When it comes to news, there are many different types. There are hard news, soft news, ironic accounts, and stories that are purely intended to set or fit the news organization’s agenda. Let’s take a look at each of these types of news. Each type is important and has its own characteristics, and these can influence the way a piece is covered.
Hard news
Hard news refers to news that is very important to a large number of readers or viewers. This includes topics like international affairs, business, religion, and the courts. This type of news requires serious thought, and reporters should make sure to remain objective when reporting. For example, they should avoid overstating facts, and proofread their articles for any personal opinions.
Hard news tends to be more factual and time-sensitive than soft news. For instance, hard news stories tend to have tight deadlines. Soft news stories can be more subjective, and are more likely to be based on the individual’s experience or emotions.
Unplanned, naturally occurring events
In the news, there are often unplanned, naturally occurring events. The causes and effects of these events vary widely depending on their scope, size, and context. Large-scale events resulting in large numbers of casualties are relatively rare, but recent disasters have generated increased attention and focus on disaster preparedness and planning. The increasing number of events and the increasing vulnerability of companies to them have increased the importance of planning for these events.
Ironic account
An ironic account of news is a news story with a surprising twist. For example, an airplane pilot may be surprised to learn that his job is not glamorous or a PETA member may be surprised to learn that the organization is banning animal skin products. In either case, the news is ironic.
Stories that set or fit the news organisation’s own agenda
Stories that fit the news organisation’s agenda are those with a positive overtone or are deemed to be “good news”. Such stories may include breakthroughs, cures, and victories. Stories with negative overtones or conflict are known as “bad news”. The news organisation’s own agenda can be commercial, ideological, or a specific campaign.
Newspapers are most likely to have an agenda. This agenda will often be evident in mid-market titles, and the Mail and Express are cited more often than other titles. In some cases, an agenda may be so subtle that it requires an ethnographic study or interviews with journalists to identify it.