Advocacy journalism

Advocacy journalism is a genre of journalism which is strongly fact-based, but may seek to support a point-of-view in some public or private sector issue. Corporate crime, government criticism, corruption and social issues are frequent topics of interest. In this way, advocacy journalists serve the public interest in a similar way to muckrakers.

Related Topics:
Genre - Journalism - Public - Private sector - Public interest - Muckrakers

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A hypothetical example of advocacy journalism

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:* In Anytown, USA, there is public conflict regarding opposition and support for building a large power plant. A local print or electronic media outlet opposed to the plant presents a five part series strongly accenting negative consequences the power plant has for the town. The news outlet reports on the criminal activity of the builder, conflicts of interest between the builder and local politicians, and negative environmental impacts. It gives coverage to local demonstrations and town meetings. The news media outlet presents facts in a compelling, well-researched manner.

Related Topics:
Print - Electronic media - Power plant - Conflicts of interest - Environmental - News media

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Traditionally, advocacy and criticism are restricted to editorial and op-ed pages: a fire-wall exists between the editorial section and the newsroom. The Wall Street Journal, for example, has a policy of strict separation between the news desk and the editorial board; most major print and electronic news outlets do as well. However, advocacy journalism describes journalism that crosses the line, in which one may observe subtle or obvious editorializing in reports. Even a television news presenter's facial expression, or a radio broadcaster's tone of voice, or other nuance, is interpreted as lending an opinion to what is being reported.

Related Topics:
Editorial - Op-ed

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Advocacy journalism is often practiced by a broad range of alternative media and special interest publications and programs. Many of these media outlets have clearly defined political and editorial positions. The genre may apply to a single article in a publication, such as political stories in The Rolling Stone; but there are also "advocacy journals", or "alternative publications", which are marketed to target groups based on their interests or biases, for example:

Related Topics:
Genre - The Rolling Stone

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• Print media: The Spotlight, The Nation, National Review, Mother Jones, The New Republic, The Economist.
• Electronic media: Sean Hannity, Rachel Maddow, Rush Limbaugh.
 
Advocacy journalism: Advocacy journalism and U.S. media bias ►