When something significant happens on one side of the globe, it flows through the world and gets mentioned by news outlets big and small. While some of these outlets report on these current events, others editorialise. Since we use them as our sources of information, it is important to know the difference.
We live in the golden age of information.
You really don't have to look very far if you want to find out what is happening in the world — regardless of whether it is hard news or pop culture related.
We are spoiled for choice with big-time news broadcasters like CNN, and ENCA, as well as traditional newspapers and online publications. And if those are a bit too traditional for your taste, social media have thousands of users that built their entire platform on discussing these subjects.
But when we look to the outlets and channels to find our news, we sometimes mistake editorials for reporting — which is never a good thing.
No fear! Alrika Möller from media update is drawing a clear line between editorialising and reporting.
What is reporting?
Reporting is the basis of what journalists do. They communicate the facts about a certain situation to the public through various outlets such as television, journalistic writing, or whatever medium they choose.
Reporting focusses on the facts only, which is why it is important for journalists to remain objective.
What is the purpose of reporting journalism?
Journalism at its core has one main purpose: to find the truth and share it with the public. While there have been a few changes to the journalism industry over the years (editorial journalism for one), the basis stays the same.
With reporting, the idea is to provide the public with the facts — as many as you can — and objectively share those facts with your audience. They will then form their own opinions and interpret the information in their own way.
Amanpour is probably the most famous example of this type of journalism. She manages to report on some of the most current and crucial topics, and interviews some of the most important (and often scariest) people of our time.
She asks them all the tough questions and really manages to go at them during these interviews; however, she gives everyone the same Amanpour treatment, regardless of her own opinions.
We as the viewers then form our own opinions based on the insights she provides with the questions she asks.
What is editorialising?
Editorialising is when a journalist or media personality attaches their own opinion to the facts that are reported. It provides commentary and often provides an interpretation of the facts.
Editorial journalism can be the opinion of one person or it can represent the opinion of the outlet as a whole. Most people go straight to written journalism when they think of editorial journalism — such as newspapers and blogs. A lot of magazines have a ‘from the editor’ or a regular slot for editorial content.
The reality is that editorial journalism changed with time in the same way that most types of journalism did. Some hard news outlets now have entire segments dedicated to editorial journalism.
What is the purpose of editorial journalism?
Editorial journalism has one goal and one goal only: to persuade people of your opinion. A big part of editorial content requires some reporting as well. Many people only use editorial content as their news source, so it does play a crucial role in informing the public.
While all editorial journalists don't realise that they are trying to persuade people, editorial content still follows a structure — even if it is just a guy with a podcast.
It always starts with the person telling the audience about the particular situation. They often only share the facts that are relevant to them or to what they will discuss. Once the facts portion is out of the way, they state their opinion or stance on the subject.
The thing about opinions is that everyone has one, and therefore people's opinions can — and often will — differ from your own. That is why the last part of editorial journalism involves trying to convince your audience of why you have your opinion and why it is correct, or at least not condemnable.
Sometimes they try to play ‘devil's advocate’, but even then they are trying to highlight another perspective; human nature means that your own opinion will always creep in somehow.
Most of the journalists you find on podcasts, TikTok and YouTube fall into this particular journalistic category. Creators such as Ben Shapiro, Brett Cooper and the entire team of The Daily Show are probably the most well-known editorial journalists.
They make a living from discussing current events and trying to convince people that their opinion is the right opinion.
What are the main differences between editorialising and reporting?
Editorial journalism is often in reaction to reporting journalism. Reporting involves sharing only the facts about whatever newsworthy event took place. Editorial journalism then comments on the facts of the event and offers an opinion on the situation.
While reporting can exist without editorialising; editorial content can literally not exist without reporting. Without knowing the facts, these types of writers and creators won't have anything to give their opinions on.
Editorial journalism also doesn't necessarily share all the facts — only the ones they think are relevant to their commentary. That is why editorial journalists often start by reporting their facts before commenting.
Reporters, on the other hand, do not end their article or segment by providing their take on the situation; otherwise, it is no longer objective.
Objectivity is key in reporting. Subjectivity is the basis on which editorial journalism is built.
Why is it important to know the difference?
Reporting provides the facts so that the public can form their own opinions. This is a good starting point when you are looking for a news source. Opinions may change, but facts will stay constant.
Once you know how you feel, you can then turn to editorial content to see what others think and feel about the same thing. Editorial journalists can sometimes also be helpful when you are not quite sure how you feel about the subject and you want to know what people you usually agree with are thinking. Or maybe you are just looking for some political humour.
The main thing is to make sure you get your facts from objective reporting first. You can form opinions from facts, but you can never form facts out of opinions.
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Our news and media sources carry more weight than we realise. Don’t believe me? Check out The Media's Role in Politics.
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