New journalism

Definition

New journalism is a style of journalism that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by the incorporation of literary techniques and a focus on subjective experience. This approach allows journalists to tell stories with a narrative flair, using immersive detail and emotional depth to engage readers, thus blurring the lines between fact and fiction in reporting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New journalism gained prominence through writers like Tom Wolfe and Hunter S. Thompson, who used detailed descriptions and personal observations to create vivid narratives.
2. This style often includes techniques such as scene-setting, dialogue, and character development, which are typically associated with fiction writing.
3. New journalism challenges the traditional objectivity of journalism by emphasizing the author's perspective and emotional involvement in the story.
4. The movement was partly a response to the social upheaval of the 1960s, as journalists sought to capture the complexity of human experience during turbulent times.
5. It has influenced various forms of media beyond print journalism, including documentaries, podcasts, and television storytelling.

Review Questions

• How does new journalism differ from traditional journalism in terms of storytelling techniques?
  • New journalism differs from traditional journalism by incorporating literary techniques such as scene-setting, character development, and dialogue. While traditional journalism typically focuses on delivering facts in a straightforward manner, new journalism aims to engage readers emotionally by immersing them in narratives that reflect subjective experiences. This approach allows for a deeper connection between the reader and the story being told.
• What role did cultural and social changes in the 1960s play in the development of new journalism?
  • Cultural and social changes in the 1960s played a significant role in the development of new journalism as journalists sought to reflect the complexities of a rapidly changing society. The era was marked by movements such as civil rights, anti-war protests, and counterculture, prompting writers to explore these themes through more immersive storytelling. This shift allowed journalists to capture not just events but also the emotional landscape of the time, leading to a richer narrative form that resonated with readers.
• Evaluate the impact of new journalism on contemporary media practices and how it has shaped reader expectations.
  • New journalism has significantly impacted contemporary media practices by setting higher standards for narrative depth and emotional engagement. As audiences have become accustomed to storytelling that blends facts with literary elements, there is an increasing expectation for journalists to provide not only information but also context and human experience. This evolution has led to more dynamic forms of reporting across various media platforms, prompting journalists to innovate continually while balancing factual integrity with compelling narratives.

Related terms

Literary Journalism: A form of journalism that combines factual reporting with literary techniques, emphasizing narrative structure and character development.

Gonzo Journalism: A style of journalism that blends facts with fiction and involves the reporter becoming a part of the story, often using a first-person perspective.

Feature Writing: A style of journalism that focuses on telling stories in a more narrative form, often exploring themes, characters, and setting in greater depth than traditional news reporting.