides reviews and commentary on literature, film, music, theater, and architecture.
Entertainment Journalism: An umbrella term covering the entertainment business and its participants.
Music Journalism: Focuses on media criticism and reporting on popular music styles.
Fashion Journalism: Covers all aspects of published fashion media.
Video Game Journalism: Dedicated to the reporting and discussion of video games.

Society and Governance

Political Journalism: Covers political science, civil governments, and the exercise of political power.
World News: Also known as international news or foreign coverage, focusing on global subjects and foreign countries.
Sports Journalism: Reports on sporting events and provides commentary.
Technology Journalism: Previews and reviews new technology for the public.
Traffic Reporting: Provides real-time updates on road conditions, accidents, and detours.

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Genres and Styles of Journalism

While branches focus on the subject, genres focus on the methodology, the medium, and the intent of the journalist.

Reporting Methodologies

Investigative Journalism: Uses undercover methods and hidden cameras to expose corporate wrongdoing, political corruption, or crime.
Watchdog Journalism: Monitors activities to protect society against illegal practices and inefficiency.
Analytic Journalism: Uses expert commentary to help the public make sense of complex situations.
Collaborative Journalism: Occurs when multiple independent reporters or organizations work together on a single story.

Philosophical and Subjective Approaches

Advocacy Journalism: Transparently adopts a non-objective viewpoint to promote a social or political cause.
Adversarial Journalism: Uses a combative style to reveal the wrongdoings of powerful figures.
Gonzo Journalism: A first-person narrative style where the reporter becomes part of the story, rejecting objectivity.
Opinion Journalism: Makes no claim of objectivity.
Peace Journalism: Aims to reduce the bias toward violence in news reporting.

Mediums and Technical Formats

Broadcast Journalism: News delivered via electrical methods (radio, TV) rather than print.
Online Journalism: Facts produced and distributed via the Internet.
Photojournalism: Uses images to tell a news story.
Visual Journalism: Strategically combines words and images to convey information.
Drone and Sensor Journalism: Use drones for footage or sensors to support journalistic inquiry.
Database Journalism: Presents news as structured data rather than traditional stories.

Community and Alternative Forms

Citizen Journalism: Also known as participatory or guerrilla journalism, where public citizens collect and report news.
Civic Journalism: A philosophy where reporters act as community members and problem-solvers rather than detached observers.
Community Journalism: Professional coverage focused on small towns or specific neighborhoods.
Non-profit Journalism (NPJ): Journalism practiced by not-for-profit organizations or think tanks.

Literary and Sensationalist Styles

Creative Nonfiction: Uses literary techniques to create factually accurate narratives.
Narrative Journalism: Focuses on the journalist's interpretation and portrayal of a story.
Comics Journalism: Uses comic strip or comic book formats to cover non-fiction events.
Tabloid Journalism: Light-hearted and entertaining writing.
Yellow Journalism: Sensationalism that emphasizes rumors or exaggerated claims.

Summary of Journalism Classifications

Comparison of Journalism Branches and Genres
Category	Primary Focus	Examples
Coverage Areas	Subject Matter	Medical, Political, Sports, Environmental
Methodological Genres	Research/Approach	Investigative, Watchdog, Analytic
Medium-Based Genres	Delivery Method	Broadcast, Online, Photojournalism
Perspective-Based Genres	Objectivity/Intent	Advocacy, Gonzo, Opinion, Peace

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between advocacy and adversarial journalism?

Advocacy journalism transparently adopts a non-objective viewpoint to support a specific social or political cause. Adversarial journalism uses a combative and oppositional style specifically to uncover wrongdoings by powerful actors.

How does citizen journalism differ from civic journalism?

Citizen journalism involves ordinary members of the public actively collecting and reporting news. Civic journalism is a professional philosophy where trained journalists engage with their community as active participants and problem-solvers rather than detached observers.

What is the goal of science journalism?

The goal of science journalism is to take detailed, specific, and jargon-heavy information produced by scientists and translate it into a form that non-scientists can understand and appreciate without losing accuracy.

What characterizes yellow journalism?

Yellow journalism, also known as sensationalism, is characterized by writing that emphasizes rumors or exaggerated claims to attract attention, often at the expense of factual accuracy.

What is the role of a "watchdog" journalist?

A watchdog journalist monitors the activities of various fields—often through investigative reporting—to protect society from illegal practices and inefficiency.