What is interpretative reporting?

Answer 1

Interpretative (Interpretive) ReportingBefore the war, the reader was satisfied with the presentation of bare facts of what transpired. The present day reader demands some more - a treatment in depth, an explanation, or perhaps an analysis of what he believes to be significant news. Thus, the introduction of Interpretative reporting.

Different authors give different views in regard to interpretative reporting. Among these are:

1. It is reporting news depth and with care, news refreshed with background materials to make it comprehensive and meaningful. - Lester Markel, editor, The Sunday New York Times

2. It is objective judgment based on background knowledge of a situation or appraisal of an event which are essential parts of news. - Lester Markel

3. It is about telling the reader everything he needs to know about a given development, and all the essential facts in a way that brings the story to the reader's environment. - Robert Bolorf, executive editor, The Wall Street Journal

4. It is giving the reading public accurate information ad fully as the importance of any story dictates. - Catledge, editor, The New York Times

Based on the following definitions, interpretative reporting is more than the recital of bare facts but reporting news refreshed with background materials to make it comprehensive and meaningful.

Case Study

In its Aug. 1, 1961 issue, the Manila Times carried a Reuter story in impending replacement of Allen Dulles, director of the US government Central Intelligence Agency. Based on the report in Newsweek, the dispatch failed to state why President Kennedy was relieving Dulles. Most of those who read Newsweek were at loss. They asked the following questions: "What is the CIA?" "Why is Dulles being relieved?" "What is the Cuban fiasco?"

The Manila Times foreign new editor therefore added three paragraphs to the Reuter Story:

1. More information about Dulles was added

2. Another paragraph explained what the CIA was

3. And still another paragraph presented the Cuban invasion

Answer 2

Interpretative reporting involves providing analysis, context, and explanations to help the audience understand the significance and implications of news events or issues. It goes beyond traditional reporting by offering insight, perspective, and deeper understanding of the underlying reasons and possible consequences of the story. This type of reporting aims to make complex or nuanced subjects more accessible and meaningful to readers or viewers.