Conflict

Definition

Conflict refers to a disagreement or clash between opposing ideas, interests, or parties. In investigative reporting, conflict often serves as a driving force behind stories, revealing underlying issues and tensions that captivate public interest. It can manifest in various forms, such as personal disputes, social issues, political tensions, or systemic injustices, and is essential for engaging readers and maintaining their attention throughout a narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict can arise from various sources, such as competing interests, moral dilemmas, or societal issues, making it crucial for newsworthiness.
2. In long-form investigative pieces, conflict often serves as a central theme that drives the narrative and keeps readers engaged.
3. Conflicts can involve individuals, organizations, or communities, and understanding the stakes involved helps reporters present a balanced perspective.
4. Effective storytelling in journalism relies on highlighting conflict to provoke thought and encourage dialogue among readers.
5. Investigative reporters must be sensitive to how conflicts are framed and portrayed, as this can significantly impact public perception and response.

Review Questions

• How does conflict enhance the newsworthiness of a story in investigative reporting?
  • Conflict enhances the newsworthiness of a story by highlighting significant issues that resonate with the public. When opposing interests or stark disagreements arise, they can capture attention and evoke emotional responses. This tension can make a story more compelling and relevant to readers, encouraging them to engage with the content and reflect on its implications.
• In what ways can conflict be effectively structured within long-form investigative pieces to maintain reader engagement?
  • Effective structuring of conflict in long-form investigative pieces involves creating a dramatic arc that unfolds throughout the narrative. By introducing the conflict early on, building tension through development and supporting details, and culminating in a powerful climax or resolution, reporters can keep readers invested. Balancing different perspectives within the conflict also adds depth, allowing readers to appreciate the complexity of the issues at hand.
• Evaluate the ethical considerations journalists must keep in mind when reporting on conflicts within their stories.
  • When reporting on conflicts, journalists must carefully consider how they portray the involved parties and ensure balanced representation. This means avoiding sensationalism and striving for accuracy while being mindful of potential biases. Reporters should also think about the consequences their stories might have on those affected by the conflict. Ethical reporting requires sensitivity to the implications of framing conflicts in certain ways and prioritizing truthfulness over dramatization.

Related terms

Tension: A state of mental or emotional strain resulting from challenging circumstances or opposing forces.

Dramatic Arc: The structure of a story that outlines the progression of conflict, leading to a climax and resolution.

Narrative Conflict: A literary device used to create tension and interest by presenting characters with obstacles that must be overcome.