Complexity: no longer a communication barrier in journalism? The case of narrative journalism
(2013) International Conference on Communication, Media, Technology & Design — Location: Famagusta (North Cyprus) (2.May.2013)
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- Authors
Vanoost, Marie 
- Abstract
- Journalism schools and handbooks generally recommend writing short and simple sentences, using basic vocabulary and avoiding too long texts. This is supposed to ensure the readability of the news. But there are different styles and models in journalism. Among them is narrative journalism, which often offers longer articles, and advocates using literary writing devices and a more personal style. Several scholars consider, moreover, that it allows a deeper understanding of reality. Far from the principles emphasized in mainstream journalism, narrative journalism seems then to offer more complex texts conveying more complex messages. This paper will question this assumption. It will analyze four journalistic narratives, both from the United States and France. First it will quickly evaluate the complexity of their writing through some classic readability indicators. Then, focusing on elements reflecting certainty and uncertainty in the text, it will assess the complexity and indeterminacy of their content.
- Affiliations
Citations
Vanoost, M. (2013). Complexity: no longer a communication barrier in journalism? The case of narrative journalism. International Conference on Communication, Media, Technology & Design: Conference proceedings, 43-48. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/223381