TYPES OF NEWS STORIES

From online journalism to print media, journalism is divided into two different categories:
Broad categories of new stories
1. Hard news
Includes; politics and business. Hard news journalism refers to breaking news and up-to-the-
minute news about serious, timely, or hard-hitting topics that are timely and urgent, usually
based on facts and rigorous research. Political journalism, business journalism, and watchdog
journalism are forms of hard news.
2. Soft news
Primarily focuses on entertainment. Soft news journalism focuses on lifestyle and
entertainment and typically revolves around culture, art, and human interest events. Soft news
includes sports journalism, entertainment journalism, and celebrity coverage.

TYPES OF NEWS STORIES

1. Business News stories: Business news aims to keep readers and viewers up-to-date on the
trends and changes in the business world. It can cover many different topics, including stock
trading, economic policy, business mergers, and technological advances.
2. Entertainment news: Entertainment news covers various topics, including celebrities, film,
music, festivals, and awards ceremonies. This form of journalism also includes profiling
celebrities, actors, and musicians.
3. Investigative news stories: Investigative reporters’ goal is to shine a light on a particular
topic or injustice. The biggest investigative stories stir public debate, inform politics, and shape
history—like investigative journalist John Allan Namu.
5. Opinion journalism: Opinion journalism is a field that showcases the writer’s opinion rather
than solely reporting new data or events. Most opinion journalism pieces center on a particular
subject, which the journalist discusses either briefly or at length before providing their opinion
on the matter. Advice columns, op-eds, reviews, and letters from the editor all fall under the
umbrella of opinion journalism.
6. Photojournalism: Rather than using words to tell a story, photojournalism is the art of taking
pictures to tell news stories—whether it’s a shot of a burning building, a melting glacier, or a
group of people in a warzone. Photojournalism shoots can either be candid, heat-of-the-
moment reporting, or can occur under calmer circumstances, where the journalist documents
action like daily life or environmental changes.
7. Political journalism: Political journalism keeps the readership informed of the political
happenings in a particular area—whether local government, national government, or
international policy.
8. Sports journalism: Sports journalism covers sports-related topics, including coverage of
games and discussion of players and strategy, and profiles that spotlight specific players,
coaches, or teams.
9. Watchdog journalism: Watchdog news aims to protect society from illegal activities or
corruption, especially within their governments or economic structures. Watchdog journalists
monitor the actions of particular organizations—from governments to political campaigns to
large corporations—to ensure that illegal activities are not occurring. If they discover
corruption, watchdog journalists will report the findings immediately to hold the organization
responsible.