Narrative Journalism vs. New Journalism

Attribute	Narrative Journalism	New Journalism
Focus	Storytelling and narrative structure	Subjective experience and personal voice
Style	Emphasis on literary techniques	Use of unconventional writing styles
Subject Matter	Human interest stories	Social and political issues
Journalistic Approach	Blends journalism with storytelling	Advocacy journalism
Historical Context	Emerged in the 1960s and 1970s	Popularized by writers like Tom Wolfe and Hunter S. Thompson

Definition

Narrative journalism and New Journalism are two distinct styles of journalism that have gained popularity in recent years. Narrative journalism focuses on telling a story in a compelling and engaging way, often using literary techniques to draw readers in. New Journalism, on the other hand, is characterized by a more subjective and personal approach to reporting, often blurring the lines between fact and fiction.

Writing Style

In narrative journalism, the focus is on crafting a narrative that is both informative and entertaining. Writers often use descriptive language, dialogue, and character development to bring their stories to life. New Journalism, on the other hand, is more experimental in its approach, often incorporating elements of fiction and personal reflection into the reporting.

Objectivity

One of the key differences between narrative journalism and New Journalism is the issue of objectivity. Narrative journalism strives to present the facts in a clear and unbiased manner, while still engaging the reader on an emotional level. New Journalism, on the other hand, often blurs the lines between fact and fiction, with writers inserting themselves into the narrative and offering their own subjective viewpoints.

Impact

Narrative journalism is often praised for its ability to engage readers and bring important issues to light in a compelling way. By using storytelling techniques, narrative journalists are able to make complex topics more accessible to a wider audience. New Journalism, on the other hand, has been criticized for its sometimes sensationalist approach and lack of adherence to traditional journalistic standards.

Examples

Some well-known examples of narrative journalism include works by journalists such as Gay Talese, Joan Didion, and Tom Wolfe. These writers are known for their ability to tell a story in a way that is both informative and engaging. On the other hand, New Journalism is often associated with writers like Hunter S. Thompson and Truman Capote, who pushed the boundaries of traditional journalism by incorporating elements of fiction and personal reflection into their reporting.

Conclusion

While narrative journalism and New Journalism share some similarities in their focus on storytelling and engaging the reader, they differ in their approach to objectivity and the use of literary techniques. Both styles have their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, the choice between narrative journalism and New Journalism will depend on the goals of the writer and the story being told.