Hard soft news definition

In journalism, "hard news" and "soft news" refer to two different types of news stories, characterized by their tone, content, and audience appeal.

Hard News:

Hard news refers to factual, objective, and timely reports on significant events, often with a focus on politics, economics, crime, and disasters. These stories typically:

1. Report on events that have already occurred.
2. Focus on the facts, without interpretation or opinion.
3. Are written in a straightforward, concise style.
4. Are often time-sensitive, with a focus on breaking news.
5. Are intended for a broad audience, including those interested in current events.

Examples of hard news stories:

• A natural disaster, such as a hurricane or earthquake, and its aftermath.
• A political scandal or controversy.
• A major economic development, such as a stock market crash or a new trade agreement.
• A crime or law enforcement investigation.

Soft News:

Soft news, on the other hand, refers to more lighthearted, human-interest stories that focus on people, their experiences, and their emotions. These stories typically:

1. Explore the human side of a story, often with a focus on individuals or communities.
2. May include opinion, analysis, or interpretation.
3. Are written in a more conversational, engaging style.
4. May not be as time-sensitive as hard news.
5. Are often intended for a more general audience, including those interested in entertainment, lifestyle, or human interest stories.

Examples of soft news stories:

• A profile of a person who has overcome a challenge or achieved a remarkable feat.
• A feature on a local community event or festival.
• A human-interest story about a unique occupation or hobby.
• A lighthearted piece on a popular trend or cultural phenomenon.

It's worth noting that these distinctions are not always clear-cut, and many news stories can blend elements of both hard and soft news. Additionally, the lines between hard and soft news can blur over time, as news organizations adapt to changing audience preferences and technological advancements.