13.1 Overview of publication venues for narrative journalism
3 min read•august 9, 2024
Narrative journalists have a variety of publication options. From traditional to digital-only platforms, there's a wide range of venues for storytelling. Each outlet offers unique opportunities and challenges for writers looking to share their work.
The media landscape is constantly evolving. While mainstream organizations still dominate, independent and alternative media are growing. This shift creates new possibilities for journalists to find their niche and reach audiences in innovative ways.
Print Publications
Traditional Print Newspapers and Magazines
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- Print newspapers provide daily or weekly news coverage to local and national audiences
- Major national newspapers (, ) reach millions of readers
- focus on community news and events for specific cities or regions
- offer in-depth articles and features on various topics
- Weekly news magazines (, ) summarize major world events
- Monthly magazines often focus on specific interests or demographics
Literary and Niche Publications
- publish creative nonfiction, short stories, and poetry
- Renowned literary magazines (, ) launch careers of new writers
- cater to specific interests or industries
- serve professionals in particular fields (advertising, healthcare)
- cover hobbies, lifestyle topics, or cultural niches
- publish scholarly articles and research in specific disciplines
Digital Platforms
Online News and Magazine Outlets
- offer digital versions of print content or online-only material
- Major newspapers maintain robust websites with breaking news and multimedia
- optimize content for web browsers and mobile devices
- Online-only news sites (, ) produce original reporting and analysis
- Many print publications now have "digital-first" strategies prioritizing online content
- Paywalls and subscription models help fund quality journalism in the digital space
Longform and Multimedia Platforms
- publish in-depth articles and narrative journalism
- Sites like and The specialize in long-form storytelling
- integrate text, images, audio, and video
- uses web technologies to create immersive experiences
- and audio stories reach audiences through streaming platforms
- adapts narrative techniques for visual mediums
Social Media and Emerging Digital Formats
- allow journalists to share stories and engage with audiences
- serves as a real-time news source and platform for breaking stories
- and enable visual storytelling and reach younger demographics
- delivered via email provide curated content to subscribers
- Digital-native formats like combine text and visuals for web consumption
- Virtual and offer new possibilities for immersive journalism
Media Landscape
Mainstream Media Organizations
- Large media conglomerates own multiple outlets across print, broadcast, and digital
- Major television networks (, , ) produce news content for TV and online
- Cable news channels (, ) offer 24/7 coverage and commentary
- Wire services (, ) distribute news to other media outlets
- Public broadcasting (, ) provides non-commercial news and educational content
- Mainstream outlets often have significant resources but face accusations of bias
Independent and Alternative Media
- operate without corporate ownership or influence
- in cities offer local news and cultural coverage
- Nonprofit news organizations (, ) focus on investigative journalism
- Citizen journalism allows individuals to report and share news through blogs and social media
- Independent documentary filmmakers produce long-form visual journalism
- Small, specialized publications serve niche audiences overlooked by mainstream media
Key Terms to Review (48)
Abc: ABC refers to the basic framework and categories through which narrative journalism is often organized and published. This structure helps define how stories are presented and understood by the audience, influencing the overall impact and reach of narrative journalism in various publication venues.
Academic Journals: Academic journals are periodical publications that contain scholarly articles written by researchers and experts in a specific field. These journals serve as a platform for the dissemination of original research, critical reviews, and theoretical discussions, allowing for the exchange of ideas and advancements in knowledge within the academic community.
Alternative weeklies: Alternative weeklies are local publications that typically focus on a range of subjects including news, arts, culture, and entertainment, often with a more progressive or unconventional slant compared to mainstream newspapers. These publications cater to specific communities or interests, providing unique perspectives on local events, often featuring investigative reporting and personal narratives that might not be covered in traditional media outlets.
Associated Press: The Associated Press (AP) is a not-for-profit news cooperative that provides accurate and reliable news reporting to its members, which include newspapers, radio and television stations, and online platforms. It plays a significant role in the landscape of narrative journalism by supplying news organizations with unbiased information and stories that can be further developed into comprehensive narratives, thereby influencing how stories are told across various media outlets.
Atavist: An atavist is a term that refers to someone who embodies traits or behaviors that are reminiscent of an earlier stage in human evolution or society. In narrative journalism, this concept can illustrate how certain characters or individuals revert to more primitive instincts or behaviors, offering insights into the complexity of human nature and societal influences.
Augmented reality: Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes digital content and information onto the real world, enhancing the user's perception of their environment. This blending of virtual and real elements creates immersive experiences that can be utilized in various storytelling formats, allowing for innovative narrative techniques and interactive engagement. AR can transform traditional narratives by integrating multimedia components that enhance storytelling depth and emotional connection.
CBS: CBS, or Columbia Broadcasting System, is a major American television and radio network known for its significant contributions to narrative journalism. As a platform, CBS provides a venue for storytelling through news reports, documentaries, and feature pieces that blend factual reporting with compelling narratives, illustrating the power of media in shaping public understanding and awareness.
Cnn: CNN, or Cable News Network, is a prominent American news channel founded in 1980, recognized for its 24-hour news coverage and as a pioneer in the field of televised news. It has played a significant role in the evolution of narrative journalism by combining live reporting with in-depth storytelling techniques that highlight human experiences within larger news events.
Digital magazines: Digital magazines are electronic publications that can be accessed online, often featuring a mix of text, images, and multimedia content. They provide a platform for narrative journalism that is accessible on various devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers, allowing for dynamic storytelling techniques that enhance reader engagement and interaction.
Digital-first strategies: Digital-first strategies refer to approaches that prioritize online platforms and digital content delivery as the primary means of communication and engagement. This concept emphasizes creating, distributing, and promoting narratives primarily through digital channels, reflecting the shift in audience consumption habits towards online media. These strategies leverage technology to reach wider audiences, enhance interactivity, and adapt storytelling methods to fit various digital formats.
Fox News: Fox News is a prominent American cable news channel that was founded in 1996, known for its conservative political commentary and coverage. It has established itself as a major player in the media landscape, influencing public opinion and political discourse, particularly among conservative audiences. The network offers a mix of news programming, opinion shows, and commentary that often reflects right-leaning perspectives.
Granta: Granta is a prestigious literary magazine based in the United Kingdom, known for its focus on narrative journalism, fiction, and memoir. The magazine has gained a reputation for publishing high-quality writing and often features personal stories, immersive reporting, and thought-provoking essays, making it a significant venue for writers seeking to share compelling narratives with a wider audience.
Huffington Post: The Huffington Post is an online news and blog platform that combines news aggregation with original content, known for its diverse range of voices and perspectives. Launched in 2005, it became a significant player in digital journalism by offering a platform for narrative journalism alongside traditional news reporting, helping to shape discussions on various social, political, and cultural issues.
Independent media outlets: Independent media outlets are news organizations that operate without direct control or influence from government or corporate entities, allowing them to provide unbiased reporting and diverse perspectives. These outlets often serve as essential platforms for investigative journalism and storytelling that may challenge mainstream narratives, contributing to a more informed public discourse.
Instagram: Instagram is a popular social media platform focused on sharing photos and videos, allowing users to create a visual narrative through their posts. It enables users to connect with a broad audience, engage with followers, and share their stories in a dynamic, visually-driven way. Instagram has transformed how narratives are told, particularly in the context of journalism, by offering new venues for publication and influencing how stories are presented and consumed.
Interactive storytelling: Interactive storytelling is a narrative technique that allows the audience to actively participate in the story, influencing its direction and outcome through their choices and actions. This approach creates a more immersive experience, as it combines traditional storytelling elements with interactivity, often utilizing digital platforms and technologies to enhance engagement and user involvement.
Literary magazines: Literary magazines are periodicals that publish literary works, including fiction, poetry, essays, and reviews. These publications often serve as important platforms for emerging and established writers to share their work, fostering a community of literature enthusiasts and promoting narrative journalism as a significant art form.
Local newspapers: Local newspapers are publications that focus on news and events within a specific geographic area, often providing in-depth coverage of community issues, local government, and regional culture. They serve as a vital source of information for residents and play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and awareness.
Longform platforms: Longform platforms are digital or print venues specifically designed to showcase extended pieces of narrative journalism, allowing for in-depth storytelling that goes beyond traditional article lengths. These platforms provide a space for immersive narratives that engage readers through rich detail and comprehensive exploration of topics, often including multimedia elements to enhance the storytelling experience.
Longreads: Longreads are in-depth narrative pieces that typically exceed 1,500 words, focusing on storytelling, character development, and immersive detail to engage readers. They offer a comprehensive exploration of a subject, allowing writers to delve into the complexities of a topic while providing readers with a rich, fulfilling experience. This format has gained traction in both historical and contemporary narrative journalism as it allows for greater depth and nuance in reporting.
Mainstream media organizations: Mainstream media organizations are established news outlets that have widespread reach and significant influence, often providing coverage of current events, politics, culture, and society through various platforms such as television, radio, newspapers, and digital channels. These organizations typically adhere to journalistic standards and ethics, playing a vital role in shaping public discourse and informing the general population.
Multimedia platforms: Multimedia platforms refer to digital environments that integrate various forms of content such as text, audio, images, and video to create engaging storytelling experiences. These platforms enhance narrative journalism by allowing storytellers to combine traditional writing with interactive elements, making stories more immersive and accessible to diverse audiences.
NBC: NBC stands for National Broadcasting Company, which is a major American television network. Established in 1926, NBC is known for its wide range of programming, including news, sports, and entertainment shows, making it one of the premier venues for narrative journalism. Its influence on storytelling is significant, as it has historically shaped public discourse through its news coverage and special reports.
New York Times: The New York Times is a prestigious American newspaper known for its comprehensive coverage of national and international news, opinion pieces, and in-depth reporting. It has a significant impact on the field of narrative journalism, serving as a primary venue for storytelling that combines facts with engaging narratives, shaping public opinion and discourse.
Newsletters: Newsletters are periodic publications that deliver information, updates, and narratives on specific topics or themes directly to a targeted audience. They serve as a vital tool for engaging readers by providing curated content, personal stories, and insights that resonate with the interests of the subscriber base, making them an important venue for narrative journalism.
Newsweek: Newsweek is a prominent American weekly news magazine that provides in-depth coverage of current events, politics, and culture. Founded in 1933, it has been a key player in the realm of journalism, offering narrative-driven articles that blend factual reporting with storytelling elements, thereby enhancing reader engagement and understanding.
Niche publications: Niche publications are specialized media outlets that focus on specific subjects, interests, or demographics, offering targeted content to a defined audience. These publications play a crucial role in narrative journalism by providing in-depth storytelling that may not be covered by mainstream media, catering to readers with particular interests and needs.
NPR: NPR, or National Public Radio, is a non-profit media organization in the United States that produces and distributes news and cultural programming. It plays a crucial role in narrative journalism by providing in-depth reporting and storytelling that often highlights underrepresented voices and complex issues in society. NPR's commitment to high-quality journalism makes it a significant venue for narrative pieces that aim to engage audiences through compelling storytelling.
Online publications: Online publications refer to digital platforms that publish written content, including articles, essays, and narratives, available for reading on the internet. These publications have transformed the way narrative journalism is distributed and consumed, offering a wide array of formats such as blogs, online magazines, and news websites that often encourage reader interaction and engagement.
PBS: PBS, or Public Broadcasting Service, is a non-profit public broadcaster in the United States that offers a variety of educational and informative programming. It plays a crucial role in providing high-quality narrative journalism and storytelling through documentaries, news programs, and cultural shows, contributing to the public's understanding of complex issues.
Podcasts: Podcasts are digital audio programs available for streaming or download, typically organized in episodes and often centered around specific topics or themes. They have become a popular medium for storytelling and narrative journalism, allowing creators to engage with audiences through in-depth discussions, interviews, and compelling narratives. Podcasts can provide an intimate listening experience and often combine personal anecdotes with broader societal issues, making them an influential platform in contemporary journalism.
Print magazines: Print magazines are periodical publications that consist of articles, photographs, and illustrations, typically produced on paper and distributed physically. They serve as a key medium for narrative journalism, allowing for in-depth storytelling, feature articles, and visually engaging content that often captures a specific audience or interest group.
Print newspapers: Print newspapers are physical publications that provide news, features, and advertisements to the public, typically on a daily or weekly basis. These newspapers serve as a traditional medium for storytelling, presenting narratives on current events and topics of interest, while also reflecting the culture and society of the time. They play a crucial role in the dissemination of information, allowing readers to engage with various narratives that can inform, entertain, and provoke thought.
ProPublica: ProPublica is a non-profit investigative journalism organization that focuses on producing in-depth and impactful reporting on important issues affecting society. Founded in 2007, ProPublica aims to hold powerful institutions accountable and promote transparency through its rigorous fact-based stories, often highlighting underreported topics. The organization has set a benchmark for narrative journalism by combining storytelling with investigative reporting, making it a prominent player in contemporary media.
Reuters: Reuters is a global news organization that provides up-to-date information and reports on various topics, including business, politics, and current events. It is recognized for its commitment to factual reporting and neutrality, making it a trusted source for media outlets and businesses around the world.
Scrollytelling: Scrollytelling is a digital storytelling technique that combines scrolling with narrative elements, allowing users to experience a story as they scroll down a webpage. This interactive format enhances engagement by integrating text, images, and multimedia, creating a seamless flow of information and emotion. By utilizing scrolling as a means of navigation, scrollytelling adapts narratives to the web environment, making stories more accessible and appealing to modern readers.
Social media platforms: Social media platforms are online tools that facilitate the creation and sharing of content among users. They enable communication and interaction through various formats, such as text, images, and videos, and have transformed how individuals and organizations engage with audiences, disseminate information, and tell stories. These platforms have become essential for modern narrative journalism and have influenced contemporary storytelling methods.
Special interest magazines: Special interest magazines are publications that cater to specific interests, hobbies, or professions of a particular audience. These magazines focus on niche subjects, providing in-depth articles, features, and insights that resonate with their targeted readers, often creating a strong sense of community among enthusiasts of those topics.
The Marshall Project: The Marshall Project is a nonprofit journalism organization focused on issues related to the criminal justice system in the United States. It aims to create more informed public discourse around these issues through in-depth reporting, analysis, and storytelling. By producing narratives that highlight systemic problems, The Marshall Project seeks to drive change and promote accountability in law enforcement and the judicial system.
The Paris Review: The Paris Review is a prestigious literary magazine founded in 1953 that is known for its commitment to showcasing new writing, including fiction, poetry, and interviews with authors. It has become an important venue for narrative journalism, providing a platform for both established and emerging writers to explore complex narratives and engage with contemporary themes. The magazine is particularly recognized for its in-depth interviews, which reveal insights into the creative process of renowned authors.
TikTok: TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create, share, and discover short videos, typically set to music or audio clips. This app has revolutionized the way narratives are told by encouraging creativity through brevity, enabling users to express ideas and stories in engaging formats. Its rapid growth and popularity have made it a significant player in digital storytelling, influencing how narrative journalism is presented and consumed.
Time: Time in the context of narrative journalism refers to the temporal dimension that shapes storytelling, impacting how narratives are structured and experienced by readers. It involves not only the chronological sequence of events but also the pace, duration, and timing of unfolding stories. Understanding time is crucial for journalists as it influences narrative flow, tension, and emotional engagement with the audience.
Trade magazines: Trade magazines are specialized publications aimed at professionals in specific industries, providing news, trends, insights, and resources relevant to their field. They play a significant role in narrative journalism by serving as platforms for storytelling that resonates with a particular audience and showcases industry-specific issues and developments.
Twitter: Twitter is a social media platform that allows users to post and interact with short messages called tweets, limited to 280 characters. This platform has become a significant venue for sharing news, opinions, and narratives, influencing how stories are told and consumed in real-time.
Video journalism: Video journalism is a form of storytelling that combines video footage, audio, and text to convey news and information in a compelling way. This medium allows journalists to engage audiences with dynamic visuals and sound, making the narrative more immersive and accessible. Video journalism is increasingly popular across various platforms, including online news sites and social media, reflecting the shift in how people consume news today.
Virtual reality: Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive technology that creates a simulated environment, allowing users to interact with 3D spaces and objects as if they were real. This technology enhances storytelling by providing an engaging experience that can evoke emotions and reactions, drawing audiences deeper into narratives. VR leverages advanced graphics, sound, and sometimes haptic feedback to simulate real-world experiences, making it a powerful tool for creative expression in various forms of media.
Vox: Vox is a term derived from Latin meaning 'voice' and is often used to signify the expression of opinion or perspective in narrative journalism. It embodies the idea of giving voice to individuals, particularly those whose stories may otherwise go unheard, and plays a critical role in shaping the narrative and emotional engagement of a piece. In narrative journalism, vox allows for the inclusion of diverse viewpoints, enhancing the richness and depth of storytelling.
Wall Street Journal: The Wall Street Journal is a prominent American business-focused newspaper that offers in-depth coverage of financial and economic news, analysis, and commentary. It is widely regarded as one of the leading sources of information for professionals and investors, making it an important venue for narrative journalism that blends storytelling with reporting on complex topics such as finance, economics, and global affairs.