Glossary

11.4 Explanatory reporting winners

9 min read•august 21, 2024

Explanatory reporting emerged as a distinct form of journalism focused on clarifying complex issues for the public. It represents a shift towards providing context and understanding rather than just breaking news, aligning with broader goals of informing and educating readers.

The Pulitzer Prize category for explanatory reporting was established in 1985 to recognize excellence in explaining complex subjects. It honors journalists who illuminate significant topics, emphasizing the importance of making intricate issues accessible to a general audience.

Origins of explanatory reporting

  • Explanatory reporting emerged as a distinct form of journalism focused on clarifying complex issues for the public
  • Represents a shift in journalism towards providing context and understanding rather than just breaking news
  • Aligns with the broader goals of Literature of Journalism to inform and educate readers through in-depth analysis

Pulitzer Prize category introduction

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  • Established in 1985 to recognize excellence in explaining complex subjects
  • Honors journalists who illuminate significant and complex topics
  • Emphasizes the importance of making intricate issues accessible to a general audience
  • Encourages reporters to dive deep into subjects and provide comprehensive understanding

Historical context and need

  • Arose from growing complexity of global issues in late 20th century
  • Responded to public demand for more thorough explanations of events and phenomena
  • Filled gap between breaking news and long-form
  • Addressed information overload by providing curated, in-depth analysis of key topics

Characteristics of winning entries

  • Winning explanatory reporting pieces demonstrate exceptional and depth
  • Showcase ability to break down complex topics into understandable components
  • Reflect journalism's role in educating and informing the public on intricate subjects
  • Exemplify best practices in research, writing, and multimedia presentation

In-depth research techniques

  • Extensive use of primary sources and expert interviews
  • Comprehensive data analysis and fact-checking
  • Long-term immersion in subject matter
  • Cross-referencing multiple sources for and completeness
  • Utilization of academic research and scientific studies

Clear and accessible writing

  • Use of plain language to explain technical concepts
  • Structured narrative flow to guide readers through complex ideas
  • Avoidance of jargon without sacrificing accuracy
  • Incorporation of relatable examples and analogies
  • Effective use of subheadings and bullet points for readability

Complex topic simplification

  • Breaking down multifaceted issues into digestible components
  • Use of visual aids (infographics, charts) to illustrate complex data
  • Providing historical context to frame current events
  • Explaining cause-and-effect relationships clearly
  • Highlighting key points and takeaways for readers

Use of multimedia elements

  • Integration of interactive graphics and data visualizations
  • Incorporation of video explainers and animations
  • Use of audio elements (podcasts, sound bites) to enhance understanding
  • Photo essays and slideshows to illustrate concepts visually
  • Hyperlinks to additional resources for in-depth exploration

Notable explanatory reporting winners

  • Explanatory reporting winners have set benchmarks for excellence in journalism
  • Their works have significantly influenced public understanding of complex issues
  • Winning entries often tackle topics with far-reaching societal implications
  • These reports demonstrate the power of journalism to educate and inform

Early influential examples

  • 1988: Daniel Hertzberg and James B. Stewart of The Wall Street Journal for coverage of the stock market crash
  • 1993: Mike Toner of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for "When Bugs Fight Back" series on antibiotic resistance
  • 1999: Richard Read of The Oregonian for explaining the Asian economic crisis through a local business
  • Showcased innovative approaches to explaining complex economic and scientific concepts

Recent groundbreaking works

  • 2018: Staffs of The New York Times and The Washington Post for coverage of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election
  • 2020: Brian M. Rosenthal of The New York Times for exposing predatory practices in New York's taxi industry
  • 2022: Staff of Quanta Magazine for coverage of fundamental questions in science and mathematics
  • Demonstrated evolution of explanatory journalism in digital age and tackling contemporary issues

Impact on journalism field

  • Elevated importance of context and analysis in news reporting
  • Inspired new generation of journalists to specialize in explanatory techniques
  • Led to creation of specialized explanatory journalism units in major news organizations
  • Influenced journalism education curricula to emphasize explanatory skills
  • Demonstrated value of long-form, in-depth reporting in era of quick news cycles

Investigative vs explanatory reporting

  • Both investigative and explanatory reporting aim to inform the public on important issues
  • These forms of journalism often complement each other in comprehensive coverage
  • Understanding their differences and similarities enhances overall journalistic practice
  • Reflects broader trends in Literature of Journalism towards specialized reporting styles

Key differences in approach

  • Investigative reporting focuses on uncovering hidden information or wrongdoing
  • Explanatory reporting aims to clarify complex issues already in public domain
  • Investigative work often involves confrontational tactics with subjects
  • Explanatory pieces typically rely more on cooperation with experts and sources
  • Investigative reports frequently have adversarial tone towards power structures
  • Explanatory articles maintain more neutral stance while providing context

Overlap and complementary aspects

  • Both require extensive research and fact-checking
  • Can work in tandem to provide full picture of an issue
  • Explanatory pieces may follow up on investigative revelations
  • Both aim to increase public understanding and awareness
  • Share commitment to accuracy and depth in reporting
  • Often employ similar storytelling techniques to engage readers

Storytelling techniques in explanations

  • Effective explanatory reporting relies heavily on compelling storytelling
  • Narrative techniques help make complex information more engaging and memorable
  • Storytelling in explanatory journalism bridges gap between facts and understanding
  • Reflects broader trends in Literature of Journalism towards narrative-driven reporting

Narrative structures for clarity

  • Use of chronological order to explain historical developments
  • Employing cause-and-effect structures to illustrate relationships
  • Incorporating personal stories to humanize complex topics
  • Utilizing problem-solution frameworks to explain issues and potential resolutions
  • Implementing compare-and-contrast structures to highlight differences or similarities

Use of analogies and metaphors

  • Comparing complex concepts to everyday experiences
  • Using familiar objects or situations to explain abstract ideas
  • Crafting extended metaphors to guide readers through intricate topics
  • Employing analogies from different fields to provide fresh perspectives
  • Balancing metaphorical language with precise explanations for accuracy

Data visualization strategies

  • Creating infographics to summarize large amounts of data
  • Using interactive charts to allow readers to explore information
  • Implementing timelines to illustrate historical progressions or processes
  • Designing maps to explain geographical or spatial relationships
  • Utilizing flowcharts to break down complex systems or procedures

Ethical considerations

  • Explanatory journalism faces unique ethical challenges in presenting complex information
  • Maintaining journalistic integrity while simplifying intricate topics requires careful balance
  • Ethical considerations in explanatory reporting reflect broader issues in Literature of Journalism
  • Adherence to ethical standards ensures credibility and trust in explanatory pieces

Balancing depth vs accessibility

  • Ensuring simplification does not lead to oversimplification or inaccuracy
  • Determining appropriate level of detail for target audience
  • Maintaining scientific or technical accuracy while using lay terms
  • Providing context without overwhelming readers with excessive information
  • Deciding when to link to more in-depth resources for interested readers

Avoiding bias in explanations

  • Presenting multiple perspectives on controversial topics
  • Using neutral language when describing different viewpoints
  • Ensuring selection of experts and sources represents diverse opinions
  • Acknowledging limitations and uncertainties in current understanding
  • Separating factual explanations from editorial commentary or analysis

Transparency in sourcing

  • Clearly attributing information to specific sources
  • Explaining methodology used in data collection and analysis
  • Disclosing any potential conflicts of interest in reporting
  • Providing links or references to original studies or documents
  • Acknowledging when information is based on estimates or projections

Impact on public understanding

  • Explanatory reporting plays crucial role in informing and educating the public
  • Contributes to more informed citizenry and democratic participation
  • Demonstrates power of journalism to shape public discourse and policy
  • Aligns with core mission of Literature of Journalism to enlighten and engage readers

Policy changes from reports

  • Explanatory pieces on healthcare led to reforms in insurance practices
  • Reports on climate change influenced environmental regulations
  • Explanations of financial systems resulted in new consumer protection laws
  • Coverage of educational disparities prompted changes in school funding models
  • Reporting on technological issues shaped privacy and data protection policies

Increased awareness of issues

  • Explanatory journalism brought attention to previously overlooked topics
  • Helped public understand complex scientific concepts (gene editing, quantum computing)
  • Clarified intricate economic issues (global trade agreements, cryptocurrency)
  • Increased understanding of geopolitical conflicts and their historical contexts
  • Raised awareness of social issues (systemic racism, gender inequality)

Public education role

  • Serves as bridge between academic research and general public
  • Provides ongoing education on evolving topics (artificial intelligence, pandemic response)
  • Helps readers navigate complex systems (healthcare, tax codes)
  • Empowers citizens to make informed decisions on public issues
  • Contributes to overall scientific and cultural literacy of society

Digital age and explanatory journalism

  • Digital technologies have transformed how explanatory journalism is created and consumed
  • Online platforms offer new opportunities for interactive and multimedia explanations
  • Challenges traditional formats while expanding reach and engagement possibilities
  • Reflects broader changes in Literature of Journalism in response to digital media landscape

Interactive online presentations

  • Development of scrollytelling formats for immersive explanations
  • Creation of interactive data visualizations allowing user exploration
  • Use of 360-degree videos and virtual reality for explanatory experiences
  • Implementation of clickable elements to reveal additional layers of information
  • Integration of quizzes and polls to engage readers actively in learning process

Social media for explanations

  • Utilizing Twitter threads to break down complex topics
  • Creating Instagram stories and reels for visual explanations
  • Developing TikTok videos to reach younger audiences with brief explainers
  • Using Facebook Live for real-time Q&A sessions on complex issues
  • Leveraging LinkedIn articles for professional and industry-specific explanations

Adapting to short attention spans

  • Crafting concise yet informative explanations for mobile consumption
  • Implementing progressive disclosure techniques to layer information
  • Using eye-catching visuals and animations to maintain engagement
  • Creating modular content that can be consumed in short bursts
  • Employing storytelling techniques to make explanations more memorable

Challenges in explanatory reporting

  • Explanatory journalism faces unique obstacles in modern media landscape
  • Addressing these challenges is crucial for maintaining quality and relevance
  • Reflects broader issues facing Literature of Journalism in digital age
  • Overcoming these hurdles requires innovation in both content and business models

Funding for long-form journalism

  • Decline in traditional advertising revenue impacts resources for in-depth reporting
  • Exploring alternative funding models (subscriptions, grants, crowdfunding)
  • Balancing need for quick content with time-intensive explanatory pieces
  • Justifying investment in explanatory journalism amid pressure for viral content
  • Developing partnerships with educational institutions or think tanks for support

Maintaining audience engagement

  • Competing with abundance of quick, easily digestible content
  • Developing strategies to hook readers into longer, more complex pieces
  • Balancing depth of explanation with need to maintain reader interest
  • Utilizing multimedia and interactive elements to enhance engagement
  • Crafting compelling narratives around complex topics to sustain attention

Combating misinformation

  • Addressing spread of false or misleading explanations on social media
  • Developing fact-checking processes for complex, technical information
  • Educating readers on how to identify credible explanatory journalism
  • Responding rapidly to emerging misinformation with accurate explanations
  • Balancing need for quick responses with maintaining accuracy and depth

Future of explanatory journalism

  • Explanatory journalism continues to evolve with changing media landscape
  • Innovations in technology and storytelling promise new possibilities
  • Adapting to shifting reader expectations while maintaining core principles
  • Reflects ongoing transformation in Literature of Journalism field

Emerging technologies in reporting

  • Utilizing artificial intelligence for data analysis and pattern recognition
  • Implementing augmented reality for immersive explanatory experiences
  • Exploring blockchain for transparent sourcing and fact-checking
  • Developing natural language processing tools for simplifying complex texts
  • Leveraging machine learning for personalized explanatory content delivery

Evolving reader expectations

  • Demand for real-time updates and explanations of breaking events
  • Increasing preference for visual and interactive explanatory content
  • Growing interest in personalized explanations tailored to individual backgrounds
  • Expectation of multi-platform accessibility for explanatory pieces
  • Desire for participatory elements allowing readers to engage with explanations

Potential new formats

  • Development of explanatory content for voice-activated devices and smart speakers
  • Creation of gamified explanatory experiences for complex topics
  • Exploration of serialized explanatory content delivered through messaging apps
  • Integration of explanatory elements into virtual and augmented reality environments
  • Experimentation with AI-assisted customizable explanations adapting to reader queries

Key Terms to Review (16)

Accuracy: Accuracy in journalism refers to the obligation to report information that is correct, truthful, and precise. It involves not only the factual correctness of details but also the context in which they are presented, ensuring that audiences receive reliable and trustworthy information. This is essential in maintaining credibility and informing the public responsibly, connecting with practices like thorough fact-checking, dialogue, and various forms of reporting.
Clarity: Clarity refers to the quality of being easily understood, free from ambiguity, and clearly expressed. In the context of journalism, it emphasizes the importance of delivering information in a straightforward manner, allowing readers to grasp complex ideas without confusion. This principle is essential in both data visualization and explanatory reporting, where clear communication can significantly impact audience engagement and comprehension.
Contextualization: Contextualization refers to the process of placing information within its broader context to enhance understanding and relevance. It involves connecting specific details, events, or narratives to larger social, cultural, historical, or economic frameworks. This practice is essential for interpreting complex subjects and allows for a deeper appreciation of their significance and implications.
Data visualization: Data visualization is the graphical representation of information and data, using visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps to communicate complex data insights in an accessible way. It transforms raw data into visual formats that make it easier for people to see patterns, trends, and outliers, facilitating better understanding and informed decision-making.
David Fahrenthold: David Fahrenthold is a prominent American journalist known for his investigative reporting and explanatory journalism, particularly during his time at The Washington Post. He gained widespread recognition for his in-depth coverage of Donald Trump's charitable giving and the lack of transparency surrounding his donations. Fahrenthold's work highlights the importance of accountability in journalism, showcasing how investigative efforts can expose discrepancies in public figures' claims.
Ellen Barry: Ellen Barry is an accomplished journalist known for her insightful and in-depth reporting, particularly in her role as the former Moscow bureau chief for The New York Times. Her work often focuses on the complexities of Russia’s political landscape and societal issues, showcasing her ability to explain intricate topics to a wider audience. Through her explanatory reporting, she has been recognized for illuminating critical issues and providing context that enhances public understanding.
Inside the trump white house: Inside the Trump White House refers to the intricate workings, dynamics, and unique culture of the Trump administration during Donald Trump's presidency from 2017 to 2021. This term encompasses the decision-making processes, key players, and various controversies that defined this period, making it a critical focus for explanatory reporting winners who aimed to provide readers with deeper insights into how the administration operated.
Investigative Journalism: Investigative journalism is a form of journalism that seeks to uncover hidden information, often involving in-depth research and reporting on issues of public interest, corruption, or social injustices. This type of journalism plays a critical role in holding powerful entities accountable and informing the public about matters that may not be immediately visible or accessible.
Narrative storytelling: Narrative storytelling is the art of crafting a coherent and engaging story that conveys information or emotions through a structured sequence of events. It often employs techniques such as character development, plot progression, and vivid descriptions to immerse the audience in the experience. In journalism, this approach helps create a deeper connection with readers, providing context and insight into complex issues, which is particularly valuable in slow journalism and explanatory reporting.
National Headliner Award: The National Headliner Award is a prestigious honor presented annually to recognize excellence in journalism across various categories, including print, broadcast, and online media. It celebrates exceptional reporting, compelling storytelling, and the impact that journalism has on society, showcasing the best practices and achievements of journalists in the United States.
Panama Papers: The Panama Papers refer to a massive leak of 11.5 million documents from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca in 2016, exposing how wealthy individuals and public officials used offshore tax shelters to hide assets and evade taxes. This unprecedented data leak highlighted issues of financial secrecy, corruption, and the global network of tax havens, sparking investigations and reforms in various countries.
Public interest reporting: Public interest reporting refers to journalism that aims to inform the public about issues that affect their well-being, rights, and overall quality of life. This type of reporting seeks to hold power accountable, reveal injustices, and provide necessary information for citizens to make informed decisions. It often highlights stories that may be overlooked or marginalized by mainstream media, focusing on the greater good rather than sensationalism.
Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Journalism: The Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Journalism is awarded to journalists who provide in-depth reporting that enhances the understanding of complex issues, particularly those that require thorough investigation and analysis. This award recognizes work that simplifies difficult subjects for the public, showcasing the impact of journalism in bringing clarity to significant societal matters, such as those seen in Iraq War reporting and the contributions of explanatory reporting winners.
The Pentagon Papers: The Pentagon Papers were a classified government report detailing the United States' political and military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1967. Their release in 1971 by The New York Times exposed the discrepancies between the government's public statements and its private actions regarding the Vietnam War, significantly impacting public opinion and trust in the government.
The water crisis in Flint: The water crisis in Flint refers to the public health emergency that began in 2014 when the drinking water source for Flint, Michigan was switched to the Flint River, leading to lead contamination and serious health risks for residents. This crisis highlighted failures in governance, infrastructure, and accountability, sparking widespread media coverage and investigative reporting.
Transparency: Transparency in journalism refers to the openness and accountability of the reporting process, ensuring that the sources, methods, and motivations behind a story are clear to the audience. It builds trust between journalists and the public, as it allows readers to understand how information is gathered and reported, thereby enhancing the credibility of the news.
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