Narrative Typology: News and Reportage | Socioemotional Summary

Objectives

1. Understand the differences between news and reports, recognizing their specific characteristics.

2. Develop the ability to correctly identify and name the elements that constitute a news article and a report.

3. Reflect on the importance of expressing emotions appropriately when analyzing news and reports.

Contextualization

Did you know that news and reports are like windows to the world?  While news gives us a quick and direct view of an event, reports take us on a more detailed and investigative journey about the topic. Imagine the emotional impact when reading about an important event or discovering the behind-the-scenes of an intriguing story. Let's explore how these forms of communication shape our perception and stir our emotions! 

Important Topics

Main Components of News

News is a brief and objective account of a recent or relevant event. It aims to inform the reader clearly and directly about facts that have just occurred or that are of great importance. By understanding this structure, you will be able to create objective and efficient journalistic content, as well as develop the skill to quickly identify important information.

• Headline: Grabs attention and summarizes the main content. A good headline should be direct and impactful to attract the reader.

• Subtitle: Complements the headline by adding relevant information. It helps to contextualize the reader before entering the body of the text.

• Lead: First paragraph that answers the questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? Clarity here is essential as it is the 'heart' of the news.

• Body: Develops the information, detailing the facts and presenting data and statements. It is important to maintain objectivity and cohesion.

• Conclusion: Closing of the text, can include developments or additional information. Helps to close the news completely but concisely.

Main Components of Reporting

Reporting is an in-depth investigation of a theme, event, or person. Unlike news, it goes beyond recounting facts, exploring contexts, causes, and possible consequences. Understanding the structure of reporting is crucial for developing a critical and in-depth reading of the topics addressed, as well as enriching analytical and reflective capacity.

• Headline and Subtitle: Similar to news but usually more elaborate. They need to captivate the reader and give an idea of what will be investigated.

• Lead: Introduces the theme and sparks the reader's interest. It should be engaging to capture the audience's attention.

• Development: Presents the complete investigation, including interviews, statistical data, historical context, etc. This is the body of the report where the entire investigation unfolds.

• Conclusion: Summarizes the investigation and may suggest reflections or future actions. A closing is proposed that highlights the importance of the theme.

• Visual Resources: Enrich the report, making it more attractive and informative. They include images, graphics, videos, etc., which help illustrate and deepen the content.

Differences Between News and Reporting

Although both are essential journalistic tools, news and reporting serve different purposes and have different structures. Understanding these differences is fundamental to developing critical reading and producing content appropriate to each format.

• Objectivity vs. Depth: News is objective and direct, while reports are detailed and analytical.

• Temporal Focus: News focuses on recent facts, while reports can explore themes more broadly and in depth.

• Sources and Perspectives: Reports generally include interviews and various viewpoints, while news is more factual and direct.

Key Terms

• News: Brief and objective account of a recent or relevant event.

• Report: In-depth investigation of a theme, event, or person.

• Lead: First paragraph of the news or report that presents the main information.

• Headline: Element that grabs attention and summarizes the main content.

• Subtitle: Complements the headline by adding relevant information.

• Visual Resources: Elements such as images, graphics, and videos that enrich the report.

To Reflect

• How does reading an impactful news article affect your emotions and understanding of the topic?

• In what situations do you think a report would be more useful than news? Why?

• How can you apply emotional regulation when consuming different types of journalistic information?

Important Conclusions

• News and reports are essential tools of journalism, each with its specific characteristics. While news is a brief and objective account, reporting is a deeper and more detailed investigation.

• Understanding the differences between these two narrative typologies helps us develop critical reading skills and consume information more consciously.

• In addition to improving our reading and writing skills, analyzing news and reports helps us recognize and regulate our emotions, strengthening our emotional intelligence.

Impact on Society

In an increasingly connected world, understanding the difference between news and reporting is essential for navigating the flood of information we receive daily. Knowing how to identify a well-written news article can protect us from misinformation and fake news, while appreciating a good report can provide us with deeper knowledge about important topics. 

Emotionally, impactful news and detailed reports can greatly affect us. Recognizing how we react to them helps us develop valuable socio-emotional skills such as empathy and resilience. This is especially important to stay informed without being emotionally manipulated. 

Dealing with Emotions

Apply the RULER method at home when reading news and reports. Start by Recognizing your emotions when reading an article (for example, did you feel anxious or curious?). Then, Understand the causes of those emotions (was it the way the text was written or the content itself?). Name your emotions correctly (for example, 'I feel alarmed because the news is very surprising'). Express these emotions appropriately (talk to someone about how you feel). Finally, Regulate your emotions effectively (take a moment to breathe deeply and reflect on what you read).

Study Tips

• Create a weekly reading schedule where you read and analyze a news article and a report on the same topic.

• Participate in group discussions about news and reports, which helps understand different perspectives and express your own emotions about the topic.

• Practice writing your own news articles and reports to improve your writing skills and understanding of the topic.