Astonishment and understanding: On the problem of explanation in journalism

Abstract

This paper clarifies the nature and definition of explanatory journalism. It distinguishes journalistic explanation from news analysis, interpretation, and investigation. Using rhetorical analysis, it reveals that explanatory journalism within the journalistic profession is both praised and prized, evaded and reviled. The analysis aims to set a clearer foundation for explanatory journalism, since it remains essential to journalism's “enlightenment function” and is being called for by the public with increasing clarity and urgency.

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