Hard news meaning
In journalism, "hard news" refers to factual, objective, and timely reports on significant events, often with a focus on the who, what, when, where, and why of a story. Hard news typically involves reporting on:
- Breaking news: sudden, unexpected events that require immediate coverage, such as natural disasters, accidents, or political crises.
- Serious or significant events: stories that have a substantial impact on society, politics, or the economy, such as wars, elections, or major policy changes.
- Investigative reporting: in-depth investigations into wrongdoing, corruption, or other important issues that require thorough research and analysis.
Characteristics of hard news:
- Objectivity: Hard news reporting strives to be impartial and unbiased, presenting facts without emotional or sensationalist language.
- Timeliness: Hard news stories are often time-sensitive, requiring quick reporting and updates to keep readers informed.
- Fact-based: Hard news relies on verifiable facts, quotes, and evidence to support the story.
- Serious tone: Hard news reporting typically adopts a serious and professional tone, avoiding sensationalism or emotional appeals.
Examples of hard news stories:
- A natural disaster, such as a hurricane or earthquake, and its aftermath.
- A major political scandal or corruption investigation.
- A significant economic event, such as a stock market crash or a major company's bankruptcy.
- A major crime or terrorist attack, and the subsequent investigation and response.
- A significant scientific breakthrough or discovery.
In contrast, "soft news" refers to more lighthearted or human-interest stories, such as entertainment news, lifestyle features, or profiles of individuals.